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This Baked Salsa Chicken is the perfect dinner that works without fail every single time! It combines salsa and cheese which make for a moist and delicious chicken recipe that is lightly breaded and it only takes 30 minutes to make.
This chicken recipe is one of the easiest you will make – we absolutely love it and have been making it for years. It uses easy ingredients that are easy to find. The salsa chicken really is perfect every time; always moist, has so many juices, and never dry.
This chicken has the best flavor and it is adult approved as well as kid approved! I love to add cilantro or sour cream on top. Putting it next to black beans is also a great way to add to this meal! This salsa chicken will never fail you!
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken Breast: I always use boneless skinless chicken breasts. You need to make sure they’re evenly sized, so slice or pound them evenly. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer.
- Breadcrumbs: I use Italian breadcrumbs or panko
- Taco Seasoning: Adds a light spice to the chicken and the breadcrumbs.
- Salsa: Used your favorite salsa recipe.
- Cheese: Monterey Jack or Cheddar or even pepper jack cheese, shredded
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How to Make Baked Salsa Chicken
- It’s important to cook this at a high temperature so it sears in the moisture and flavor.
- If your chicken breasts are not even thickness, pound them even.
- I like to use pie plates for the egg and for the breadcrumbs for dipping. Be sure to season both of them – seasoning in every layer is important!
- You’ll bake it partially – do not turn – that way the top stays crispy – and then add the sauce and cheese and finish cooking while the cheese melts.
- Make sure the chicken is 165°F when it’s done.
Expert Tips
- Make sure your chicken breasts are evenly sized. I slice them in half lengthwise to make two even patties.
- You can use store-bought or homemade salsa and taco seasoning!
- We love to serve this as is or with guacamole or avocados, rice, salad, or even tortilla chips.
- Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat in the microwave.
Baked Salsa Chicken Recipe
Recipe Video
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup dried breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- ¾ cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or Cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F. Spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- If your chicken breasts are not even thickness, pound them even.
- Place beaten egg in a shallow dish.
- Place breadcrumbs and taco seasoning in another shallow dish; stir to combine.
- Dip each chicken breast in the egg then in the breadcrumbs, coating both sides with the crumbs. Place in an even layer in the baking dish.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken looks golden and crisp. Do not turn.
- Pour the salsa evenly over the chicken and top with cheese. Continue baking for 5-10 minutes or until sauce is bubbly and chicken is cooked through.
Easy and delicious! Just make sure you use a thicker salsa. Our canned salsa was too wet.
Made this for dinner and my picky kids loved it. I used chicken tenderloins because that’s all I had on hand and since they were thinner/smaller than breasts, I lowered the oven temp. We didn’t have any leftovers 🙂
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