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Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake

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The Ultimate One-Pan Dinner – Easy, Fresh & Packed with Flavor!

I’ve made plenty of baked chicken recipes, but this one is different.

Juicy chicken, fresh salsa, melty cheese—all in one dish, ready in just 30 minutes!

This Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake is the kind of no-fuss, high-protein meal you’ll want on repeat.

Minimal prep, maximum flavor, and absolutely no boring bites.

Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this dish will be your new go-to.

Let’s make it!

For Salsa Fresca Chicken

  • Chicken – Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1.5-inch pieces. This makes sure the chicken stays juicy and cooks evenly.
  • Olive Oil – Adds richness and helps the seasoning stick to the chicken.
  • Taco Seasoning – Brings bold, savory flavors with a hint of spice.
  • Garlic Powder – Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, garlicky kick.
  • Salt & Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken.

For Salsa Fresca

  • Tomatoes – Use fresh, coarsely chopped tomatoes for a bright, juicy base.
  • Jalapeños – Adds a little heat! If you prefer a milder version, remove all the seeds.
  • Onion – Red or white onion works—adds crunch and sharpness to the salsa.
  • Cilantro – Fresh, fragrant, and perfect for that classic salsa flavor. Save a little extra for garnish!
  • Garlic – Gives the salsa depth and richness.
  • Lime Juice – A splash of lime juice adds the perfect tangy finish.

For the Casserole

  • Mozzarella or White Cheddar Cheese – Melts beautifully over the salsa-covered chicken, making every bite extra delicious.
  • Cooking Spray – Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake

Busy nights? No problem! This Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake is the ultimate one-pan, 30-minute dinner that’s juicy, cheesy, and packed with fresh flavor. With 31g of protein per serving, it’s a nutritious meal that keeps you full—without the extra hassle.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Keyword: Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8

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Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp low-sodium taco seasoning
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ¾ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp ground black pepper

For the Salsa Fresca:

  • 3 tomatoes, coarsely chopped
  • 1 cup jalapeños (about 4), seeded and chopped
  • 1 cup red or white onion, coarsely chopped
  • 1 small bunch cilantro, finely chopped (reserve some for garnish)
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • Juice of 1 lime

For the Casserole:

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella or white cheddar cheese
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Preheat & Prep:
    • Preheat your oven to 400°F and lightly coat a baking dish with cooking spray.
  2. Season the Chicken:
    • Place the chicken pieces in the baking dish.
    • Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with taco seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
    • Stir well to evenly coat the chicken, then spread it out in a single layer.
  3. Make the Salsa Fresca:
    • In a medium bowl, combine tomatoes, jalapeños, onion, cilantro, garlic, and lime juice.
    • Mix well and spread the salsa evenly over the chicken.
  4. Add Cheese & Bake:
    • Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the salsa.
    • Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is melted.
  5. Garnish & Serve:
    • Remove from the oven and sprinkle with reserved cilantro.
    • Serve hot with your favorite side dish like rice, quinoa, or tortillas!

Storage & Reheating

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
  • Freeze: Keep in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.
  • Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through or microwave in 30-second intervals.

Nutrition

Calories: 253kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 95mg | Sodium: 533mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g
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  1. Can I use store-bought salsa instead of making it from scratch?

Of course! If you’re short on time, grab your favorite chunky salsa and save yourself the chopping. But trust me—fresh salsa makes a huge difference in flavor! If you go store-bought, try to pick one with minimal added sugars and preservatives for the best taste.

  1. How do I keep the chicken from drying out?

The key? Don’t overcook it! Chicken breast can dry out fast, so cut it into even pieces and bake just until it reaches 165°F (74°C). Also, letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking helps lock in those juices.

  1. Can I prep this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble everything in your baking dish (minus the cheese), cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temp for 20 minutes, sprinkle the cheese on top, and pop it in the oven. Easy meal prep win!

  1. Can I swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs?

Yep! Chicken thighs are juicier and pack more flavor. If you’re a dark meat fan, go for it! Just keep in mind they might take a few extra minutes to cook through compared to chicken breasts.

  1. What should I serve this with?

This dish is a total flavor bomb, so keep the sides simple:

  • Rice – Cilantro lime rice or Spanish rice = perfection.
  • Veggies – A crisp salad or some roasted veggies balance out the richness.
  • Bread – Warm tortillas or some crusty garlic bread? Yes, please!

Now you’re ready to make this easy, flavor-packed Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake like a pro!

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