Introduction
This delicious chicken dish brings together a medley of spices, fresh pico de gallo, and creamy Monterey Jack cheese to create a mouthwatering meal that is both satisfying and easy to prepare. Perfect for dinner or meal prep, this recipe will impress your family and friends with its vibrant flavors and simplicity.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 cups pico de gallo
1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
Chopped cilantro, for garnish
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 50 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. Arrange the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.
3. In a small bowl, combine the cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Sprinkle this spice mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
4. Pour the pico de gallo over the seasoned chicken breasts, ensuring they are well covered.
5. Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the thickest portion of the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
7. Once cooked, remove from the oven and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro.
8. Serve hot.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Arrange the Chicken
Place the 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Prepare the Spice Mixture
In a small bowl, mix together the ground cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Make sure all the spices are well combined.
Step 4: Season the Chicken
Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. Ensure each piece is well-covered to maximize flavor.
Step 5: Add Pico de Gallo
Pour the 2 cups of pico de gallo over the seasoned chicken breasts, spreading it out evenly to cover the meat.
Step 6: Top with Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the pico de gallo, ensuring that it covers the mixture well.
Step 7: Bake the Dish
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes. Check that the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F to ensure it is cooked through.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once cooked, remove the dish from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve hot for best results.
Notes
Note 1
Make sure to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken for food safety.
Note 2
Feel free to customize the spice levels by adjusting the amount of chili powder according to your taste preference.
Note 3
This dish pairs well with rice, tortillas, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Cook techniques
Preheating the Oven
Preheating the oven is crucial for ensuring that the chicken cooks evenly and thoroughly. The oven should be set to 375°F before placing the chicken inside.
Coating the Baking Dish
Lightly coating the baking dish with non-stick spray prevents the chicken from sticking and helps with easy cleanup after cooking.
Seasoning the Chicken
Combine various spices such as cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder in a small bowl. This blend enhances the flavor of the chicken and provides a savory kick.
Even Distribution of Spices
Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the chicken breasts to ensure that every bite is flavorful.
Using Pico de Gallo
Pico de gallo is a fresh salsa made from chopped tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. Pouring it over the chicken not only adds flavor but also moisture during baking.
Layering Cheese
Sprinkling shredded Monterey Jack cheese on top of the chicken creates a delicious, melty layer that complements the spices and pico de gallo.
Baking Duration
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
Garnishing
After removing the dish from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro to add a pop of color and enhance the flavor profile of the dish.
FAQ
Can I use bone-in chicken breasts instead of boneless?
Yes, but the cooking time may need to be adjusted, as bone-in breasts typically take longer to cook through.
What can I substitute for Monterey Jack cheese?
You can use other types of cheese like cheddar, pepper jack, or mozzarella for a similar texture and flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can season the chicken and assemble the dish, then cover it and refrigerate until you are ready to bake.
Is it possible to grill the chicken instead of baking?
Yes, you can grill the seasoned chicken breasts and then top them with pico de gallo and cheese just before removing them from the grill for a smokier flavor.
What should I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Conclusion
This baked chicken dish is a delightful combination of flavors that is both simple to prepare and satisfying. The spices enhance the natural taste of the chicken, while the pico de gallo and Monterey Jack cheese provide fresh and creamy elements. It’s a convenient meal for busy weeknights and is sure to please the whole family.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chicken Tacos
Use the same seasoned chicken and serve in warm tortillas with additional pico de gallo and avocado.
Southwestern Chicken Salad
Slice the baked chicken and serve it over mixed greens with black beans, corn, cheese, and a lime vinaigrette.
Cilantro Lime Rice
Serve the baked chicken on a bed of cilantro lime rice for a flavorful side that complements the dish.
Quesadillas
Shred the baked chicken and combine with cheese in flour tortillas, then grill until crispy for delicious quesadillas.
Stuffed Peppers
Combine the shredded baked chicken with rice and veggies, stuff into bell peppers, and bake until tender for a hearty meal.
Chicken Enchiladas
Roll up shredded chicken in corn tortillas, cover with enchilada sauce and cheese, then bake until bubbly and golden.
