Introduction
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy dinner option, this cheesy salsa chicken recipe is sure to impress. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The combination of taco seasoning, salsa, and melted cheddar cheese makes this meal a crowd-pleaser.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 1/2 tablespoons taco seasoning
1 1/2 cups salsa
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons green onions, sliced
Cooking spray
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly coat a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Salsa Base
Spread 1/2 cup of salsa evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Arrange the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts on top of the salsa, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
Step 4: Season the Chicken
Evenly sprinkle the taco seasoning over the chicken breasts for flavor enhancement.
Step 5: Add Remaining Salsa
Pour the remaining salsa over the seasoned chicken, ensuring it is well covered.
Step 6: Bake the Chicken
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
Step 7: Add Cheddar Cheese
Remove the baking dish from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken.
Step 8: Melt the Cheese
Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Top each chicken breast with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkling of sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
Note 1: Chicken Thickness
Adjust baking time if chicken breasts are thicker or thinner than average to ensure proper cooking.
Note 2: Salsa Variety
Feel free to use your favorite salsa variety, whether it be mild, medium, or hot, to suit your taste preferences.
Note 3: Cheese Options
You can replace cheddar cheese with other types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack, for a different flavor profile.
Note 4: Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with rice, tortilla chips, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Cook techniques
Oven Baking
Oven baking is a method that uses dry heat to cook food. In this recipe, the chicken breasts are seasoned and then baked in the oven until they are cooked through and tender, resulting in a flavorful dish.
Seasoning
Seasoning enhances the flavor of the chicken. In this dish, taco seasoning is sprinkled evenly over the chicken breasts to infuse them with a spicy, aromatic taste.
Layering
Layering is the process of arranging ingredients in a specific order. Here, salsa is spread on the bottom of the baking dish, followed by the seasoned chicken and more salsa, which helps to create moisture and depth of flavor.
Melting Cheese
Melting cheese is a technique used to add texture and flavor to a dish. In this recipe, shredded cheddar cheese is added to the top of the chicken after it has baked, then returned to the oven for a few minutes until it is melted and bubbly.
Garnishing
Garnishing adds visual appeal and an extra layer of flavor. Topping the chicken with sour cream and sliced green onions before serving provides a creamy texture and fresh taste.
FAQ
Can I use skin-on chicken breasts instead of boneless, skinless?
Yes, you can use skin-on chicken breasts, but you may need to adjust the baking time to ensure they are cooked through.
What can I substitute for taco seasoning?
If you don’t have taco seasoning, you can create a blend using chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika.
Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! You can add bell peppers, corn, or black beans for a more hearty and nutritious dish.
Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
You can reduce the amount of cheese used and substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to make the dish lighter.
Can leftovers be stored in the refrigerator?
Yes, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
Conclusion
This delicious baked chicken dish combines the bold flavors of taco seasoning and salsa with the creaminess of cheddar cheese and sour cream, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chicken Tacos
Shred the cooked chicken and serve it in corn tortillas topped with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, and avocado.
Salsa Chicken Quesadillas
Use the cooked chicken and cheese in tortillas for quesadillas, grilling until crispy. Serve with additional salsa and sour cream.
Chicken Enchiladas
Roll the chicken and cheese mixture in tortillas, top with enchilada sauce, and bake until bubbly.
Cheesy Chicken & Rice Casserole
Combine cooked rice, chicken, salsa, and cheese for a hearty casserole that’s great for leftovers.
Stuffed Peppers
Stuff bell peppers with the seasoned chicken, salsa, and rice, then bake until the peppers are tender.
