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Easy 4-Ingredient Salsa Chicken Recipe

Easy 4-Ingredient Salsa Chicken

Tender baked chicken breasts are seasoned with taco seasoning, covered with chunky salsa, and finished with melted shredded cheese. This four-serving recipe takes about 35–45 minutes from start to finish.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 about 1½ pounds total Boneless, skinless chicken-breast halves
  • 1 cup Chunky salsa
  • 1 packet, about 1 ounce or 2 tablespoons Taco seasoning mix
  • 1 cup, about 4 ounces Shredded Cheddar or Mexican-blend cheese

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Heat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
  2. Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer. If any breast is especially thick, pound it gently to a fairly uniform thickness for more even cooking.
  3. Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over both the exposed chicken and the surface of the dish.
  4. Pour the chunky salsa over the chicken and spread it so each breast is well covered.
  5. Bake uncovered for about 25–30 minutes, checking the thickest part of the chicken with an instant-read thermometer. Continue cooking as needed until it reaches 165°F.
  6. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the chicken and return the dish to the oven for 3–5 minutes, until the cheese is melted.
  7. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving so the juices settle and the hot salsa sauce is easier to spoon over each portion.

Notes

Choose thick, chunky salsa rather than watery salsa so it clings to the chicken and does not dilute the sauce. Add the cheese near the end to prevent excessive browning or drying. Refrigerate leftovers promptly in a covered container and reheat gently until hot.