Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake
Make this easy Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake! Tender chicken topped with fresh tomato salsa and melted mozzarella for a flavorful one-dish meal. Get the recipe!
Ingredients
Here’s the complete list of ingredients, with precise measurements:
Tomato Mix (Salsa Fresca):
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, diced
- 1 medium white onion, chopped
- 1 large jalapeño, chopped (seeds removed for less heat, if desired)
- A bunch of cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 lime, juiced
- 1/2 tsp salt, divided (1/4 tsp for salsa, 1/4 tsp implied for chicken seasoning – adjust as needed)
Chicken:
- 2 lbs chicken breast, boneless and skinless, diced
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika powder
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp red chili pepper flakes
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- (Implied 1/4 tsp salt – adjust based on preference and salt in broth/salsa)
Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
These quantities make a generous casserole, perfect for families or leftovers.
Have all components prepped before assembly.
Instructions
Let’s walk through this simple and flavorful bake:
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a 9×13 inch casserole dish by spraying it lightly with cooking oil or non-stick spray.
2. Make the Salsa Fresca: In a medium bowl, combine the diced cherry tomatoes, chopped white onion, chopped jalapeño, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and 1/4 tsp of the salt. Stir well and set aside.
3. Prepare and Season Chicken: Place the diced chicken directly into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the cumin, paprika powder, garlic powder, red chili pepper flakes, black pepper, and remaining salt (adjust to taste) evenly over the chicken pieces. Toss gently to ensure the chicken is well-covered with the seasonings.
4. Layer Salsa Fresca: Spread the prepared tomato mix (salsa fresca) evenly over the seasoned chicken in the casserole dish.
5. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the salsa fresca layer.
6. Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven, uncovered. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through (no longer pink inside, juices run clear, or reaches 165°F/74°C internally) and the cheese is melted and bubbly, perhaps slightly golden.
7. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven. Garnish with extra chopped cilantro before serving, if desired. Serve hot.
A wonderfully easy one-dish meal!
Find it online: https://cookupjoy.com/salsa-fresca-chicken-bake/