Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake Recipe
Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring tender, seasoned chicken breasts topped with a fresh salsa made of tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and cilantro, finished with melted mozzarella cheese. This easy-to-make baked casserole combines the zest of fresh ingredients with comforting melted cheese for a satisfying and colorful meal perfect for any weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 lbs chicken breast, boneless and skinless, chopped into small pieces
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes
Salsa Fresca
- 2 cups diced grape or Roma tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/3 cup chopped jalapeño
- 1/2 cup fresh chopped cilantro, plus more for garnish
- 1/2 lime, juiced
Topping
- 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Salsa Fresca: Preheat your oven to 400˚F (200ºC). In a salad bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, chopped onion, jalapeño, fresh chopped cilantro, lime juice, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt to create the salsa fresca. Mix well and set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Season the Chicken: Place the chopped chicken pieces flat in a large baking dish. Evenly sprinkle cumin, garlic powder, red chili pepper flakes, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and black pepper over the chicken. Toss lightly or stir with a spoon to coat the chicken thoroughly with the spices.
- Layer and Assemble: Spread the prepared salsa fresca mixture evenly over the seasoned chicken pieces in the baking dish. Then, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top of the salsa layer.
- Bake the Chicken Bake: Place the baking dish on the middle rack of your preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked—check that the internal temperature reaches 165˚F (74ºC) and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and garnish with additional fresh chopped cilantro. Serve hot alongside your favorite side dishes such as rice, bulgur, cauliflower rice, pasta, or tortillas. Enjoy your flavorful and comforting Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake!
Notes
- For less heat, remove the seeds from the jalapeño before chopping.
- Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture, though shredded mozzarella works best for ease of melting.
- Ensure the chicken pieces are cut roughly the same size for even cooking.
- Internal temperature should always reach 165˚F (74ºC) for safe consumption.
- This dish pairs nicely with rice, quinoa, or fresh tortillas to balance the flavors.
Keywords: Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake, baked chicken, salsa fresca, Mexican chicken recipe, easy chicken bake, healthy chicken dinner, chicken casserole
Find it online: https://zestywithzane.com/salsa-fresca-chicken-bake-recipe/
