Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake Recipe
This vibrant Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake combines tender, seasoned chicken breasts with a fresh and zesty salsa fresca made from cherry tomatoes, jalapeño, onion, cilantro, and lime juice, all topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a healthy, flavorful dinner that’s easy to prepare and packed with bold Mexican-inspired flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salsa Fresca
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, diced
- 1 medium white onion, chopped
- 1 large jalapeño, chopped
- A bunch of cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 lime, juiced
- 1/4 tsp salt (divided)
For the Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, 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
- 1/4 tsp salt (divided)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Oil spray (for casserole dish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a 9×13 inch casserole dish by spraying it lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
- Make the Salsa Fresca: In a bowl, combine the diced cherry tomatoes, chopped onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix well to let the flavors meld.
- Season the Chicken: Place the diced chicken breast in the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle evenly with cumin, paprika, garlic powder, red chili pepper flakes, black pepper, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Toss gently to ensure all chicken pieces are well coated with the seasoning.
- Assemble the Bake: Pour the prepared salsa fresca evenly over the seasoned chicken, spreading the mixture to cover all pieces. Then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with extra chopped cilantro for a fresh finish. Serve hot and enjoy this flavorful, nutritious dish.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor in the salsa fresca.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeño or chili flakes according to your heat preference.
- Serve with rice, quinoa, or a side salad to make a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a lower-fat version, reduce the amount of cheese or use a part-skim variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: Salsa Fresca, Chicken Bake, Mexican Chicken, Healthy Chicken Dinner, Baked Chicken, Easy Dinner Recipe
Find it online: https://cheflenacooks.com/salsa-fresca-chicken-bake-recipe-2/