Description
This Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake is a flavorful and easy oven-baked dish featuring tender chicken breasts topped with a fresh salsa made of tomatoes, jalapeño, onion, and cilantro, finished with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a wholesome family dinner, it’s packed with vibrant Mexican-inspired flavors and can be paired with rice, cauliflower rice, or tortillas.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, 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
- 1/2 lime, juiced
Topping
- 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Salsa Fresca: Preheat your oven to 400˚F (200ºC). In a salad bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, chopped onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix well to create the fresh salsa topping.
- Season the Chicken: Place the chopped chicken pieces flat in a large baking dish. Season evenly with cumin, garlic powder, red chili pepper flakes, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Toss or stir lightly to coat the chicken thoroughly with the spices.
- Assemble the Bake: Spread the prepared salsa fresca mixture evenly over the seasoned chicken pieces. Then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top to cover the salsa layer.
- Bake: Put the baking dish on the middle rack of the preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through and no longer pink inside. The internal temperature should reach 165˚F (74ºC).
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, garnish the dish with additional chopped cilantro if desired. Serve hot alongside your favorite sides such as rice, bulgur, cauliflower rice, pasta, or warm tortillas for a complete meal. Enjoy your vibrant and cheesy Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake!
Notes
- For a less spicy version, reduce or omit the jalapeño and red chili flakes.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is safely cooked to 165˚F (74ºC).
- This recipe pairs wonderfully with Mexican rice, corn tortillas, or a fresh green salad.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack can be substituted for mozzarella for a different cheese flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Keywords: Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake, baked chicken, Mexican chicken bake, mozzarella chicken, easy dinner recipe, healthy chicken bake
