Southwest Baked Chicken
The best southwest baked chicken made with tender chicken breasts, zesty salsa, taco seasoning, and gooey melted cheese. A simple and flavorful baked chicken recipe for busy nights.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
- Total Time: 35–40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex, American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
1 cup salsa
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Season both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with taco seasoning.
Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in a baking dish, leaving a little space between each piece.
Pour the salsa evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the chicken.
Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
Serve this dish with rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Customize the toppings with sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, or sour cream for extra flavor.
You can prepare the dish ahead of time (without the cheese), refrigerate it, and bake with cheese when ready to serve.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Freeze leftovers for 2–3 months in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil or microwave in short intervals until warm.
Find it online: https://allcookedup.com/southwest-baked-chicken/
