Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake

A vibrant one-pan dinner featuring tender chicken smothered in fresh salsa and melted cheese, perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. The combination of juicy tomatoes, zesty lime, and savory spices creates a harmonious blend of Tex-Mex flavors with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless One-Pan Meal: Prep and assembly take only minutes, and cleanup is a breeze.

• Fresh and Flavorful: Homemade salsa fresca brings a bright, tangy kick that complements the seasoned chicken.

• Customizable: Easily adapt with different proteins, cheeses, or additional vegetables.

• Family-Friendly: Mildly spiced yet full of flavor, it appeals to both adults and children alike.

• Healthy and Nourishing: High in protein, low in carbs, and gluten-free.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Tomato Mix

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, diced

• 1 medium white onion, chopped

• 1 large jalapeño, chopped

• A bunch of cilantro, chopped

• ½ lime, juiced

• ½ teaspoon salt, divided

Chicken

• 2 pounds chicken breast, boneless and skinless, diced

• ½ teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 tablespoon garlic powder

• ¼ teaspoon red chili pepper flakes

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

1. Preheat and prepare: Preheat the oven to 400 °F (200 °C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with oil.

2. Make the salsa fresca: In a medium bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, chopped onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Mix thoroughly.

3. Season the chicken: Place the diced chicken in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with cumin, paprika, garlic powder, red chili pepper flakes, and black pepper. Toss to coat the chicken in the spices.

4. Assemble: Spread the tomato mix over the seasoned chicken.

5. Add cheese: Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top.

6. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with additional chopped cilantro if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 25 minutes

• Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Alternate proteins: Swap chicken breast for chicken thighs, turkey breast, or cubed tofu for a plant-based option.

• Cheese options: Use Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a Mexican blend for different melting qualities and flavors.

• Extra vegetables: Incorporate diced bell peppers, zucchini, corn, or mushrooms into the tomato mix.

• Heat level: Increase spice by adding serrano peppers, a pinch of cayenne, or chipotle powder.

• Herb substitutes: Replace cilantro with fresh parsley if preferred.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

• Freezing: Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

• Oven reheating: Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until heated through.

• Microwave reheating: Microwave on high in 1–2 minute intervals, stirring between intervals, until warmed.

FAQs

What can I use instead of chicken breast?

You may substitute chicken thighs for juicier meat, turkey breast for a leaner option, or cubed tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Yes. Assemble the dish up to 24 hours ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time if chilled.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes. All ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Be sure to verify that any spice blends contain no hidden gluten additives.

How can I make this dish lower in calories?

Reduce the amount of cheese to ½ cup or use a low-fat cheese. You may also replace half the chicken with extra vegetables to increase volume while cutting calories.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Use a larger baking dish or two 9×13-inch pans. Adjust the bake time slightly if the layer is thicker.

What side dishes pair well with this bake?

Serve with cauliflower rice, cilantro lime rice, quinoa, steamed vegetables, or a simple green salad.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat level is mild to moderate. Adjust by reducing or omitting jalapeño and chili flakes, or increase them for more spice.

Can I use store-bought salsa instead of fresh salsa fresca?

Fresh salsa fresca offers a brighter flavor, but pre-made pico de gallo or salsa verde may be used in a pinch. Reduce added salt accordingly.

What is the best way to shred the cheese?

Freshly shred block cheese for creamier melting. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can inhibit melt quality.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use an instant-read thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165 °F (74 °C) at the thickest part of the chicken pieces.

Conclusion

This Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake combines convenience with vibrant homemade flavors, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings and casual gatherings. Its one-pan simplicity, adaptability, and crowd-pleasing taste ensure it will become a staple in your recipe rotation. Enjoy the fresh salsa zing paired with tender, seasoned chicken and melted cheese for a satisfying and wholesome meal.