Baked salsa chicken recipe is scrumptious casserole style dinner that takes 40 minutes to cook. Juicy flavorful chicken baked along with layers of delicious Mexican ingredients like refried beans, black beans, corn and salsa topped with loads of cheese!
1packet taco seasoning or use 1 ½ tablespoon taco seasoning
1tablespoonolive oil
1 ½cupscheddar cheeseused white and yellow cheddar
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
For garnish-
Fresh cilantro
Instructions
Pre heat oven at 375°F.
If chicken breasts are large, slice it into half lengthwise. Pat dry chicken breast completely in kitchen towel. Season chicken breast with salt, pepper and taco seasoning on both sides. Rub to evenly spread the seasoning.
Heat olive oil in cast iron pan or any heavy bottom pan. Sear chicken breast on both sides by cooking it for 2-3 minutes on each side.
Remove from the pan and set it aside.
Grease a casserole or baking dish with cooking spray.
If you choose to use cream cheese, add it as first layer on the baking dish. I skipped cream cheese.
Add refried beans and spread it evenly on the casserole baking dish.
Add a layer of black beans. You can add as much or as little you prefer according to your taste preference. Canned black beans should be drained and rinsed before you use.
Add a layer of corn. If using canned corn, drain it completely and use.
Add half the quantity of salsa and spread evenly.
Sprinkle little salt, pepper and taco seasoning.
Place seared chicken breast on top of salsa.
Top each chicken breast with remaining salsa. Spread evenly all over the breast.
Sprinkle loads of fresh grated cheese on top.
Cover the dish with aluminium foil.
Bake in pre-heated oven at 375°F for 20 to 25 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and chicken is cooked through. Note: if you have meat thermometer use it to check doneness of chicken, internal temperature of chicken should read 165°F
Garnish baked salsa chicken with fresh cilantro.
Serve immediately.
Video
Notes
If chicken is too large cut into half lengthwise for quicker cooking time and to ensure chicken breast is cooked in the center.
For maximum flavor and taste don’t skip to sear seasoned chicken breast in a pan before arranging it in casserole dish.
Choose any type of salsa that you like, but chunky salsa works best for this recipe. Use either homemade or store bought. Pour salsa along with all the liquids in it to keep chicken breast moist and juicy.
Refried beans, black bean, corn all together with chicken makes it a completely meal.
Nutritional Info – Please keep in mind that nutritional information provided is only a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on products used.