This delicious Fresh Salsa Chicken comes together in about 30 minutes and is baked to perfection for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your family will love! Switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends! Whether you’re running to soccer practice or trying to squeeze dinner in between your family’s chaotic schedule, this dish is here to save the day (and your sanity)!
Ingredient Breakdown
Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need for this amazing dish. The best part? They’re simple and accessible!
Chicken Breasts
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts : Chicken breasts are my go-to protein for weeknight meals because they’re quick to cook and always tender. If you’re in a pinch, you can absolutely use thighs instead for a juicier option. And honestly? You could even switch it up with turkey breasts or even a plant-based substitute if you’re feeling adventurous and want to cater to dietary needs!
Salsa Fresca
1 cup salsa fresca : This flavorful salsa is loaded with tomatoes, cilantro, onion, and jalapeños. I love using salsa fresca because it adds so much flavor without any extra effort. You can use store-bought salsa for convenience or try your hand at making your own if you have the time! Or if you’re like me and forget to stock up on salsa, any jarred salsa will work just fine spicy, mild, whatever suits your palette!
Olive Oil
1 tablespoon olive oil : A drizzle of olive oil will keep the chicken juicy and help the seasonings stick. I prefer to use extra virgin olive oil for the rich flavor it brings. If olive oil isn’t your thing, feel free to swap in melted butter or avocado oil, both add a delightful taste.
Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder : Garlic powder is a flavor powerhouse! The best part is you won’t have to chop any fresh garlic (which is a major plus when you’re juggling multiple tasks). You can also use minced fresh garlic if you have it, but just be careful not to burn it. A couple of pinches of garlic powder can really elevate the dish!
Cumin
1 teaspoon cumin : This spice adds a warm, earthy flavor that’s essential in many of my favorite dishes. Plus, it pairs beautifully with the salsa. If cumin isn’t in your spice rack, don’t sweat it, coriander or taco seasoning can work in a pinch (and might give it a fun twist, too)!
Salt and Pepper
Salt and pepper to taste : A couple of pinches of salt and pepper truly brings everything together. I always taste as I go! Every ingredient deserves its moment, right? Just season to your taste preferences.
Fresh Cilantro
Fresh cilantro for garnish : For that vibrant pop of color and fresh flavor! I’m a real sucker for the brightness cilantro brings, and it makes the dish look so appetizing. If you’re not a cilantro fan, feel free to use fresh parsley for a different take!
Let’s Get Cooking!
How to Make Fresh Salsa Chicken
Alright, friends, let’s gather our ingredients and turn up the oven to 375°F (190°C). Trust me, you’re going to want to make this!
Preheat your oven : First things first! Get your oven preheating while you prepare the chicken.
Grease the baking dish : Grab a large baking dish and drizzle that olive oil all over the chicken breasts. This is where it gets good! A little oil keeps everything moist.
Season the chicken : Generously season the chicken with garlic powder, cumin, and a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Use your hands to really rub in those flavors. It’s messy, but so worth it!
Spoon the salsa : Now for the fun part spoon that glorious salsa fresca evenly over the chicken. Just imagine the deliciousness that will fill your kitchen in a few minutes!
Bake it : Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Make sure the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink. My favorite part? The smell! It’s absolutely heavenly.
Garnish and serve : Once it’s ready, take it out and garnish with fresh cilantro. There you go delicious, warm salsa chicken is ready for dinner!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This dish is perfect for those busy weeknights. It comes together in under 30 minutes of actual cooking time. Plus, with minimal prep involved, you’ll find yourself on the couch with your family in no time!
One-Pan Wonder
With everything baked in one dish, cleanup is a breeze. After you enjoy this meal, you won’t be stuck washing a pile of pans for hours. Just one pan and you’re done!
Comfort Food
This is comfort food at its finest filled with tons of flavor, satisfying, and just plain good! With every savory bite, you feel satisfied and happy. There’s something about warm, flavorful food that just makes you feel at home.
Customizable
You can literally use whatever ingredients you have on hand. Don’t have salsa fresca? Use a jar of your favorite salsa. Want to add black beans or corn? Go for it! You can even top it with cheese for added creaminess before you pop it in the oven.
Crowd-Pleaser
Seriously, the whole family will love it! It’s a recipe that’s gone into regular rotation in our house, and I bet it’ll quickly become a favorite in yours, too. Need to feed picky eaters? This is a sure-fire hit!
Serving Suggestions
You can pair this Fresh Salsa Chicken with so many sides to make it a complete meal. Here are a few favorites:
- Mexican Rice: Flavored rice works perfectly alongside the chicken.
- Tortillas: Use tortillas to make wraps with the chicken and some salad for a fun twist.
- Fresh Salad: A light side salad with avocado and lime is always refreshing!
- Guacamole: Because, why not? Guac is life!
Storage & Reheating
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’re anything like me, you probably won’t have many leftovers since it’ll be devoured!
Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish and cover to prevent drying out. Heat for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
Freezer-friendly: Yes! You can also freeze the chicken before cooking. Just prepare everything up until the baking step, then wrap tightly and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, move it to the refrigerator to thaw overnight before baking.
A Personal Connection
This is my go-to recipe when I need an easy weeknight dinner for my family. It’s quick, simple, and loaded with flavor—everything you want after a long day. And the best part is, I can throw it together without thinking too much. Plus, I’m always amazed at how my picky eaters devour it! It really feels good to know I’m providing them with a nutritious meal that’s also comforting.
So next time you’re feeling the weekday rush, just trust me on this one: Fresh Salsa Chicken is going to become your next family favorite too!
If you loved this Fresh Salsa Chicken, be sure to check out my Sheet Pan Chicken Pitas, my Best Pot Roast, or my Easy Brazilian Coconut Chicken!
What to Know Before You Start
Why This Recipe Works
- Budget-Friendly: Requires affordable, everyday ingredients that you might already have!
- Customizable: Use whatever you have in your fridge!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for meal prep, just pop it in the oven when you’re ready!
With every bite of this Fresh Salsa Chicken, you’ll taste the love and care that went into it. Whether you’re serving it to your family on a busy weeknight or making a big batch for meal prep, it’s going to be adored in every household.
So, are you ready to whip up this easy, quick, and delicious dish? I can’t wait for you to try it! Now go grab those ingredients and let’s create something amazing together! Follow us on Pinterest for daily recipe inspiration!
Fresh Salsa Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a large baking dish with olive oil.
- Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Spoon the salsa fresca evenly over the seasoned chicken.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.