Mexican Baked Salsa Chicken | 4 Ingredients

Flavour-packed Mexican Baked Salsa Chicken made from just 4 ingredients (chicken breasts, taco seasoning, salsa and grated cheese!).

Have this family-friendly dinner on the table in just 40 minutes - perfect for busy weeknights... and hungry kids.

Serve on its own, or add tasty sides such as Mexican rice, sour cream, tortilla chips, mashed potatoes, bean salad, vegetables or a green salad.

Weeknight family dinners have never tasted SO good!

If you're looking for a dinner that:

• is packed with all your favourite flavours
• is a proven winner with the kids
• will be on the table in 40 mins (and only takes 5 mins prep time!)
• is healthy AND tasty

.... then this Mexican Baked Salsa Chicken is for you!

Just like my Mexican Layer Dip, Mexican Lasagne and Mexican Shredded Chicken, this oven baked chicken is just like your favourite Mexican takeaway (but better!).

Why You're Going To Love This Recipe

This Mexican-inspired chicken dinner is sure to become a family-favourite in your house too!

• On the table in 40 minutes - this is one of my favourite meals to make on busy weeknights. It requires just 5 minutes active prep time and 35 minutes baking time (so it's perfect for getting those loads of washing done, cleaning ticked off, help with homework etc).
• Kid-friendly - if your kids love nachos, tacos, enchiladas and burritos, they're going to LOVE this flavour-packed Mexican dish! Just like takeaway... but far tastier and healthier.
• Low carb/keto-friendly - made using just chicken breasts, taco seasoning, salsa and cheese - this chicken bake is perfect for those on a low carb or keto diet.

What You Need

Oven-baked Mexican Chicken requires just 4 ingredients!

Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredients quantities and full detailed method.

• Chicken - use skinless chicken breasts or thighs and cut each into smaller pieces (approximately 3-4 pieces per chicken breast).
• Taco seasoning - you can use a sachet of store-bought taco seasoning (I use Old El Paso brand) or make your own.
• Salsa - I prefer to use a mild salsa to keep it kid-friendly, but you could use medium or hot if you prefer.
• Mexican cheese blend - I used the Perfect Italiano 'Perfect Mexican' cheese blend (available in supermarkets here in Australia). If that particular brand is not available, you can use any blend of grated mozzarella, cheddar or Colby. 

Equipment Required

This super easy family dinner requires NO fancy equipment!

• Baking dish - you can use any baking dish or casserole dish you like - approximately 20cm x 30cm (8" x 11") works well.
• Grater - for grating the cheese (or use pre-grated cheese if you prefer).
• Oven - I specify fan-forced temperatures. If using a conventional oven, increase the temperature by 10-20 degrees.

Step By Step Instructions

It couldn't be easier to make Mexican Oven-Baked Salsa Chicken.

Just 5 minutes prep time and 3 simple steps is all it takes....

Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredients quantities and full detailed method.

Step 1 - Season The Chicken

Coat the chicken pieces in the taco seasoning and then place into the prepared baking dish.

Step 2 - Add The Salsa & Bake

Pour the salsa over the top of the taco chicken.

Bake for 30 minutes.

Step 3 - Melt The Cheese

Sprinkle the grated cheese over the top of the salsa chicken.

Return to the oven for 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the chicken is piping hot and cooked through in the centre.

Serve immediately with your choice of sides (see my suggestions below).

Serving Suggestions

While this Mexican Baked Salsa Chicken is perfectly delicious all on its own... here's a few of my favourite sides to serve it with:

• Mexican rice - make your own homemade Mexican rice or buy a packet of pre-made Mexican-flavoured rice.
• Mashed potatoes - smooth and creamy mashed potatoes soak up the delicious salsa sauce!
• Bean salad - one of my favourite salads! This is SO easy to make yourself (and it's extra healthy too!) You can also buy bean salad from the deli section of the supermarket or grocer.
• Green salad - a simple green salad is a healthy side to this flavour packed chicken dish.
• Tortilla ships or corn chips & sour cream - add a dollop of sour cream to the top of the chicken and serve with a bowl of corn chips or tortilla chips on the side.

Expert Tips

• You can use either skinless chicken breasts, thighs or tenderloins in this recipe. If using chicken breasts or thighs, cut into smaller pieces for quicker cooking.
• Mild, medium or hot salsa can be used, depending on your preference. I like to use mild salsa to keep it kid-friendly.
• Bake until the cheese has melted and the chicken is piping hot and cooked through in the centre.
• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days and consume within that time.
• Cool leftovers completely in the fridge before freezing in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Allow to defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating until the chicken is piping hot in the centre.

FAQ's

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