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    Home » Recipes » Main Dishes » Mexican Baked Salsa Chicken | 4 Ingredients

    Mexican Baked Salsa Chicken | 4 Ingredients

    Published: Oct 31, 2022 by Lucy · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

    Jump to Recipe
    A spicy chicken tray bake topped with melted cheese.

    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.

    A baking dish filled with spicy salsa chicken with melted cheese on top.

    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.
    Gooey melted cheese over salsa chicken on a spoon.

    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

    The ingredients for baked salsa chicken.
    • 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.

    Taco seasoning coated chicken strips.

    Step 2 - Add The Salsa & Bake

    Pour the salsa over the top of the taco chicken.

    Bake for 30 minutes.

    Salsa on top of spicy chicken pieces in a baking dish.

    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).

    Grated cheese sprinkled over a tray bake.

    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.
    An overhead shot of a tomato based tray bake toped with melted cheese.

    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.
    A spoon with salsa and melted cheese on it held over a tomato based tray bake.

    FAQ's

    What do you serve with salsa chicken?

    This Mexican chicken dish can be served on its own, or you can add tasty sides such as Mexican rice, tortilla chips, mashed potatoes, bean salad, vegetables or a green salad.

    Can I make this baked salsa chicken recipe in a slow cooker?

    Yes you can! Simply coat the chicken in the taco seasoning and place into the base of the slow cooker. Pour the salsa over the top. Cook for 4 hours on HIGH or 6-8 hours on LOW. Add the grated cheese in the last 30 minutes to melt.

    Is salsa chicken keto-friendly?

    Absolutely! Baked salsa chicken is a great low carb option. Made using just chicken breasts, taco seasoning, salsa and cheese - it's a great option for those on a keto or low carb diet.

    More Chicken Dinner Recipes

    Looking for easy weeknight family chicken dinners? I've got you covered!

    • A bowl of risotto with mushrooms, chicken, bacon and sundried tomatoes.
      Slow Cooker Risotto - Chicken and Mushroom
    • Chunks of tender chicken, bacon and mushroom in a creamy sauce with flakey pastry on top.
      Chicken And Mushroom Pie with Puff Pastry
    • Creamy Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken with sun-dried tomatoes, baby spinach and parmesan cheese is the ultimate winter comfort food. Serve with pasta for a simple meal the whole family will love. #creamy #tuscan #slowcooker #crockpot #chicken #dinner #family #recipe #meal 
      Creamy Tuscan Slow Cooker Chicken
    • A cajun spiced chicken thigh baked with rice and bacon.
      Creamy Oven Baked Chicken And Rice With Bacon
    A baking dish filled with salsa chicken.

    Mexican Baked Salsa Chicken

    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.
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dinner
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 35 minutes
    Total Time: 40 minutes
    Servings: 4 serves
    Calories: 360kcal
    Author: Lucy - Bake Play Smile

    Ingredients

    • 600 g chicken breasts, skinless (approx 2 large) or thighs or tenderloins
    • 30 g (2 tbsp) sachet taco seasoning
    • 300 g salsa see notes (approximately 1 cup)
    • 150 g grated Mexican cheese blend cheddar & mozzarella (see notes)

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 180 degrees celsius (fan-forced). Grease a 20cm x 30cm (8" x 11") baking dish and set aside.
    • Cut the chicken breasts into smaller pieces and coat with the taco seasoning. Place into the prepared baking dish.
    • Pour the salsa over the chicken, spreading it out evenly to cover.
    • Bake for 30 minutes.
    • Sprinkle over the grated cheese and bake for a further 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the chicken is cooked through.

    Notes

    RECIPE NOTES & TIPS
    Ingredients Info:
    • Chicken - use skinless chicken breasts, thighs or tenderloins 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. 
    More Tips:
    • 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.
    • Serving suggestions - add tasty sides such as Mexican rice, tortilla chips, mashed potatoes, bean salad, vegetables or a green salad.
    • Slow cooker option - simply coat the chicken in the taco seasoning and place into the base of the slow cooker. Pour the salsa over the top. Cook for 4 hours on HIGH or 6-8 hours on LOW. Add the grated cheese in the last 30 minutes to melt.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 360kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 42g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 134mg | Sodium: 1516mg | Potassium: 777mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1484IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 294mg | Iron: 1mg
    Did you try this recipe?Mention @BakePlaySmileBlog or tag #BakePlaySmile!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. TR

      December 19, 2022 at 8:37 pm

      5 stars
      Wow, this was really tasty, and so quick and easy! Definitely making this again!

      Reply
      • Lucy

        December 20, 2022 at 8:26 am

        Im so glad you liked it!

        Reply

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    I’m Lucy! A mum, a wife, a food blogger and a lover of all things to do with food! I love creating delicious, no-fuss Thermomix and conventional recipes the whole family will love. Classic baking favourites, lunch box snacks, quick and easy family dinners and more!

    More about me →

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