Juicy chicken breasts, bold spices, zesty salsa, and melted cheese come together in this easy, flavor-packed Mexican Chicken recipe!
If you go anywhere in the world, there’s a good chance people are cooking chicken but doing so in a completely unique way. That’s what I love about chicken; there are so many ways to prepare it. After trying this recipe for Mexican chicken for the first time, it quickly became one of my favorites. I’ve always enjoyed Mexican cuisine and this dish has everything you would expect a recipe called Mexican chicken to have. It’s also very easy to prepare!
For starters, there are a few spices rubbed onto the chicken. But don’t worry – the spices aren’t too hot and they won’t overpower the chicken. You also cover the chicken with salsa before popping it into the oven, which makes this recipe feel like an authentic Mexican dish. Last but not least, the chicken gets smothered with cheese that melts on top of it. I can’t imagine any Mexican dish without a layer of gooey cheese to help complement the spices and other flavors.
Is Mexican Chicken Healthy?
Mexican chicken should be considered reasonably healthy for most diets. Boneless and skinless chicken breast is a good source of protein without having a lot of fat. The cheese in this recipe, while it does add some fat, is also a source of calcium. As for the salsa, if you’re using store-bought, try to find one with minimal additives or preservatives, or better yet, create your own homemade salsa.
Make It As Spicy As You Want
A dish like Mexican chicken can often attract people who like spicy foods. With one or two extra ingredients, you can make this dish as spicy as you want. Try adding chili powder, paprika, or other seasonings that can help give the chicken more of a kick. Alternatively, add some sliced jalapeños.
You can also opt for a spicier type of salsa rather than mild salsa. Try this Chipotle Salsa or Salsa Ranchero, or maybe even this Jalapeño Salsa. Depending on the level of heat you’re looking for, the choice is yours.
How to make ahead and store
Leftover Mexican chicken can be stored in an airtight container and kept in the fridge if you plan to eat it within 3 to 4 days. It can also be frozen and remain good for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
Naturally, Mexican Rice is the perfect side dish for Mexican chicken. You can also make Rice Cooker Mexican Rice or Mexican Brown Rice. If you prefer not to make rice, I would suggest Corn Salad or Fresh Corn And Mango Salad. You might also consider making Air Fryer Tortilla Chips as a side dish with either your favorite salsa or Nacho Cheese Sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 1/4 cups medium salsa
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
- Freshly chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Season chicken breasts with minced garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, onion powder, and cumin.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the seasoned chicken on both sides.
- Transfer the chicken to a baking dish, top with salsa, and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- Top with shredded cheese and bake for 5-10 minutes longer, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken is cooked through. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro for garnish.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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