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Cheesy Salsa Chicken Bake

Cheesy Salsa Chicken Bake
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Enjoy a creamy and flavorful Cheesy Salsa Chicken Bake that’s quick and easy to prepare, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner. This comforting dish combines tender chicken breasts with zesty salsa, smooth cream cheese, and melted cheddar for a deliciously cheesy top layer. Mild yet full of bold flavors, it’s a versatile family-friendly meal that can be customized to suit your taste or dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Mexican seasoning mix
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup salsa (preferably thick and medium-spiced)

Topping

  • 1 to 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Mexican seasoning mix. Drizzle olive oil over them and place the chicken in a greased baking dish, ready to be topped.
  2. Mix the Cream Cheese and Salsa: Soften the cream cheese by heating briefly or mixing thoroughly. Combine the softened cream cheese with the salsa until smooth and creamy, creating the flavorful sauce to coat the chicken.
  3. Assemble the Bake: Spread the creamy salsa mixture evenly over the seasoned chicken breasts in the baking dish. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese on top to ensure a golden, bubbly crust after baking.
  4. Bake Until Perfect: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F) and the cheese is melted and lightly browned. Optionally, tent foil over the dish for the first 20 minutes to keep the chicken moist, then uncover to brown the cheese. Let the bake rest for a few minutes before serving to retain juiciness.

Notes

  • Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth, even sauce.
  • Opt for thick salsa to avoid a watery mixture that dilutes flavor.
  • Tent foil during baking for the first 20 minutes to keep chicken moist, then uncover to brown the cheese.
  • Check chicken temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F for safety.
  • Let the dish rest before serving to allow juices to redistribute for tender bites.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy salsa chicken bake, baked chicken, easy dinner, creamy chicken bake, weeknight meal, family-friendly chicken recipe, gluten-free chicken dinner

Find it online: https://mydishez.com/cheesy-salsa-chicken-bake/