Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake Bliss: A Zesty, Cheesy Delight That Warms the Soul!
Make this Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake: juicy chicken, fresh salsa, and melty mozzarella in 30 minutes. Easy, healthy, and bursting with flavor!
Ingredients
Here’s everything I use, measured out with love:
- Tomato Mix:
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, diced
- 1 medium white onion, chopped
- 1 large jalapeño, chopped
- A bunch of cilantro, chopped
- ½ lime, juiced
- ½ tsp salt, divided
- Chicken:
- 2 lbs chicken breast, boneless and skinless, diced
- ½ tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika powder
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp red chili pepper flakes
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
I line it all up on my counter, and it’s like a salsa party waiting to happen. This makes 4-6 hearty servings—perfect for sharing or savoring solo, depending on my mood. It’s my roadmap to zesty bliss. I always double-check my stash before I start—it’s my ritual to stay chill. Nothing’s worse than missing cilantro mid-prep, right? Keeps me in the groove and ready to cook.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Let’s get warm—preheat the oven to 400°F and spray a 9×13 casserole dish with oil (I love that slick prep!). Set aside—ready for action (my kitchen’s buzzing with salsa vibes!). It’s the cozy start—pure baking magic!
Step 2: Mix the Salsa Fresca
In a bowl, toss 2 cups diced cherry tomatoes, 1 chopped medium white onion, 1 chopped large jalapeño, a bunch of chopped cilantro, juice of ½ lime, and ¼ tsp salt (I grin at that fresh mix!). Stir ‘til combined—taste a bit if you dare (my kitchen smells like a garden!). It’s the zesty top—pure salsa joy!
Step 3: Season the Chicken
Dice 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast—place in the casserole dish (I love that juicy prep!). Sprinkle with ½ tsp cumin, 1 tsp paprika powder, 1 tbsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp red chili pepper flakes, ¼ tsp black pepper, and ¼ tsp salt—toss ‘til coated (my heart races for that spice!). It’s the savory base—pure seasoned delight!
Step 4: Assemble the Bake
Spread the salsa fresca over the chicken—top with 1 cup shredded mozzarella (I feel like an artist!). Make it even—cheesy and bright (my kitchen smells like a fiesta!). It’s coming together—pure bake bliss!
Step 5: Bake and Garnish
Bake uncovered 25-30 minutes ‘til chicken hits 165°F and cheese bubbles (that first bite’s pure joy, and you made it happen!). Pull from oven—garnish with extra cilantro (my table’s a feast!). Serve hot—dig in (my heart’s dancing!).