This salsa fresca chicken bake is just the dinner to have when you’re craving Mexican flavors. It’s a meal with less than 400 calories per serving, less than 8 grams of net carbs, and 58 grams of protein. It’s high in protein, low in carbs, gluten-free, and low in calories.

I love Mexican cuisine. I believe it is one of the best cuisines in the world.

So, I love a recipe with a Mexican twist! This is one of them.

What makes this chicken bake so special is its vibrant, flavorful ingredients. They bring everything together with a fresh zing of salsa fresca, seasoned chicken, and gooey cheese.

So, whether you are looking to make a weeknight meal or looking to impress your guests, this dinner is meant to be something everyone talks about.

If you are still unsure whether you want to make it or not, there is one big benefit to this dish. It’s a one-pan meal!

And it takes no more than 15-20 minutes to prepare. Less time cooking, less time cleaning… and with bold and fresh flavors. It couldn’t get more perfect than this!

Ingredients and Substitutes

TOMATO MIX

Cherry tomatoes, diced (2 cups) – You can also use Roma or grape tomatoes if you don’t have cherry tomatoes.

White onion, chopped (1 medium) – If you don’t have white onions, you can use red onions for a sweeter flavor or yellow onions.

Jalapeño, chopped (1 large) – For those who are not a big fan of spice, you can replace it with bell peppers.

Cilantro, chopped (a bunch) – If you are not a fan of cilantro, you can replace it with fresh parsley.

Lime, juiced (1/2) – Lemon juice can also be used for a similar tangy kick.

Salt, divided (1/2 tsp)

CHICKEN

Chicken breast, boneless and skinless, diced (2 lbs) – Chicken thighs or turkey breasts are also great alternatives.

Cumin (1/2 tsp)

Paprika powder (1 tsp) – You can use smoked paprika for a deeper smoky taste.

Garlic powder (1 tbsp) – Try using fresh garlic or garlic flakes for a stronger flavor.

Red chili pepper flakes (1/4 tsp) – Skip this ingredient if you don’t like spicy food.

Black pepper (1/4 tsp)

Shredded mozzarella (1 cup) – You can use any cheese that melts, like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend.

How to Make Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 400F. Grease a 9×13’’ casserole dish with oil. Grab a bowl and combine the cherry tomatoes, chopped onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and ¼ tsp of salt.

Step 2. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly.

Step 3. Place the diced chicken breasts on the baking sheet. Season with cumin, paprika, garlic powder, red chili pepper flakes, and black pepper.

Step 4. Toss the chicken to make sure that the chicken is all covered with the seasonings.

Step 5. Grab the tomato mix and place it on top of the chicken.

Step 6. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella on top of the chicken.

Step 7. Put the chicken in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked. Once it’s ready to serve, garnish with extra cilantro.

Easy Ways to Modify This Dish

You can boost fiber and flavors by adding other vegetables. Try adding bell peppers, zucchini, corn, or mushrooms. The sky is the limit when it comes to the vegetables you can add to the mix.

If you are a heat lover, you can add sliced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper or chipotle powder, or diced serrano peppers (they are spicier than jalapeños so be careful with them).

And, you can also adjust it to any dietary preference or need. You can swap the mozzarella for a higher-fat cheese like Monterey Jack, or you can use a plant-based cheese for a dairy-free meal.

For those who follow a plant-based diet, you can replace the chicken with cubed tofu or chickpeas.

What to Do With Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, place them in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

You can also place it in the freezer for longer storage (3 months). Place individual portions in a freezer-safe container and make sure you label them properly.

When you are ready to have this delicious meal again, reheat it in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes or until it warms up.

You can also reheat it in the microwave if you need something quicker. But, I’ve found that it changes the texture and flavor a bit.

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• Mexican Cheesy Skillet
• Chicken Burrito Casserole
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