cheesy salsa chicken bake
This is a super easy and delicious dish to bake right before you leave for a potluck. Wrap your cake dish in foil and a big beach towel and it will stay hot enough for quite a while. It’s even good when it cools off. For a main dish at home, pair it with Spanish rice or pinto beans and a salad, and you have a quick, satisfying meal for a big family. For a smaller family use four boneless, skinless chicken breasts in an 8x8 baking dish and cut down on the remaining ingredients. The baking time is a little longer for the big chicken pieces, maybe 25-30 minutes.
Blue Ribbon Recipe
Need an easy recipe for dinnertime? Then keep this cheesy salsa chicken bake handy. Jarred salsa tenderizes and infuses flavor into the chicken while it bakes. The top is super cheesy, which is sure to please everyone at the table. Add a dollop of sour cream and a bit of guacamole on top for a dinner that's easy on the wallet.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 - 2 pounds fresh or thawed boneless, skinless chicken tenders, cut into smaller pieces
- 24 ounces very chunky salsa (as spicy or mild as you like)
- 1-2 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese (can use plain cheddar or your preference)
- 1 cup chopped green onions, including tops
- 1/2 - 1 cups sour cream (optional)
How To Make cheesy salsa chicken bake
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Step 1Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9x13 cake dish with cooking spray. (I have used a disposable aluminum pan but doubled them—nested two and baked them on a baking sheet for stability. This way, I don’t have to worry about retrieving a dirty cake dish to bring home.) -
Step 2Spread chicken pieces evenly in the bottom of the dish.
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Step 3Pour salsa over chicken.
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Step 4Bake uncovered for about 20 minutes. Check for doneness.
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Step 5When the chicken is done, remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle cheese over top of the salsa. Sprinkle green onion over cheese, reserving a little for garnish.
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Step 6Return to oven and bake until cheese is melted and bubbly. Top with dollops of sour cream just before serving, if desired, and a sprinkle of fresh chopped green onion for color.
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