If you’re craving a dish that combines bold flavors with effortless cooking, this Skillet Salsa Chicken Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Tender chicken cutlets are seasoned and lightly crisped before being bathed in a vibrant salsa sauce, topped with melting cheese, and finished to perfection in the oven. It’s a simple, 30-minute meal that feels hearty and festive without requiring hours of prep or a long ingredient list. Whether you’re whipping up a family dinner or impressing guests with minimal fuss, this recipe strikes the perfect balance of comfort and excitement.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Skillet Salsa Chicken Recipe really comes down to a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in flavor, texture, or color. These essentials keep the recipe quick to put together yet incredibly satisfying to eat.
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Sliced into thinner cutlets to ensure even cooking and a tender bite.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a savory depth without overpowering the salsa’s freshness.
- ½ teaspoon chili powder: Brings a gentle warmth and a subtle smoky note to the chicken seasoning.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the dish.
- All-purpose flour, for dredging: Helps create a light crust on each chicken piece, which locks in juiciness.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness and helps crisp the chicken edges beautifully in the skillet.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Perfect for achieving that golden sear without weighing down the dish.
- ¼ cup chicken broth: Used to deglaze the pan and build a savory base for the salsa sauce.
- 1 (14.5-ounce) jar salsa (your favorite kind): Choose a salsa you love—whether chunky, smooth, mild, or spicy—to define the dish’s flavor profile.
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend: Melts to a gooey, flavorful topping that complements the salsa perfectly.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish): Adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note to finish.
How to Make Skillet Salsa Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets that will cook evenly and quickly. Next, season them generously with garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. This simple spice combination is key to building layers of flavor that shine through once baked. Lightly dredge each piece in all-purpose flour, which helps create a delicate crust while keeping the chicken moist inside.
Step 2: Get the Chicken Golden Brown
In an oven-safe skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken cutlets and cook until each side turns a beautiful golden brown—this step not only adds flavor but also gives the dish a lovely texture contrast. Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside, making room for the sauce.
Step 3: Build the Salsa Sauce
With the same skillet still warm, pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any tasty browned bits sticking to the bottom. This is where a lot of flavor is hiding! Once the broth melds with those bits, stir in your salsa and bring the mixture to a simmer. The salsa transforms into a warm, comforting sauce that will saturate the chicken with vibrant flavor.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Return the chicken cutlets to the skillet, nestling them into the salsa sauce. Spoon additional salsa on top to keep the chicken moist and flavorful. Sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend generously over everything. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the chicken is perfectly cooked through and the cheese has melted into bubbly perfection. For an irresistible golden top, you can finish with a quick broil for a few minutes—just watch carefully so it doesn’t burn!
How to Serve Skillet Salsa Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro sprinkled on top isn’t just for looks; it adds a bright, citrusy punch that cuts through the richness of the cheese and salsa. Feel free to add sliced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, or a squeeze of lime for extra layers of flavor and freshness. These small touches elevate the dish from simple to spectacular.
Side Dishes
Because this Skillet Salsa Chicken Recipe is so full of flavor, pairing it with simple, complementary sides works best. Think fluffy white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even warm, charred corn on the cob. A crisp green salad or some sautéed veggies can round out the meal with fresh texture and color, making your dinner plate as beautiful as it is delicious.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to turn this everyday recipe into a festive centerpiece? Serve the chicken family-style, right in the skillet, so everyone can dig in and enjoy the sizzling, cheesy salsa goodness together. Alternatively, turn the shredded chicken and salsa into hearty tacos or loaded burrito bowls for a fun twist. The versatility of this dish makes it a crowd-pleaser in all sorts of creative ways.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Skillet Salsa Chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce and chicken together to maintain moisture and flavor, preventing the chicken from drying out.
Freezing
If you want to save this dish for longer, freezing is an option! Transfer fully cooled leftovers into a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your leftover Skillet Salsa Chicken gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave covered with a damp paper towel to keep the chicken moist. Stir occasionally to evenly warm the salsa and melt the cheese again, restoring that fresh-from-the-oven experience.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add even more richness and stay juicy during cooking. Just adjust the cook time slightly since thighs are thicker and may need a few extra minutes to reach the right doneness.
What kind of salsa works best for this recipe?
Any salsa you love will work here, whether mild or spicy, chunky or smooth. For a fresh twist, try using a roasted tomato salsa or a salsa verde to change up the flavor profile.
Is it necessary to bake the chicken after searing?
Baking finishes the cooking gently and melts the cheese beautifully, but if you’re in a hurry, you can cover the skillet on the stovetop and simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese melts.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for dredging, and double-check that your salsa is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free as is.
What can I serve if I want a low-carb option?
Serve the Skillet Salsa Chicken over cauliflower rice or alongside roasted vegetables instead of traditional starches for a delicious low-carb meal that keeps all the vibrant flavors intact.
Final Thoughts
This Skillet Salsa Chicken Recipe is a keeper for anyone who wants a delicious, fuss-free dinner that’s bursting with flavor and cheer. It’s one of those dishes that’s as comforting as it is impressive, perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings. Give it a try—you’ll be coming back to this recipe again and again, just like I do!
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Skillet Salsa Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Skillet Salsa Chicken recipe is a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner featuring tender chicken breasts coated in a savory spice mix, cooked in a buttery skillet, and simmered with zesty salsa and melted Mexican cheese. Finished in the oven for a perfectly cheesy and saucy dish, it’s perfect served with rice, tortillas, or a fresh salad.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- All-purpose flour, for dredging
Cooking Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1 (14.5-ounce) jar salsa (your favorite kind)
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep Chicken: Cut chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets. Season both sides evenly with garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Dredge each piece lightly in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess to ensure a thin coating.
- Cook Chicken: Heat butter and olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the chicken cutlets and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn lightly golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside temporarily.
- Make Sauce: Pour chicken broth into the skillet and use a spatula to scrape up any flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom. Stir in the salsa and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to meld the flavors together.
- Assemble and Bake: Return the chicken cutlets to the skillet, nestling them into the salsa sauce. Spoon extra salsa over each piece, then sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend evenly on top. Transfer the entire skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and the cheese has melted. For a browned cheese topping, optionally broil the skillet for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro if desired, then serve the skillet salsa chicken immediately while hot. This dish pairs wonderfully with warm tortillas, rice, or a crisp green salad.
Notes
- For thinner chicken cutlets, carefully slice the chicken breasts lengthwise to ensure even cooking.
- If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the chicken and salsa mixture to a baking dish before baking.
- Adjust the chili powder amount to your preferred spice level.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Feel free to customize with your favorite salsa, such as mild, medium, or spicy varieties.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
