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
Scale
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
