Description
This Skillet Salsa Chicken recipe is a flavorful and quick way to prepare juicy chicken cutlets smothered in a vibrant salsa sauce, topped with melted Mexican cheese. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish combines simple seasoning with a delicious sauce that bakes in the oven to meld the flavors beautifully.
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: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets. Season both sides evenly with garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Dredge each cutlet lightly in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess to ensure even cooking and a slight crust.
- Cook Chicken: Heat butter and olive oil together in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken cutlets and cook until each side is lightly golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Make Sauce: Pour the chicken broth into the same skillet and use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom, which add flavor. Stir in the jar of salsa and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to warm and blend the flavors.
- Assemble and Bake: Return the browned chicken cutlets to the skillet, nestling them into the salsa sauce. Spoon additional salsa over the chicken to coat. Sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese evenly over the top. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the cheese has melted. For a browned cheese topping, optionally broil for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve: Carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Garnish the chicken with freshly chopped cilantro if desired, and serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute the salsa with homemade salsa for a fresher taste or to adjust spiciness.
- If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the chicken and sauce to a baking dish before adding cheese and baking.
- Broiling cheese is optional – watch it closely as it can burn quickly.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- For a low-carb option, skip the flour dredging or use almond flour instead.
