Healthy Mexican Chicken Bake

Chicken breasts are pan-fried and baked with salsa and cheese in this recipe for a quick and healthier Mexican-inspired chicken bake.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 45 mins
• Calories: 321 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 ounces shredded Mexican cheese blend

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Step 2

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season one side of chicken breasts with 1/2 of the cumin, 1/2 of the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper; arrange chicken breasts seasoned-side down in hot oil. Fry until chicken is lightly browned on the bottom, 4 to 5 minutes.

Step 3

Season the top of each chicken breast with remaining cumin, remaining garlic powder, salt, and black pepper; flip chicken and cook until other side is lightly browned, 4 to 5 minutes. If the skillet gets dry, pour in just enough salsa juice to keep it from burning.

Step 4

Transfer chicken breasts to a 9-inch square baking dish; sprinkle with Mexican cheese blend. Loosen drippings from the skillet with a little more salsa juice and pour on top of chicken breasts. Spoon salsa over cheese layer.

Step 5

Bake chicken breasts until no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, 20 to 25 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).