Name: Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487183H38M44S
Total time: PT-487183H38M44S
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 cups cherry tomatoes, diced; 1 medium white onion, chopped; 1 large jalapeño, chopped; A bunch of cilantro, chopped; 1/2 lime, juiced; 1/4 tsp salt (divided); 2 lbs chicken breast, boneless and skinless, diced; 1/2 tsp cumin; 1 tsp paprika powder; 1 tbsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp red chili pepper flakes; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 cup shredded mozzarella

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a deliciously vibrant, easy-to-make dinner that’s absolutely bursting with fresh flavor, look no further than this Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake. It’s one of those magical meals that brings everyone to the table with smiles, combining juicy diced chicken, a sparkling salsa of tomatoes, onions, and jalapeño, blanketed under melty mozzarella. Best of all, it all comes together in just one pan—meaning less cleanup and more time enjoying the flavors you love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake is built on a handful of simple, colorful ingredients, each one playing a starring role in the final dish. With just the right balance of spices, freshness, and creamy cheese, every element is essential for the ultimate harmony of textures and taste.

Cherry tomatoes: These add juicy sweetness and a vibrant red color that pops in every bite.
White onion: Chopped for a bit of sharpness and crunch, it brings real depth to the salsa mix.
Jalapeño: Just enough heat to keep things interesting—remove the seeds for a milder bake.
Cilantro: Fresh, herbaceous flair that lifts the whole dish—use the stems too for extra flavor.
Lime juice: A splash of zing to brighten and balance every layer of flavor.
Salt: Divided in the recipe, it draws out moisture and unites all the ingredients together.
Chicken breast: Diced and lean, it becomes meltingly tender baked under salsa and cheese.
Cumin: Warm and earthy, this gives the chicken a subtle, nutty undertone.
Paprika powder: Adds a smoky depth and lovely red hue to the seasoned chicken.
Garlic powder: For a perfect hit of savory flavor in every bite.
Red chili pepper flakes: A pinch for gentle heat without overpowering the freshness.
Black pepper: Classic seasoning to round out the spiciness and aroma.
Shredded mozzarella: Scarves the whole bake in creamy, melty goodness—an irresistible finishing touch.

How to Make Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Begin by heating your oven to 400°F—it’s key to get it nice and hot so the chicken turns out succulent and the cheese bubbles wonderfully. Lightly coat a 9×13 casserole dish with oil spray to prevent sticking and make serving a breeze.

Step 2: Make the Salsa Fresca

In a medium bowl, mix the diced cherry tomatoes, chopped onion, jalapeño, cilantro, freshly squeezed lime juice, and half the salt. Give it a gentle toss to combine and set aside. The flavors will mingle while you get the chicken ready, boosting the freshness when baked.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

Spread the diced chicken breast pieces across the baking dish. Sprinkle them evenly with cumin, paprika powder, garlic powder, red chili pepper flakes, black pepper, and the remaining salt. Toss with clean hands or a spatula to coat every piece—the seasoning blend brings warmth, smokiness, and just enough heat to the Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake.

Step 4: Layer on the Salsa and Cheese

Spoon the vibrant tomato mixture over the seasoned chicken so every bite gets a pop of flavor. Top with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella, letting the cheese blanket the salsa for that perfect, gooey topping.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into your preheated oven, uncovered. After 25 to 30 minutes, the cheese will be golden and bubbling, and the chicken will be perfectly tender. The kitchen will smell amazing—it’s the surest sign your Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake is ready to devour!

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Before you bring your masterpiece to the table, sprinkle extra chopped cilantro on top for a burst of color and brightness. It’s the crowning touch that makes each serving look and taste fresh from the oven.

How to Serve Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake

Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A finishing flourish of chopped cilantro really makes your Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake pop. For extra flair, add a few thin jalapeño slices or a scatter of freshly diced tomatoes right before serving. You can even serve with lime wedges for a citrusy hit that your guests can squeeze over their own plates.

Side Dishes

This dish plays so well with fluffy rice or quinoa, which soak up all the juices and salsa flavors beautifully. Simple black beans or a crisp green salad are also fantastic partners, adding extra nutrients and a satisfying contrast to the warm, cheesy chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to switch things up, try spooning the Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake into warm tortillas for vibrant tacos. It’s also delicious over a bed of baby spinach or tossed with pasta for a hearty, colorful meal. For gatherings, serve it as the star of a Tex-Mex buffet with bowls of sour cream, avocado slices, and corn chips on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake keeps beautifully in the fridge. Store cooled portions in an airtight container, and your meal will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors develop even more overnight, making leftovers extra tasty.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze your Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake for another day. Place completely cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags; it will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop a portion in the microwave until hot, or cover the whole dish with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a little more cheese if you want to refresh the flavors and create that just-baked appeal.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese for the Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake?

Definitely! While mozzarella creates a wonderful melt, feel free to try Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for extra flavor.

Is this recipe very spicy?

Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake has a pleasant warmth from jalapeño and chili flakes, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. For less heat, omit the pepper flakes or use just half a jalapeño (removing seeds will also tone things down).

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely—boneless, skinless chicken thighs will turn out even juicier and add lots of flavor to your Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake. Just make sure to trim extra fat and dice into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

Can I prep the salsa ahead of time?

Yes, the fresh salsa can be made a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Making it early lets the flavors mingle and saves you time when it comes to dinner hour.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

You sure can! Swap regular mozzarella for your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative, or skip the cheese topping entirely—the Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake is plenty flavorful on its own.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something colorful, fresh, and soul-satisfying, give this Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake a try. With just a handful of ingredients and a single pan, you’ll create a meal that’s sure to become a regular in your kitchen. Gather your loved ones, serve it up, and watch it disappear—it’s comfort food with a zesty twist that everyone will adore!

Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 16 reviews

Author: Chloe
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines juicy diced chicken with a fresh salsa topping and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a simple weeknight dinner or impressive enough for entertaining guests.

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400F. Prepare a 9×13 casserole dish and spray it with oil.
Prepare the salsa: In a bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, chopped onion, jalapeno, cilantro, lime juice, and 1/4 tsp salt.
Season the chicken: Place diced chicken on the baking sheet and cover with cumin, paprika, garlic powder, red chili pepper flakes, and black pepper. Ensure the chicken is well coated with the seasonings.
Assemble the dish: Top the seasoned chicken with the salsa mix and shredded mozzarella.
Bake: Bake in the oven uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
Serve: Garnish with extra cilantro before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican