This baked salsa chicken recipe transforms super simple ingredients into an easy meal for Mexican night — much like juicy baked chicken breast, but with a mouthwatering flavor boost from salsa, spices, and melty cheese. It’s one of those perfect chicken recipes that can use up an extra jar of salsa in your pantry! I’ll show you how to make the best chicken and salsa in the oven, easy pairing ideas, and even methods to make it in your Crock Pot or Instant Pot if you prefer.
What Is Salsa Chicken?
Salsa chicken usually includes seasoned chicken baked in salsa with other added toppings like cheese. Some recipes add ingredients to a baking dish, while others sear chicken on the stovetop or cook it in a tabletop appliance, like a slow cooker. No matter how you cook it, it’s an easy weeknight meal that everyone can enjoy!
Ingredients & Substitutions
This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for chicken recipes with salsa, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – You can also use boneless skinless chicken thighs, but cooking time will vary slightly.Spices – Including sea salt, smoked paprika, cumin, and black pepper. You can easily substitute store-bought or homemade taco seasoning if that’s what you have on hand.Olive Oil – I prefer to use extra-virgin olive oil, but feel free to substitute any neutral cooking oil you like.White Onion – You can substitute any onion you wish.Garlic – Fresh minced garlic makes a big difference in taste for this recipe, but you can use jarred minced garlic to save time. If you need to substitute garlic powder, use 1/2 teaspoon and add it to the chicken with the other spices.Tomato Salsa – Use your favorite store-bought brand, or make homemade fresh tomato salsa in minutes for even zestier flavor.Shredded Cheese – Including a blend of cheddar cheese and white cheddar cheese. You can substitute monterey jack, Mexican blend cheese, or any semi-hard cheese that melts easily.
How To Make Salsa Chicken In The Oven
This section shows how to make this chicken with salsa recipe, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below. To make chicken salsa verde, simply trade the tomato salsa for an equal amount of your favorite salsa verde.
Alternate Cooking Methods
I have a different slow cooker salsa chicken recipe in my first cookbook, but below are instructions for converting this recipe for the Crock Pot or Instant Pot.
Crock Pot Salsa Chicken Recipe
Slow cooker salsa chicken is a hands-off alternative if you want to skip stovetop cooking! To make a recipe for crockpot salsa chicken, follow these steps:
Add onions and garlic to the bottom of the slow cooker and layer chicken on top.Season, top with salsa, and cook on high for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.Scoop out any excess liquid with a ladle, if desired.In the last 10 minutes, you can add cheese and cover again to melt.
Instant Pot Salsa Chicken
To make salsa chicken Instant Pot friendly, follow these steps:
Season chicken. Sear the chicken or onions in oil in the pot if desired, but it’s not necessary. (If searing, remove chicken before proceeding.)Add enough salsa to coat the bottom of the inner pot. Add chicken on top and pour remaining salsa on it.Adjust the steam release knob to sealing position, then cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes depending on the thickness of the chicken. Release pressure naturally for 10 minutes, followed by quick release for any remaining pressure.Scoop out any excess liquid with a ladle, if desired.Add cheese and cover again until cheese melts.
Storage Instructions
Leftover chicken can store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. You can reheat in the microwave, or in the oven at 350 degrees F.
Can You Freeze Salsa Chicken?
Yes, you can freeze this chicken salsa bake for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What To Serve With Salsa Chicken Recipes
What goes with salsa chicken? There are SO many options! Try it with these other mains, serving ideas, and sides:
Toppings – You can serve the chicken as-is (which is what I ended up doing — time wasn’t on my side that day!), but Mexican toppings are amazing over it. Try jalapeno slices, sour cream, fresh cilantro, sliced black olives, diced red onions, and homemade guacamole or avocado slices.Nachos – Serve on top of your favorite tortilla chips and add your favorite nacho fixings.Tacos – Make traditional tacos with your favorite tortillas (jicama tortillas would be delicious here!) or use it as the main protein in a healthy taco salad.Easy Stuffing – Add to burrito bowls, use in quesadillas (I love it with almond flour tortillas), or add to chicken stuffed peppers.Mexican Sides – Pair salsa chicken with conventional rice or black beans, or try it alongside cilantro lime cauliflower rice, avocado corn salad, or cilantro lime taco slaw for a fresh alternative.
More Healthy Baked Chicken Recipes
Healthy chicken doesn’t have to be boring! Change it up with these easy recipes that cook hands-off in your oven. Share your recipe picture by tagging @wholesomeyum and hashtag it #wholesomeyum on Instagram, or in our Facebook support group, too – I’d love to see it!
