Description
This Skillet Salsa Chicken recipe combines tender, seasoned chicken cutlets with a flavorful salsa sauce and melted Mexican cheese, all cooked in one pan and finished in the oven for a quick, vibrant, and satisfying meal.
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 Fats and Sauce
- 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
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets for quicker, even cooking. Season each piece evenly with garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Dredge the chicken cutlets lightly in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess to ensure a delicate coating.
- Cook Chicken: Heat butter and olive oil together in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the floured chicken cutlets and cook each side until they are lightly golden brown, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Make Sauce: Into the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom—this adds deep flavor. Stir in the jar of salsa and bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to meld together for about 2 minutes.
- Assemble and Bake: Return the browned chicken cutlets to the skillet and spoon the salsa sauce over them evenly. Sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend on top of the chicken and salsa. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven set at 400°F (200°C) and bake for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is thoroughly melted. For a golden brown cheese crust, optionally broil the dish for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect combination of baked, saucy chicken with melted cheese.
Notes
- Use an oven-safe skillet such as cast iron for seamless stovetop to oven cooking.
- Adjust seasoning and salsa type to suit your preferred spice level and flavor profile.
- Broiling is optional but gives a nice crispy top to the melted cheese.
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for more juiciness but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Make sure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
