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Quick Salsa Chicken Bake: Easy Cheesy High Protein Dinner

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A quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring tender chicken breasts baked in a creamy salsa sauce with melted cheddar cheese. Ready in about 30 minutes with simple ingredients, this high-protein meal is perfect for busy nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
  • 1.5 cups salsa
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
  • Lime wedges (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and cumin.
  3. Arrange the pounded chicken breasts in a single layer in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  4. In a small bowl, soften the cream cheese in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds until spreadable. Drop spoonfuls of the softened cream cheese over the chicken breasts and gently spread it evenly.
  5. Pour the salsa evenly over the cream cheese and chicken. Use a spoon to gently spread it so it covers everything.
  6. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  7. After 20 minutes, remove the foil carefully. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C).
  8. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime if desired.

Notes

Pound chicken to even thickness for consistent cooking. Use room temperature cream cheese for easier spreading. Do not overbake; use an instant-read thermometer to check for 165°F. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken. For extra sauce, add an extra 1/2 cup of salsa and 2 oz of cream cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: salsa chicken bake, easy chicken dinner, high protein, cheesy chicken, quick weeknight meal, creamy salsa chicken

Find it online: https://chloeplate.com/quick-salsa-chicken-bake-easy-cheesy-high-protein-dinner/