Chicken and Salsa Recipe
With zesty salsa and juicy chicken breasts! So quick, so flavorful. Perfect for tacos, bowls, or nachos!
Ingredients
salsa recipe, you'll need:
- 4 boneless , skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
- 1 cup fresh salsa (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lime , cut into wedges
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro , chopped
- Optional: 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
Substitution Options:
- Ø Chicken thighs can replace breasts for more flavor and moisture
- Ø Greek yogurt can substitute for sour cream in the salsa
- Ø For a vegetarian option , substitute 2 cans of drained black beans
- Ø Tomatillo salsa (salsa verde) offers a tangy alternative to traditional red salsa
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the ChickenSeason both sides of chicken breasts with salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and oregano. For even cooking, consider pounding thicker parts of the chicken to create uniform thickness—this can reduce cooking time by up to 15%!Step 2: Sear the ChickenHeat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned chicken and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. The caramelization creates a flavor base that will enhance your final dish significantly.Step 3: Add the SalsaPour your salsa over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well covered. Fresh salsa provides 30% more vitamin C than cooked versions, so if using store-bought, look for refrigerated options rather than shelf-stable varieties.Step 4: Simmer and Cook ThroughReduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The enclosed environment allows the chicken to absorb the salsa flavors while staying moist.Step 5: Finish and GarnishIf using cheese, sprinkle it over the chicken during the last 2 minutes of cooking and cover until melted. Remove from heat, squeeze fresh lime juice over everything, and garnish with chopped cilantro.
