Sizzling Fiesta Chicken Bake Recipe: A Zesty Family Favorite

Bursting with vibrant flavors, this spicy fiesta chicken bake recipe brings zesty Mexican-inspired comfort to your dinner table.

Layers of tender chicken, colorful peppers, and bold spices create a mouthwatering meal that dances with excitement.

Every bite promises a delightful blend of textures and tastes that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Melted cheese blankets the dish, adding a creamy richness that perfectly complements the robust seasonings.

The combination of simple ingredients transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into a festive culinary experience.

Hearty and satisfying, this chicken bake delivers bold southwestern flair that will become a family favorite in no time.

Grab your apron and get ready to spice up your meal with this irresistible recipe.

Fiesta Chicken Bake – Reasons to Add to Your Dinner Rotation

• A zesty Mexican-inspired dish that transforms ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering meal bursting with vibrant flavors and easy-to-find ingredients.
• Perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen, this one-pan wonder comes together effortlessly and delivers maximum taste with minimal effort.
• Guaranteed to satisfy both kids and adults, this cheesy chicken bake offers a crowd-pleasing combination of familiar ingredients with just enough kick to keep things interesting.
• Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, providing a stress-free cooking experience that looks and tastes like you spent hours preparing.

What You’ll Need for a Flavorful Fiesta Chicken Bake

• Chicken Breast: Lean meat that serves as the main protein for the Fiesta Chicken Bake.

• Cherry Tomatoes, White Onion, Jalapeno, Cilantro: Provide a fresh and vibrant flavor profile with a mix of heat and brightness.
• Lime: Adds a zesty citrus tang that helps soften vegetables and enhance overall taste.

• Cumin, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Red Chili Pepper Flakes, Black Pepper, Salt: Create a Mexican-inspired spice mix that adds depth and warmth to the chicken.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into a golden, bubbly layer that adds creaminess and richness to the dish.

• Cooking Oil Spray: Prevents the casserole from sticking to the dish during baking.

Tools & Cookware for Baking Fiesta Chicken

• Casserole Dish (9×13 inch): Essential for baking and serving the chicken, needs light cooking spray coating.
• Mixing Bowl (Medium): Perfect for preparing fresh salsa, allows easy combining of ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Necessary for chopping tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, and cilantro.
• Sharp Knife: Required for precise vegetable and chicken dicing.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure spices and salt for seasoning.
• Tongs or Clean Hands: Useful for tossing and coating chicken with seasonings.
• Cheese Grater (Optional): If using block mozzarella, helps create fresh shredded cheese.
• Cheese Sprinkler or Spoon: Helps evenly distribute cheese over the chicken.

How to Make a Satisfying Fiesta Chicken Bake

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray of cooking oil to keep everything from sticking.

Your kitchen is about to become a flavor explosion zone!

Step 2: Craft Zesty Salsa

• Cherry tomatoes
• White onion
• Jalapeno
• Cilantro
• Lime
• Salt

Chop, dice, and mix everything in a bowl.

Squeeze lime juice to wake up those flavors and let the ingredients mingle and get friendly.

Step 3: Spice Up the Chicken

Scatter chicken pieces across the baking dish.

• Cumin
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Red chili pepper flakes
• Black pepper
• Salt

Massage those spices into the chicken until every piece is coated with flavor fireworks.

Step 4: Build Your Flavor Layers

Drape the fresh salsa over the seasoned chicken.

Let those juicy tomato bits cascade across the meat.

Crown the creation with a blanket of shredded mozzarella cheese that’ll melt into pure deliciousness.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and let it sizzle for 25-30 minutes.

You’re looking for chicken that’s cooked through, cheese turning golden, and a sauce that’s bubbling with excitement.

Step 6: Finish and Feast

Pull out your masterpiece and let it rest for a quick 5 minutes.

Sprinkle extra cilantro on top for a fresh finale.

Serve hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Pair with Mexican rice or warm tortillas for the ultimate meal.

Pro Tips for a Flavorful Chicken Bake

• Use chicken breast of uniform size and thickness to ensure even cooking, preventing some pieces from drying out while others remain undercooked.
• Let the chicken marinate in the spice blend for 15-30 minutes before baking to allow seasonings to penetrate deeply and enhance overall taste.
• Choose low-moisture mozzarella to prevent excess liquid and achieve a perfectly golden, bubbly cheese topping without making the dish watery.
• Modify red chili pepper flakes and jalapeno quantity to match your heat tolerance, creating a personalized spice experience without overwhelming the dish.
• Add extra cilantro and a fresh lime wedge when serving to brighten the flavors and provide a zesty, aromatic finishing touch.

Ideas for Fiesta Chicken Bake Variations

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Chicken Bake: Replace casserole dish with cauliflower rice as a base, reducing carbohydrate content and adding extra vegetable nutrition.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute mozzarella cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternative, perfect for lactose-intolerant individuals or vegan diets.
• Spicy Southwest Transformation: Increase red chili pepper flakes and add diced green chiles, creating a more intense and fiery flavor profile for heat lovers.
• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Replace Mexican spices with oregano, thyme, and rosemary, then top with crumbled feta cheese instead of mozzarella for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.

Fun Ways to Serve Fiesta Chicken Bake

• Zesty Taco Night Companion: Pair this Fiesta Chicken Bake with warm corn tortillas, creating delicious little chicken-filled wraps that burst with fresh salsa flavors.
• Fresh Flavor Boost: Serve alongside a crisp cilantro-lime cabbage slaw that adds crunch and brightness, complementing the rich and spicy chicken perfectly.
• Hearty Bowl Creation: Transform the chicken bake into a loaded rice bowl by spooning the chicken and melted cheese over seasoned Mexican rice, topping with extra fresh salsa and a dollop of sour cream.
• Quick Meal Enhancer: Add a side of quick-pickled red onions or sliced avocado to provide tangy and creamy contrasts that elevate the entire dish's flavor profile.

Storage Tips for Leftover Fiesta Chicken Bake

• Transfer leftover chicken bake to an airtight container, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before covering to prevent condensation.
• Pack cooled chicken bake in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months without losing flavor quality.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even warming and prevent hot spots.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with monterey jack, cheddar, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile. Each cheese will bring a unique taste to the dish.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has mild heat from red chili pepper flakes and jalapeño. You can adjust the spice level by reducing or removing the jalapeño and chili flakes for a milder version.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165F (74C). The chicken should be white throughout with no pink areas and juices running clear.

Fiesta Chicken Bake Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired fiesta chicken bake delivers zesty flavors with tender chicken and colorful peppers. Cheese and spices meld together, creating a quick weeknight meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Tomato Mix:

• 2 cups (473 milliliters) cherry tomatoes, diced
• 1 medium white onion, chopped
• 1 large jalapeno, chopped
• 1 bunch cilantro, chopped
• 1/2 lime, juiced

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 400F (200C) and lightly coat a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Create a zesty salsa by combining diced cherry tomatoes, chopped white onion, jalapeno, and cilantro in a medium bowl. Add lime juice and salt, then gently mix to allow flavors to meld.
3. Spread diced chicken evenly across the prepared dish. Dust with cumin, paprika, garlic powder, red chili pepper flakes, black pepper, and salt. Toss to ensure complete seasoning coverage.
4. Distribute the fresh salsa mixture uniformly over the seasoned chicken, including all accompanying juices. Generously top with shredded mozzarella cheese to create a melting layer.
5. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until chicken reaches 165F (74C), cheese turns golden and bubbly, and tomato mixture releases a flavorful sauce.
6. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing from oven. Garnish with additional fresh cilantro before serving alongside Mexican rice, warm tortillas, or a green salad.

Notes

• Customize Spice Levels Adjust red chili pepper flakes and jalapeño quantity to control heat intensity, making the dish mild or fiery based on personal preference.
• Protein Alternatives Swap chicken with tofu, turkey, or shrimp for different protein options while maintaining the zesty Mexican-inspired flavor profile.
• Cheese Flexibility Experiment with different cheese varieties like cheddar, pepper jack, or queso fresco to create unique taste combinations and textures.
• Make-Ahead Strategy Prepare the salsa and season chicken ahead of time, storing separately in the refrigerator to streamline meal preparation and enhance flavor development.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 61g
• Cholesterol: 120mg