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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the oven to 400F (200C) and lightly coat a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until chicken reaches 165F (74C), cheese turns golden and bubbly, and tomato mixture releases a flavorful sauce.
- 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