Baked Salsa Chicken

by Gayle on Sep 23, 2019 (updated Jul 24, 2025) 2 comments »

Baked Salsa Chicken is an easy, four ingredient dish that’s made in just one pan. Tender chicken is sprinkled with taco seasoning and then baked with salsa and topped with melted cheese. Fast, fresh, and flavorful, it’s a hearty meal that the whole family will enjoy!

Craving more easy and delicious recipes? Try the Baked Caprese Chicken, Creamy Tuscan Chicken and BBQ Chicken Legs.

three baked salsa chicken breasts in baking dish

I’ve got a winner, winner chicken dinner for you today, friends!

I’ve got a lot of chicken recipes around here, but one thing’s for sure none of them are bland.

Truth is, I’m not a huge fan of plain chicken. I like it jazzed up, in pasta, on a sandwich, or swimming in a flavorful soup or salad. So when the hubster wants chicken, I get creative.

That’s where this baked salsa chicken comes in. It’s bold, cheesy, and couldn’t be easier. Just four ingredients and one pan — taco-seasoned chicken, salsa, and melty cheese. Fast, fresh, and packed with zesty goodness your whole family (yes, even the kids) will love.

close up of baked salsa chicken topped with melted mozzarella

What’s Needed for Baked Salsa Chicken?

Let me tell you, this salsa chicken recipe is perfect for when you’re short on time, but still want a hot and flavorful dinner. And with minimal ingredients, it makes this dish extra simple to prepare. In fact, you might just have all of the ingredients in your kitchen!

Chicken breasts
Taco seasoning
Salsa
Shredded mozzarella

How to Make Baked Salsa Chicken

Making salsa chicken in the oven is as easy as it is flavorful. With just a few simple ingredients and one pan, you’ll have a cheesy, zesty dinner ready in no time. Let the oven do the work while you sit back and get ready to enjoy a weeknight favorite!

Start by preheating your oven to 375F. You’ll want to grease a casserole dish with cooking spray.
Season each chicken breast with a combination of salt, pepper, and taco seasoning. You can use any kind of seasoning you want. I have been using this version for the past six months and love the clean ingredients!
Pour about 1/2 cup of salsa (chunky, hot, mild…your preference) onto the bottom of the dish and then top with the seasoned chicken. Pour the rest of the salsa on top and then let the oven work its magic.
It’s important that the chicken reach an internal temperature of 165F. Once it does, remove from oven, sprinkle with some shredded cheese, and then return to oven until cheese is all melty.
Top chicken with additional salsa or cilantro and get ready to be wowed!

Can I Make Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken?

Want to use that slow cooker? Follow the directions as written, but cook the Mexican chicken breasts on low for 4-6 hours or high on 2-3 hours.

scooping out a Mexican chicken breast from baking dish

How to Serve Salsa Chicken

Alongside rice or pasta! I love to pair this with white rice or egg noodles so that it can absorb some of the salsa.

As a taco or quesadilla! Simply slice the chicken once baked and add to some tortilla shells.

In a salad! Add some baked, sliced chicken on top of a green salad and garnish with extra salsa, sour cream, and avocado.

Variations of Salsa Chicken

Use a cheesy or hot taco seasoning for an extra kick when seasoning the chicken.

Spice up that salsa! Use a mild, hot, or tomatillo salsa. Pico de Gallo or a chipotle salsa work well, too.

Top baked salsa chicken with avocado, sour cream, or black beans for an extra zesty flair.

baked salsa chicken topped with mozzarella in baking dish

Tips for Making Baked Salsa Chicken

For the best flavor, buy a block of mozzarella and shred it yourself.
For spicier salsa chicken, use a spicy salsa and / or spicy taco seasoning. You can also add some hot sauce to the chicken once it’s out of the oven!
I used boneless skinless chicken breasts, but chicken thighs will work as well.

Looking for more easy chicken recipes? I’ve got you covered!

5 from 1 rating