If you’re searching for a weeknight winner that’s quick, bursting with flavor, and effortlessly delicious, this Skillet Salsa Chicken Recipe is an absolute must-try. Juicy chicken cutlets nestled in a vibrant salsa sauce, topped with melted cheese creates a perfect harmony of spice, savoriness, and comfort. It’s a dish that feels fancy but comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it a personal favorite to share with friends and family when you need an impressive meal without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple staples that you likely already have on hand. Each component plays an important role, from the tender chicken breasts to the zesty salsa that brings a lively color and tang, and the cheese that adds irresistible gooeyness.
- Chicken breasts: Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut thin ensures quick, even cooking and juicy bites.
- Garlic powder and chili powder: These seasonings add a subtle depth and gentle heat that perfectly complement the salsa.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors in the dish without overpowering them.
- All-purpose flour: For dredging, it helps create a lightly crisp exterior on the chicken when seared.
- Butter and olive oil: The butter provides richness and flavor, while olive oil aids in browning the chicken beautifully.
- Chicken broth: Used to deglaze the pan, it captures all those flavorful browned bits for an even more robust salsa sauce.
- Salsa: Your favorite jarred variety brings fresh tomatoes, peppers, and herbs to the dish, adding brightness and moisture.
- Mexican cheese blend: A mix of cheeses that melts perfectly on top, adding creaminess and a golden finish.
- Fresh cilantro (optional): Adds a fresh, herbal note that brightens each bite beautifully.
How to Make Skillet Salsa Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken breasts in half lengthwise to make thinner cutlets. Season them generously with garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Then, lightly dredge each piece in all-purpose flour, which will provide a nice coating that helps with browning and texture.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat the butter and olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the chicken cutlets and cook them until they develop a beautiful golden crust on each side. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside. This searing step locks in juices and adds irresistible flavor.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth to the hot skillet and use your spoon to scrape up all the delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom. Those bits are flavor gold! Stir in the salsa and let it simmer gently to meld the flavors.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Place the chicken cutlets back into the skillet, nestling them into the salsa. Spoon extra sauce over the chicken, then generously sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend on top. Transfer your skillet to a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven and bake for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese melts perfectly. For an extra touch, you can broil it for 1-2 minutes to achieve a golden, bubbling cheese crust.
How to Serve Skillet Salsa Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped cilantro sprinkled on top adds a lovely herbal brightness that contrasts perfectly with the cheesy, savory chicken. If you like a bit of extra zip, a squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving also wakes up the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This skillet salsa chicken shines alongside simple sides like steamed rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even a crisp green salad. For a heartier meal, try warming some soft tortillas to scoop up every bit of that saucy goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, shred the cooked chicken and toss it with more salsa and cheese to create a delightful filling for tacos or enchiladas. Another great idea is to serve it over a bed of quinoa or cauliflower rice for a gluten-free, nutritious plate that still feels indulgent.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Skillet Salsa Chicken Recipe makes fantastic leftovers! Simply transfer any uneaten portions to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld together beautifully overnight, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to prepare in advance. Cool completely and freeze in portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. To prevent sogginess, it’s best to freeze before baking or just after cooking and cooling.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, covering to retain moisture. Microwaving works too—heat in short bursts to avoid drying out the chicken. Adding a splash of chicken broth or salsa can refresh the sauce during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully for this recipe and add extra juiciness, though cooking times may vary slightly.
What type of salsa is best?
Choose a salsa with good balance—nothing too watery or chunky. Medium-spiced salsa usually works best to keep the flavors vibrant but not overpowering.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe as written uses flour for dredging, which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, substitute with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
To adapt it, swap chicken for firm tofu or cauliflower steaks and use vegan cheese. The salsa sauce remains delicious and satisfying.
How spicy is the dish?
The heat depends on your salsa’s spice level and chili powder. You can easily adjust by choosing mild or hot salsa and varying the chili powder amount to suit your taste.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and exciting about this Skillet Salsa Chicken Recipe that makes it a true weeknight hero. It’s quick to prepare, packed with bold flavors, and brings everyone to the table smiling. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it one of your favorite go-to dinners as well!
Print
Skillet Salsa Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Skillet Salsa Chicken recipe is a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts are seasoned, lightly dredged in flour, and pan-seared to golden perfection. They are then simmered in a vibrant salsa sauce and topped with melted Mexican cheese, all finished off with a quick bake in the oven. Garnished with fresh cilantro, this dish combines savory and tangy flavors with minimal effort for a delicious dinner the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- All-purpose flour, for dredging
Cooking Fats
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce and Toppings
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1 (14.5-ounce) jar salsa (your favorite kind)
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets for faster and more even cooking. Season both sides of the chicken cutlets with garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Dredge each cutlet lightly in flour, shaking off any excess to ensure a thin coating.
- Cook Chicken: Heat butter and olive oil together in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken cutlets and cook until each side is lightly golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step locks in juices and develops flavor. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside temporarily.
- Make Sauce: Pour chicken broth into the same skillet and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any brown bits stuck to the bottom—these add extra flavor. Stir in the jar of salsa and bring the mixture to a simmer to combine the flavors nicely.
- Assemble and Bake: Return the chicken cutlets to the skillet nestled in the salsa sauce. Spoon some of the salsa over each piece, then evenly sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend on top. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden, browned cheese crust, optionally broil the skillet for 1-2 minutes afterward, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and garnish the dish with freshly chopped cilantro if desired. Serve immediately for a warm, comforting meal that pairs well with rice, tortillas, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Thinner chicken cutlets help the chicken cook evenly and quickly.
- Use an oven-safe skillet (like cast iron) to go from stovetop to oven seamlessly.
- Salsa flavor can be customized—try mild, medium, or spicy depending on preference.
- Broiling at the end is optional but adds a nice cheesy crust.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
