Looking for a vibrant and healthy meal that delivers on both taste and nutrition? The Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake is the answer to your cravings. This delightful recipe combines tender baked chicken breasts with zesty, homemade salsa fresca, creating a dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. Whether you’re diving into the world of spicy chicken recipes baked to perfection or exploring clean chicken dinner recipes, this dish stands out for its simplicity, flavor, and freshness.
Why You Should Try Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake
O Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake recipe offers a balanced and satisfying meal that checks all the boxes: it’s low-carb, high-protein, gluten-free, and bursting with fresh ingredients. It brings together the comfort of oven-baked chicken with the brightness of chopped tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and herbs.
This recipe is also ideal if you’re seeking chicken dinner meals healthy enough for fitness goals but delicious enough to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s customizable. Not a fan of spice? Just skip the jalapeño. Want to make it heartier? Add black beans or corn.
Ingredientes que Você vai Precisar
To make this irresistible Chicken Salsa Fresca dish, gather the following ingredients:
For the Salsa Fresca:
- 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, minced (optional for spice)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 dentes de alho, amassados
- Juice of 1 lime
- Sal e pimenta a gosto
Para o Frango:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 colher de sopa de azeite de oliva
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 colher de chá de chili em pó
- 1/2 colher de chá de paprika
- 1/2 colher de chá de sal
- 1/4 de colher de chá de pimenta preta
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese (optional)
How to Make Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake
Step 1: Prepare the Salsa Fresca
In a mixing bowl, combine diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside to let the flavors meld.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry, then rub them with olive oil. Mix the cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl and season the chicken evenly on both sides.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Place the chicken breasts in a greased baking dish. Spoon a generous amount of salsa fresca over each breast. If you like cheese, sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella over the top.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If using cheese, you can broil for an additional 2-3 minutes to get a golden, bubbly topping.
Servindo Sugestões
Este Chicken Fresca recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Serve it over a bed of quinoa, cauliflower rice, or a leafy green salad for a wholesome and complete meal. Add a side of avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream for extra richness.
Want More Recipes Chicken Lovers Adore?
If you’re constantly looking for new and exciting ways to serve chicken, you’re not alone. Chicken is one of the most versatile proteins out there, and it’s the star of countless dishes across global cuisines. Check out more recipes with baked chicken that incorporate flavors from Mediterranean herbs to Asian-inspired marinades.
Por Esta Receita Funciona
- Health-conscious: Low in calories but high in nutrients.
- Quick to make: Prepping and cooking time is under an hour.
- Full of flavor: The salsa fresca adds brightness, tang, and a spicy kick.
- Personalizável: Use it as a base and modify it to suit your taste.
This is one of those chicken chopped meat recipes that can be reimagined endlessly. Dice the cooked chicken and stuff it into tacos, burritos, or lettuce wraps. Or use it as a protein-packed topping for nachos.
Tips for the Best Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake
- Use fresh ingredients. Fresh tomatoes, lime juice, and herbs make a world of difference.
- Don’t overbake. Chicken can dry out easily. Use a thermometer to avoid guessing.
- Let it rest. Once out of the oven, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices.
- Marinate for deeper flavor. If time allows, marinate your chicken in the spice mix and a bit of lime juice for 30 minutes before baking.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~320
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbs: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
These stats make it ideal if you’re on a low-carb or clean-eating plan. It’s one of those rare clean chicken dinner recipes that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for nutrition.
Make-Ahead and Storage
You can prepare the salsa fresca up to 24 hours in advance. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave. The cooked chicken also freezes well if you want to save portions for future meals.
Variações para Tentar
- Add veggies: Include bell peppers or zucchini in the baking dish.
- Spicy lovers: Add chipotle powder or hot sauce to the chicken seasoning.
- Cheese swap: Try pepper jack for an extra spicy, melty topping.
- Protein change: Use turkey breast or boneless thighs if preferred.
What Makes Salsa Fresca So Special?
Salsa fresca, also known as pico de gallo, is a raw, uncooked salsa made from chopped vegetables and herbs. Unlike blended or cooked salsas, it’s crisp, fresh, and bursting with texture. It elevates any dish with its clean, natural flavors, making it the perfect topping for this chicken fresca recipe.
Pensamentos Finais
O Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake is more than just a recipe; it’s a gateway to healthier eating that still feels indulgent. It’s an excellent addition to your meal planning rotation, whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out. With simple steps and a short ingredient list, it proves that nutritious food can be both easy and delicious.
Whether you’re hunting for spicy chicken recipes baked for dinner tonight or looking to diversify your weekly menu with frango dinner meals healthy and fulfilling, this recipe is a must-try. Let your taste buds dance with the zesty vibrance of Chicken Salsa Fresca and experience a new level of weeknight dinner satisfaction.
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