My Meal Logo My Meals
Recipes Meal Plans What & Why Download App (iOS / Android)
Recipes Meal Plans What & Why Download App (iOS / Android)

Zesty Mexican Chicken Bake

by
S
Sophie

A flavorful and easy-to-prepare Mexican-inspired chicken dish, perfect for meal prepping or a family dinner.

Save Recipe Add to Meal Plan

GET IT ON
App Store
GET IT ON
Google Play

Already have My Meals?

Open in App
My Meals App Preview
Preparation time (min) 10 min
Cooking time (min) 45 min
Difficulty
Zesty Mexican Chicken Bake

Ingredients

4 servings
|
  • 4 whole
    Chicken breast boneless, skinless or Chicken thighs
  • 1 whole
    Onion medium or Shallot
  • 2 clove
    Garlic fresh or Garlic powder
  • 1 cup
    Salsa mild or Pico de gallo
  • 1/2 cup
    Black olive sliced or Green olive
  • 1 cup
    Cheddar cheese shredded or Monterey jack cheese

Instructions

1

Prepare the freezer bag

Label a freezer bag with the recipe name and cooking instructions.

Use a permanent marker to ensure the label stays legible.

2

Add chicken to the bag

Place the chicken breasts into the freezer bag.

Ensure the chicken pieces are evenly distributed in the bag.

Ingredients needed for this step

chicken breast
3

Add remaining ingredients

Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, salsa, and sliced olives to the bag.

Mix the ingredients in a bowl first for even distribution before adding to the bag.

Ingredients needed for this step

onion garlic salsa black olive
4

Seal and mix

Seal the bag, removing as much air as possible, and massage to coat the chicken evenly.

Double-check the seal to prevent leaks during freezing.

Ingredients needed for this step

chicken breast onion garlic salsa black olive
5

Marinate or freeze

Freeze the bag until ready to use, or refrigerate for at least 2 hours to marinate.

Lay the bag flat in the freezer for easier storage.

Ingredients needed for this step

chicken breast onion garlic salsa black olive
6

Preheat the oven

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

Ensure the oven rack is in the middle position for even cooking.

7

Prepare for baking

Transfer the chicken and marinade to a baking dish.

Lightly grease the baking dish to prevent sticking.

Ingredients needed for this step

chicken breast onion garlic salsa black olive
8

Bake the chicken

Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Ingredients needed for this step

chicken breast onion garlic salsa black olive
9

Add cheese topping

Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the chicken and return to the oven until melted.

Switch to the broiler setting for a golden, bubbly cheese topping.

Ingredients needed for this step

cheddar cheese
10

Serve and enjoy

Serve the chicken hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or a lime wedge if desired.

Pair with your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.

Ingredients needed for this step

chicken breast onion garlic salsa black olive cheddar cheese

Nutrition Facts (100g)

Calories 165 kcal
Fat 6.5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
Carbohydrates 5.5 g
Fiber 1 g
Sugar 1 g
Protein 23 g

Learn More About This Recipe

📝

About this Recipe

Discover this Zesty Mexican Chicken Bake recipe, a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken breasts marinated in a zesty salsa mixture, baked to perfection, and topped with melted cheese. Perfect for meal prep or a family dinner.
💪

Why This Recipe Is Good For You

This recipe is great for those looking for a quick and nutritious meal option. It's high in protein, low in carbs, and packed with flavor, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.
💡

Tips & Tricks

For an extra kick, use a spicy salsa or add a pinch of chili powder to the marinade. You can also garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for added freshness.
🔄

Recipe Variations

Try using Monterey Jack cheese instead of cheddar for a creamier texture. You can also add sliced bell peppers or corn to the baking dish for additional flavor and texture.
🗄️

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
📚

Recipe History

Mexican-inspired chicken dishes have been a staple in many households due to their bold flavors and versatility. This recipe builds on traditional flavors while offering a convenient make-ahead option.
🥗

Nutritional Information

This dish is high in protein and low in carbohydrates, making it a healthy choice for those on a low-carb or high-protein diet.
🍽️

Pairing Suggestions

Serve this dish with a side of Mexican rice, a fresh green salad, or warm tortillas for a complete meal.

Tags

easy chicken baked marinated cheesy

Recipe Categories

Cuisine

mexican american

Meal Type

dinner

Course

main course

Cooking Methods

baking other

Occasions

weeknight dinner family gathering everyday

Dietary Restrictions

low-carb egg-free low-sugar keto halal kosher

Allergens

milk

Seasons

all-season

Difficulty

  • What & Why
  • Terms
  • Privacy Policy
Switch to English - English Switch to German - Deutsch Switch to Italian - Italiano

© My Meals

We use cookies to enhance your experience. Choose your preferences below.

Cookie Settings

Essential Cookies

Required for the website to function. Cannot be disabled.

Analytics Cookies

Help us understand how visitors interact with our website.

My Meals App

My Meals

Continue in our app for the best experience