Salsa Chicken
Published September 5, 2022 • Updated September 26, 2022
A zesty baked chicken dish with creamy salsa
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This easy baked salsa chicken recipe is the perfect meal for busy nights. The possibilities to enjoy this five ingredient dump and go meal are limitless with instructions for Instant Pot and slow cooker.
With only five ingredients, this salsa chicken uses ingredients you probably already have in the house, can be tossed together in minutes, and is ready to eat in thirty minutes! You can even dump everything in the slow cooker in the morning so that dinner is already made for you at the end of a long day. Or for a quicker fix, make it Instant Pot salsa chicken.
Salsa chicken in a pressure cooker and slow cooker salsa chicken can be shredded and used for multiple meals like chicken tacos or burritos. How to make salsa chicken
- Prepare chicken thighs or breast by seasoning with salt, pepper and taco seasoning.
- Spread on a mixture of softened cream cheese and drained Rotel or salsa on top o the chicken.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the chicken top with shredded cheddar cheese. Then bake for a few more minutes so the cheese can melt.
- Serve with rice and top with sour cream and cilantro.
Key ingredients & substitutions
- Chicken – Choose boneless, skinless chicken for this recipe. You can use either chicken breasts or thighs. Chicken thighs will be more tender and juicy because of their higher fat content.
- Taco seasoning – Store-bought taco seasoning works just fine, but you can always make your own customizable and homemade taco seasoning that doesn’t have a bunch off added fillers, junk or sugar. Plus, this option is less expensive.
- Rotel – This is a great all-in-one tomato, chili, and seasoning option, but you can also use salsa or even finely diced fresh tomatoes with a can of green chilis.
- Cream cheese – Makes this chicken salsa recipe creamy and satisfying.
- Cheddar cheese – Cheddar cheese is what I used, but feel free to use other types like pepper jack, a Mexican blend, or Colby to change up the flavor. If you don’t have shredded cheese, you can crumble up or shred block cheese.
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Ingredients
2 lbs skinless, boneless chicken (breast or thighs) -
4 teaspoons taco seasoning
-
4 oz cream cheese, softened
-
1 (10 oz) can Rotel or salsa, drained
-
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Step by Step Instructions
Step by Step Instructions
Prepare chicken
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place chicken in a 9×13 baking dish and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Then sprinkle taco seasoning on both sides of chicken and rub into the top.
- Chicken breast or chicken thighs
- Salt & pepper
- Taco seasoning
Prepare creamy salsa
In a medium bowl, add softened cream cheese and drained Rotel. Stir to combine.
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Rotel (drained)
Top with salsa mixture
Spread salsa cream cheese mixture on top of chicken. Bake at 375 for 30-35 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
Top with shredded cheese
Remove from the oven. Top with shredded cheddar cheese. Return to the oven and continue baking for 3-5 more minutes or until cheese is melted.
- Shredded cheddar cheese
Crockpot salsa chicken
Add chicken to the bottom of the slow cooker. Season with salt, pepper and taco seasoning. Pour rotel over the chicken and top with cream cheese. Cook on high for 3 ½ hours or low for 6-8 hours. Option to make shredded chicken by shredding cooked chicken with 2 forks.
Instant pot instructions
Add chicken, taco seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, Rotel (undrained), ½ cup chicken broth or water. Pressure cook on high for 12 minutes. Allow pressure to release naturally for 8 minutes, then open the valve for quick release. Remove some of the liquid if desired. Shred chicken with softened cream cheese.
Nutrition disclaimer
The nutrition information provided is an estimate and is for informational purposes only. I am a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); however, this content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified health provider before making any lifestyle changes or beginning a new nutrition program.
This was very good and I would make it again! I had trouble mixing my softened cream cheese into the salsa. I thought the lumps of cream cheese would smooth out as it baked, but they didn't. Next time, I will try using whipped cream cheese instead or sour cream. I also added sliced bell peppers on top before baking to get some vegetables in. I'm giving it 4 stars because it was hard to mix the cream cheese/salsa as written, but it is a really good and easy recipe!
BIG HIT!
My husband is not Keto but absolutely LOVED this. He even said it had a nice "warm" mouth feel (he's not a fan of spicy food). He said he'd eat the rest of this if I didn't want any more & that he wants me to add this to our rotating menu. Thank you!