Easy & Healthy Mexican Chicken Bake Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 4 ounces shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 1 cup salsa

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season one side of the chicken breasts with half of the cumin, half of the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Place the chicken breasts seasoned-side down in the hot oil and fry for 4 to 5 minutes, until lightly browned.
3. Season the top of each chicken breast with the remaining cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Flip the chicken and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes, until lightly browned. If the skillet becomes dry, add a little salsa juice to prevent burning.
4. Transfer the chicken breasts to a 9-inch square baking dish and sprinkle generously with Mexican cheese blend. Deglaze the skillet with a bit more salsa juice and pour the flavorful drippings over the chicken. Spoon the salsa evenly over the cheese layer.
5. Bake the chicken breasts for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and the juices run clear. Use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the chicken to ensure it reaches at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

Nutrition

• Calories: 321 kcal
• Fat Content: 19 g
• Fiber Content: 1 g
• Sugar Content: 2 g
• Sodium Content: 704 mg
• Protein Content: 32 g
• Cholesterol Content: 94 mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 6 g
• Saturated Fat Content: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat Content: 0 g