Description
Fresh and cheesy Salsa Fresca Chicken is a quick, delicious dinner made with juicy chicken breasts and zesty pico de gallo.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs chicken breast, boneless and skinless
- ¼ tsp cumin
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- 2 cups fresh pico de gallo
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Place them in a lightly greased baking dish.
- Season: In a small bowl, combine cumin, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Sprinkle evenly over both sides of the chicken.
- Top with pico: Spoon fresh pico de gallo over each chicken breast, spreading it to cover the surface.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Add cheese: Remove the dish from the oven, sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the chicken, and return to oven for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro and serve immediately.
Notes
Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
If your chicken breasts are thick, slice them horizontally to ensure even cooking.
Homemade pico de gallo makes a noticeable difference in flavor, but quality store-bought versions work fine.
This dish pairs well with rice, cauliflower rice, black beans, or a light salad.