Easy Southwest Baked Chicken Recipe: Your Flavorful 4-Ingredient Weeknight Dinner

Looking for a delicious and hassle-free dinner solution? This Southwest Baked Chicken recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it the ultimate weeknight hero. Ready in no time with just 4 essential ingredients, a satisfying meal has never been this simple!

Are you constantly searching for fresh chicken recipes to keep dinner exciting? At our house, chicken is a staple, but it’s easy for the same old preparations to become, well, old and boring. That’s why I’m always experimenting with different chicken dinner ideas to ensure my family stays eager for mealtime. If you’re tired of repetitive dinners and crave something new, vibrant, and incredibly easy, you’ve come to the right place.

This Southwest Baked Chicken recipe is an absolute game-changer. It perfectly captures all those mouth-watering Tex-Mex and Mexican flavors you love, but in a super quick and effortless package that will have dinner on the table in a flash. Forget complicated steps or lengthy ingredient lists; this recipe is designed for maximum taste with minimal fuss.

We all lead busy lives, and getting a wholesome dinner on the table quickly is a non-negotiable priority. This incredible baked chicken recipe requires about two minutes of active “hands-on” time – yes, just two minutes! After that, your oven takes over, perfectly cooking the chicken to tender, juicy perfection. It’s the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal that fits seamlessly into even the most hectic schedules.

Beyond its speed, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Need to feed a crowd or prep for the week ahead? Simply double the ingredients; the cooking time remains largely the same. Cooking for one or two? Easily scale down the recipe to avoid excessive leftovers, though these leftovers are so good, you might actually want them! It’s a fantastic solution for meal planning, ensuring you have delicious, healthy food ready to go.

Why You’ll Love This Southwest Baked Chicken

• Effortless Preparation: With just 4 main ingredients and minimal active cooking time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of taco seasoning and salsa infuses the chicken with rich, savory, and slightly spicy Tex-Mex notes that everyone adores.
• Healthy & Wholesome: Lean chicken breasts baked with fresh salsa and a sprinkle of cheese make for a nutritious and satisfying meal.
• Incredibly Versatile: Easily customize the spice level, add extra vegetables, or serve it with a variety of side dishes to suit any preference.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Doubles easily, providing delicious leftovers for lunches or future dinners.

Essential Ingredients for Southwest Baked Chicken

Before you start, make sure you have these simple ingredients on hand. For the complete measurements and detailed instructions, be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card.

• Chicken Breasts: We recommend boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quick and even cooking. You could also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a slightly richer flavor and more tender texture. If your chicken breasts are very thick, consider pounding them slightly to an even thickness (about ¾-1 inch) to ensure they cook uniformly.
• Taco Seasoning: A store-bought packet is perfectly convenient for this recipe. However, if you prefer to control the salt and spices, or just love making things from scratch, my Homemade Taco Seasoning blend is an excellent choice. Adjust the amount to your preferred spice level!
• Salsa: For this recipe, a good quality jarred salsa is actually best. It tends to be less watery than fresh pico de gallo, which helps prevent the chicken from becoming submerged and allows the flavors to concentrate beautifully during baking. Choose your favorite mild, medium, or hot salsa to match your family’s taste.
• Shredded Cheese: A classic sharp cheddar or a pre-packaged Mexican blend works wonderfully. The cheese melts into a gooey, flavorful crust, adding a creamy richness that complements the bold Southwest flavors. Monterey Jack or Colby Jack are also excellent alternatives.
• Cilantro: This is an optional garnish, but a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous note that truly elevates the dish. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, fresh parsley is a great alternative for a pop of green and a hint of freshness.

How to Make Easy Southwest Baked Chicken

This recipe is so straightforward, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it sooner. Here’s a quick overview of the simple steps:

1. **Prepare Chicken:** Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels – this helps the seasoning adhere better. Evenly sprinkle your chosen taco seasoning generously over both sides of the chicken breasts.
2. **Assemble & Bake:** Place the seasoned chicken in a 13×9 inch baking dish. Pour your favorite jarred salsa over the chicken, ensuring each piece is nicely coated. Then, simply transfer the dish to the preheated oven and let it bake!
3. **Add Cheese:** Once the chicken is nearly cooked through (about 20-25 minutes, depending on thickness), remove it from the oven and evenly top each piece with your shredded cheese. Return the dish to the oven for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly.
4. **Garnish (Optional):** For a burst of fresh flavor, sprinkle a little fresh, chopped cilantro over the finished chicken before serving. This is entirely optional but highly recommended to brighten up the dish.
5. **Serve Hot:** Serve your flavorful Southwest Baked Chicken immediately with your favorite sides.

Pro Tips for Perfect Southwest Baked Chicken

• Even Thickness: If your chicken breasts are unevenly thick, consider pounding the thicker parts slightly to ensure they cook at the same rate. This prevents some parts from drying out while others are still cooking.
• Don’t Skimp on Seasoning: Make sure to coat both sides of the chicken generously with taco seasoning for maximum flavor penetration.
• Choose Your Salsa Wisely: A thicker salsa works best here as it clings to the chicken and bakes down beautifully. If your salsa is very thin, you might drain a little of the excess liquid.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: The safest and most accurate way to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked is to use a digital meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken; it should register 165°F (74°C).
• Rest the Chicken: Once removed from the oven, let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and moist chicken.

What to Serve with Southwest Baked Chicken

This is one of those wonderfully versatile meals that pairs beautifully with a wide array of side dishes. You can create a complete Tex-Mex feast or keep it simple with a fresh side. Here are some fantastic ideas:

• **Classic Tex-Mex Sides:**
  • Mexican Rice or Cilantro Lime Rice: A staple for soaking up all the delicious juices.
  • Homemade Refried Beans or Slow Cooker Black Beans: Hearty and flavorful, these are perfect accompaniments.
  • Warm Tortillas: Turn your chicken into easy tacos, burritos, or quesadillas.
• **Fresh & Light Options:**
  • A vibrant Tossed Salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the rich flavors.
  • Fresh Corn Salad or Avocado Salad for a burst of color and healthy fats.
  • Sliced avocado or a dollop of fresh guacamole.
• **Comforting & Hearty Choices:**
  • The Best Cornbread recipe, perfect for a cozy meal.
  • Roasted vegetables like Roasted Asparagus, bell peppers, zucchini, or sweet potatoes for added nutrition.
  • Creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting twist.
• **Extra Toppings:** Don’t forget sour cream, extra salsa, or a sprinkle of green onions!

How Long To Bake Chicken for Perfect Doneness

The baking time for chicken can vary quite a bit, primarily depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts. Generally speaking, for average-sized boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces and ¾ to 1 inch thick), you can expect them to take approximately 25-30 minutes to fully cook in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C).

If your chicken pieces are thinner, they will cook more quickly, potentially in 20-25 minutes. Conversely, very thick breasts might require closer to 35-40 minutes. The most reliable way to ensure your chicken is safely cooked and perfectly juicy is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, making sure it doesn’t touch the baking dish. Chicken is safe to eat once it reaches an internal temperature of 165º F (74°C). Cooking to this temperature ensures food safety without overcooking and drying out the chicken.

Meal Prep & Storing Leftovers

This easy baked chicken recipe is fantastic for meal prepping! You can easily double or even triple the recipe to have healthy, flavorful meals ready for the entire week. Once cooked, allow the chicken to cool completely before storing.

• Storage: Leftover Southwest Baked Chicken should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply place the chicken in the microwave and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. You can also reheat it gently in a skillet on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth, or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through to prevent drying it out.
• Creative Leftovers: Don’t just eat it plain! Shred leftover chicken and use it in salads, wraps, quesadillas, nachos, or even mix it into a hearty soup. It’s incredibly versatile!

More Easy Chicken Dinner Recipes

If you loved this Southwest Baked Chicken, you’ll definitely want to explore these other fantastic and easy chicken dinner ideas:

• Italian Baked Chicken: A flavorful Mediterranean-inspired bake.
• Chicken Madeira: A rich and creamy dish, reminiscent of a restaurant favorite.
• Garlic Tomato Baked Chicken: Simple, aromatic, and comforting.
• Fiesta Lime Chicken: Zesty and vibrant, perfect for a summer meal.
• Crispy Chicken Cordon Bleu: A classic made easy with a crispy coating.

4.59 from 175 votes

Southwest Baked Chicken

By

Erin Sellin

This Southwest Baked Chicken recipe is a quick and delicious solution for any weeknight dinner. With just 4 main ingredients, you get tons of Tex-Mex flavor baked to perfection!

Prep:

5 minutes
mins

Cook:

30 minutes
mins

Total:

35 minutes
mins

Servings:
4

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Video

Equipment

• 13×9 Baking Dish

Ingredients

• 
  ▢
  
  
  4
  
  boneless skinless chicken breasts
  

• 
  ▢
  
  
  2
  Tablespoons
  
  taco seasoning
  

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1
  cup
  
  salsa
  

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1
  cup
  
  shredded cheese
  ,
  (cheddar, mexican blend etc.)

• 
  ▢
  
  
  Cilantro to garnish,
  (optional)

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350º F (175°C).
• Sprinkle taco seasoning evenly over both sides of chicken breasts. Place the seasoned chicken in a 13×9 inch baking dish. Pour salsa generously over the top of the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.
• Remove the dish from the oven. Evenly sprinkle shredded cheese over the chicken. Return to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, for a bright, fresh finish.
• Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful Southwest Baked Chicken!

Nutrition

Calories:
340
kcal

|

Carbohydrates:
7
g

|

Protein:
45
g

|

Fat:
14
g

|

Saturated Fat:
7
g

|

Polyunsaturated Fat:
5
g

|

Cholesterol:
130
mg

|

Sodium:
940
mg

|

Fiber:
2
g

|

Sugar:
3
g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author:

Erin Sellin

Prep Time:

5 minutes
minutes

Cook Time:

30 minutes
minutes

Total Time:

35 minutes
minutes

Course:
Dinner Recipes

Cuisine:
American, Tex-Mex

Servings:
4

Calories:
340

Keyword:
baked chicken, Southwest chicken, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner

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