Baked Salsa Chicken

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 4 medium boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups chunky salsa
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• Chopped cilantro, (for garnish)

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 375ºF.

2. 2

   Add salt, black pepper, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to a small bowl. Mix together to combine and set aside.

3. 3

   Line a large cutting board with plastic wrap or parchment paper. Lay the chicken breasts on top in a single layer, and then cover with another piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper.

4. 4

   Using a meat mallet or a heavy skillet (cast iron works best), pound each breast to about ¾-inch thickness.

5. 5

   Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly on both sides of the chicken breasts.

6. 6

   Pour 1 cup of salsa onto the bottom of the baking dish and spread out evenly.

7. 7

   Place the chicken on top and spoon the remaining salsa on each one.

8. 8

   Bake for 35 minutes, or until chicken is tender, juicy, and fully cooked through. (The internal temperature should read 165ºF with a meat thermometer.)

9. 9

   Remove from oven and sprinkle the top of each chicken with cheese.

10. 10

    Turn the oven broiler on high, place the chicken under the broiler, and broil for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

11. 11

    Remove from oven, let cool for 5 minutes, and serve.