Dinner

Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake Recipe

ByRita Bennet October 19, 2025October 19, 2025

Introduction

Salsa Fresca Chicken Bake is a vibrant, flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Combining juicy chicken with fresh tomato salsa and melted mozzarella, it’s both healthy and satisfying. This easy bake takes just minutes to prepare and delivers a deliciously spicy kick.

A close-up view of a cheesy baked dish in a white bowl, showing a spoon lifting a portion. The dish has multiple layers including a base of browned chicken pieces, topped with melted creamy white cheese stretched in strings, scattered small bright green herbs, and juicy red tomato slices. The background shows the rest of the dish with a mix of melted cheese, green peppers, and fresh herbs on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups cherry tomatoes (diced)
1 medium white onion (chopped)

1 large jalapeño (chopped)
A bunch of cilantro (chopped)

1/2 lime (juiced)
1/2 tsp salt (divided)

2 lbs chicken breast (boneless and skinless, diced)
1/2 tsp cumin
1 tsp paprika powder

1 tbsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp red chili pepper flakes
1/4 tsp black pepper

1 cup shredded mozzarella

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch casserole dish and spray it lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a bowl, combine the diced cherry tomatoes, chopped onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix well to make the salsa fresca.

Step 3: Place the diced chicken evenly in the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the cumin, paprika, garlic powder, red chili pepper flakes, black pepper, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt over the chicken. Toss or stir gently to coat the chicken thoroughly with the seasonings.
Step 4: Spoon the tomato salsa mixture evenly over the seasoned chicken, then top with the shredded mozzarella cheese.
Step 5: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Remove from the oven and garnish with extra chopped cilantro before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a milder dish, remove the jalapeño seeds or substitute with a mild pepper.
Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving for extra brightness.

Try using pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella for a spicier twist.
Serve over rice or with warm tortillas for a complete meal.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through. To keep the chicken moist, cover with foil when reheating in the oven.

How to Serve

A white baking dish filled with a baked chicken casserole showing at least three layers: a base layer of tender chicken pieces with a light golden color, a middle layer of finely chopped colorful vegetables including red cherry tomato slices, green olives, and onions, and a top layer of melted white cheese sprinkled with fresh chopped green herbs. The cheese is bubbly and slightly browned in spots, with the vegetables peeking through. The dish rests on a white marbled surface with scattered parsley leaves and halved cherry tomatoes around it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken for even cooking. If using frozen, make sure to thaw it completely before baking to avoid uneven results.