Easy 5-Ingredient Salsa Chicken Dinner
A quick, healthy, and flavorful dinner featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in salsa with beans, corn, and melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights and simple meal prep.
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
- 1½ cups salsa (medium-spicy recommended)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Mexican blend or cheddar; dairy-free cheese optional)
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed (optional but recommended)
- 1 cup frozen corn (fresh can be substituted)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Warm until shimmering but not smoking.
- Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes on the first side without moving them to get a nice sear.
- Flip the chicken and cook another 5 minutes on the other side until golden and nearly cooked through.
- Pour the salsa evenly over the chicken, then sprinkle the black beans and corn around the chicken in the skillet.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and let everything simmer gently for 8-10 minutes to meld flavors and finish cooking the chicken.
- Remove the lid and sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each chicken breast. Cover again until the cheese melts, about 2-3 minutes.
- Check doneness with a meat thermometer (165°F/74°C) or cut into the thickest part to ensure juices run clear.
- Serve hot, spooning the beans and salsa mixture over the chicken.
Notes
If salsa is watery, drain a bit before adding to avoid a soupy skillet. For extra heat, sprinkle chili flakes before serving. Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for juicier meat. Leftovers reheat well on stove or microwave with a splash of water to keep moist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: One chicken breast w
- Calories: 350400
- Fat: 1012
- Carbohydrates: 1520
- Fiber: 57
- Protein: 3540
Keywords: salsa chicken, quick dinner, healthy meal, 5-ingredient recipe, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, Mexican chicken