Description
This Salsa Chicken recipe is a flavorful, easy-to-make casserole featuring tender seasoned chicken breast layered with cream cheese, refried beans, salsa, and melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Perfect for a comforting dinner that combines Tex-Mex flavors in one dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 large boneless/skinless chicken breasts, about 1 ¾ lbs
- 1 oz. packet Taco Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Layer Ingredients
- 8 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature
- 16 oz. refried beans
- 16 oz. salsa (equal to 2 cups)
- 3/4 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 3/4 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, to garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create thinner slices. Place the slices in a gallon freezer bag or between two sheets of plastic wrap, then pound them to ½ inch thickness using the textured side of a meat mallet. Pat the chicken dry thoroughly.
- Season the Chicken: Season both sides of each chicken slice evenly with the taco seasoning.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken slices in batches for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until a golden crust forms. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the softened cream cheese evenly on the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch baking dish (a 12-inch round baking dish also works). Next, spread the refried beans on top of the cream cheese, followed by an even layer of salsa. Arrange the seared chicken pieces over the salsa layer.
- Add the Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the chicken. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Finish Baking: Remove the foil cover and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the casserole with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro before serving.
Notes
- Shred your own cheese from a block for better melting and flavor instead of using pre-shredded cheese.
- Any salsa brand or homemade salsa can be used, with Pace salsa being a recommended affordable choice.
- Use Philadelphia cream cheese and Old El Paso refried beans for authentic taste as suggested.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
