Name: Easy Baked Salsa Chicken
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 3 large Chicken Breasts (skinless-boneless); 2 packets Taco Seasoning; 1 15-ounce can Diced Tomatoes ((or Ro-Tel)); 2 cups Salsa

Jump to Recipe

This Easy Baked Salsa Chicken recipe is a bold, flavorful shredded chicken dish that’s super easy to make! Juicy chicken breasts bake in a zesty mix of salsa, seasoning, and tomatoes. This recipe makes the best chicken taco filling, or layer it in burrito bowls, or add on top of salads. With a few simple ingredients and a quick prep time, this is a delicious busy weeknight dinner recipe!

Easy Chicken Dinner in About 30 Minutes

When you need a quick dinner recipe that also tastes good, this easy baked salsa chicken is a great choice. It uses just 4 simple ingredients, and bakes into juicy, bold-flavored shredded chicken in about 30 minutes.

Great for busy nights or effortless meal prep. Salsa Chicken pairs well with my Instant Pot Mexican Rice and Instant Pot Refried Beans.

Why You’ll Like This Salsa Chicken Recipe

Just 4 ingredients – Easy to find and flavorful!
Oven-baked – Keeps it super easy.
The Best Meal Prep Chicken – Makes a big batch of flavorful shredded chicken to use for several meals.
Versatile – Use chicken for tacos, nachos, rice bowls, salads, and more.
Kid-friendly & crowd-pleasing – Everyone loves this easy recipe!

This easy salsa chicken recipe is also great to serve for Taco Tuesday, Cinco de Mayo, Game Day, potlucks, or any casual get-together.

It feeds a crowd, stays warm in a slow cooker, and everyone can build their own tacos, bowls, or nachos!

Ingredients in Easy Baked Salsa Chicken Recipe

You only need a few pantry staples to make this easy baked chicken recipe:

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – You can also use thighs if you prefer.
Taco Seasoning – Choose your favorite brand or make my homemade taco seasoning recipe.
Canned Diced Tomatoes – Regular or Ro-Tel for extra kick.
Salsa – I prefer the salsa from the deli section, but you can use chunky, smooth, spicy, or mild, any kind works.

My Favorite Garnishes

Toppings are my favorite part! Here are some delicious ones to really make this salsa chicken shine:
• Sour Cream
• Cotija Cheese or Mexican Blend
• Guacamole or Sliced Avocados
• Fresh Cilantro
• Diced White Onion
• Pickled Jalapeños
• Squeeze of Lime Juice
• Crushed Tortilla Chips

How to Make Salsa Chicken

Prep:
• Preheat your oven to 375°F. Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Season the Chicken
• Add 1 cup of the salsa in the baking dish, spreading it out a little.
• Place the chicken breasts in the dish and sprinkle one of the packets of taco seasoning evenly over both sides of the chicken.

Add Tomatoes
• Pour the diced tomatoes (with their juices) over the chicken and spread over them.

Add More Seasoning
• Sprinkle the second packet of taco seasoning over the top.
Add the Salsa
• Pour the salsa all over the chicken and tomatoes, covering it well.
Bake the Chicken
• Bake uncovered for 25–35 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F.

Shred and Mix
• Carefully remove the pan from the oven. Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the dish (being careful of the hot pan), mixing it with all the flavorful juices.

How to Shred Chicken Easier

A hand mixer or stand mixer can quickly shred the chicken in seconds (on LOW speed) while the chicken is still warm and soft (be careful with hot chicken). TIP: Use a deep bowl as bits tend to fly around.

Salsa Chicken being shredded with a hand mixer — Use a hand mixer to quickly and easily shred the chicken breast

Salsa Chicken Recipe Tips

Make it spicy: Use Ro-Tel in place of the diced tomatoes. Use hot salsa or add a pinch of chipotle pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.
Use a meat thermometer: Ensures perfectly cooked chicken every time.
Double the recipe: This is great for meal prepping as the leftovers reheat well.
Keep the shredded chicken from drying out: Mix the shredded chicken back into the sauce or cooking juices to keep it moist and flavorful. Also, don’t overbake the chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken for salsa chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, just increase the bake time and check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Make sure they’re separated, not frozen in a block.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes. Boneless skinless thighs work great and tend to stay extra juicy.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. Add everything to your slow cooker and cook on LOW for 3–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, then shred.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
You can, but canned tomatoes provide more liquid for the sauce. If using fresh, consider adding a splash of chicken broth or water.

How to Serve the Best Salsa Chicken

This easy Mexican chicken recipe is so versatile! Try it:
• In tacos with your favorite garnishes
• Over cilantro lime rice or Spanish rice
• On top of nachos with melted cheese
• In a burrito bowl with beans and veggies
• Stuffed in lettuce wraps or layered in a taco salad

What to Serve with Salsa Chicken

Fresh Homemade Guacamole
Instant Pot Mexican Pinto Beans
Mexican Street Corn Salad
Instant Pot Mexican Rice
Tex-Mex Cornbread Recipe

Storing and Reheating Shredded Chicken

Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Cool completely and freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, use an air fryer, or microwave in short bursts.

Ready to Make Easy Salsa Chicken?

This easy salsa chicken recipe is a dinner you’ll come back to again and again. Who knew chicken with taco seasoning and salsa could turn into such a delicious dinner!

Whether you're meal prepping or feeding a hungry group, this simple, favorite one-pan chicken recipe never disappoints.

If you make this Easy Baked Salsa Chicken recipe, I’d love to hear how you served it! Just leave a comment below with a star rating. Enjoy!

Easy Baked Salsa Chicken

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

30 mins

Total Time

35 mins

Easy Baked Salsa Chicken is a juicy, flavorful shredded chicken recipe made with just 4 ingredients. Perfect for tacos, bowls, salads, or meal prep. Ready in about 30 minutes!

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American, Tex Mex

Keyword: cinco de mayo recipe, Mexican chicken, shredded chicken

Servings: 6

Calories: 225 kcal

Author: Sandy Clifton

Ingredients

3 large Chicken Breasts skinless-boneless
2 packets Taco Seasoning
1 15-ounce can Diced Tomatoes (or Ro-Tel)
2 cups Salsa

Instructions

Spray the baking dish with cooking spray.
Add the chicken and season both sides with 1 of the taco seasoning packets.
Pour the diced tomatoes over the chicken.
Sprinkle the remaining taco seasoning packet over the tomatoes.
Pour the salsa over the chicken.
Bake uncovered for 25-35 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken is 165°F in the thickest part. Don't overbake!
Remove from the oven and use 2 forks to shred the chicken and mix with the sauce (Be careful of the hot pan!).
Serve on tortillas, taco shells, over rice, or even a salad. Load up with any of your favorite garnishes.