Baked Santa Fe Chicken: A Zesty, Cheesy & Easy Weeknight Dinner

Prepare to elevate your weeknight dinner routine with our incredible Baked Santa Fe Chicken recipe! This dish takes ordinary chicken breasts and transforms them into a flavor-packed experience, boasting the vibrant zest of salsa and the irresistible melt of Mexican cheese. It’s a perfect blend of convenience and deliciousness, ensuring a satisfying meal that’s both simple to prepare and a joy to eat. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting in the kitchen, this recipe is designed for success, delivering tender, juicy chicken with a crispy, savory coating and a vibrant topping that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Santa Fe Chicken Recipe

This Baked Santa Fe Chicken isn’t just another chicken dish; it’s a culinary journey that brings the festive spirit of Tex-Mex flavors right to your dining table. Imagine succulent chicken breasts, perfectly seasoned and breaded for an exquisite crunch, then crowned with a lively salsa and a generous layer of gooey, melted cheese. It’s comfort food with a kick, offering a fantastic balance of textures and tastes. This recipe is particularly beloved for its adaptability, allowing for quick preparation without compromising on flavor, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings when you crave something extraordinary without the fuss.

Beyond its fantastic taste, this recipe shines in its simplicity. We’ve streamlined the process to ensure that even on your busiest days, you can whip up a gourmet-quality meal in under an hour. The combination of crispy breading, tangy salsa, and creamy cheese creates a harmonious profile that appeals to a wide range of palates, including picky eaters. It’s also incredibly versatile, pairing beautifully with a variety of side dishes, from a simple green salad to rice and beans, making it a complete meal solution.

A Quick & Easy Alternative: The 3-Ingredient Wonder

For those days when time is an even greater luxury, this recipe offers a brilliant shortcut: convert it into a three-ingredient dish ready in under 30 minutes! Simply substitute fresh boneless chicken breasts with frozen breaded chicken strips. Prepare the chicken strips according to package directions, and in the last few minutes of their cooking time, top them generously with salsa and Mexican cheese blend. Return to the oven or microwave just long enough for the cheese to melt into a luscious, bubbly layer. This adaptation provides a fast, satisfying meal without sacrificing the signature Santa Fe flavors, perfect for impromptu dinners or when unexpected guests arrive.

Recipe Details: Baked Santa Fe Chicken

Santa Fe Chicken

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This Baked Santa Fe Chicken recipe offers a delightful blend of tender, breaded chicken breasts enhanced by the vibrant flavors of salsa and a rich Mexican cheese blend. It’s a quick and flavorful dish perfect for any day of the week, combining classic Tex-Mex ingredients for an irresistible meal.

AuthorAuthor: Mary Ann

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Main Dish

Cuisine Tex-Mex

Servings 6 servings

Calories 394

Ingredients

  

• 1-½ lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts: For tender, lean protein.
• ½ cup mayonnaise: Acts as a binder for the breading and adds moisture.
• ½ cup saltine crackers, finely crushed: Provides a delicate, savory crispness.
• 2 tablespoon butter, melted: For golden-brown crisping and rich flavor.
• 1 cup salsa: Choose your favorite mild, medium, or hot for a burst of fresh flavor.
• 1 cup Mexican blend cheese, shredded: Melts beautifully for a creamy, savory topping.
• Non-stick cooking spray: To prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

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Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 425ºF (220ºC). In a shallow dish, spread out the mayonnaise. In another shallow dish, place the finely crushed saltine crackers. Take each boneless, skinless chicken breast and coat it thoroughly with mayonnaise, ensuring all surfaces are covered. Then, dredge the mayonnaise-coated chicken in the crushed cracker crumbs, turning to evenly coat both sides. This creates a delicious, crispy crust.
• Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Carefully place the prepared, breaded chicken breasts into the baking dish, leaving a little space between each piece. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over each piece of chicken. The butter will help the breading crisp up to a beautiful golden brown and add rich flavor.
• Bake the chicken for 20 minutes, or until it is thoroughly cooked. To ensure doneness, use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken should reach 165ºF (74ºC). This guarantees juicy, safe-to-eat chicken.
• Once the chicken is cooked through, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Evenly spoon your favorite salsa over each chicken breast, then sprinkle generously with the shredded Mexican blend cheese. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly. Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of Tex-Mex flavors!

Notes

As mentioned, this recipe is incredibly versatile. For an even quicker meal, you can easily substitute fresh chicken breasts with frozen breaded chicken strips. Simply bake the frozen strips according to their package instructions, and during the final few minutes of cooking, top with salsa and the Mexican cheese blend until melted and bubbly. This method ensures a delicious meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for those extra busy evenings.

Nutrition per serving

Calories: 394 calCarbohydrates: 8 gProtein: 30 gFat: 27 gSodium: 779 mgFiber: 1 gSugar: 2 gNet Carbohydrates: 7 g

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Serving Suggestions for Your Baked Santa Fe Chicken

This flavorful chicken dish is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides to create a complete and satisfying meal. For a classic Tex-Mex experience, serve it alongside fluffy Cilantro-Lime Rice or warm black beans. A simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette can provide a fresh contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken and cheese. For those who enjoy wraps, slice the chicken and serve it in soft tortillas with extra salsa, sour cream, and your favorite toppings like diced avocado or pickled jalapeños.

Consider adding roasted vegetables such as bell peppers and onions, or a vibrant corn salad, to complement the meal. If you’re looking for something heartier, a side of sweet potato fries or a baked potato could be an excellent choice. Don’t forget a refreshing drink like iced tea or a Mexican agua fresca to complete your dining experience.

Variations and Customizations to Explore

One of the best aspects of Santa Fe Chicken is its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with the ingredients to match your personal preferences or what you have on hand:

• Breading Alternatives: While saltine crackers provide a unique delicate crunch, you can easily substitute them with panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crispier texture, or even seasoned Italian breadcrumbs for an added herb flavor. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free crackers or almond flour breading.
• Spice Level: Adjust the heat by choosing a mild, medium, or hot salsa. For an extra kick, finely dice some jalapeños or serrano peppers and sprinkle them over the chicken with the salsa and cheese. A dash of cayenne pepper in the cracker crumbs can also enhance the spice.
• Cheese Choices: While Mexican blend cheese is traditional, feel free to use Monterey Jack, sharp cheddar, Colby, or a combination of your favorite melting cheeses. Pepper Jack can add a nice touch of heat.
• Add-ins: Before topping with salsa and cheese, consider adding a layer of sautéed onions, bell peppers, or corn kernels for added flavor and nutrition. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or green onions after baking brightens the dish.
• Creamy Twist: For a richer, creamier sauce, mix a few tablespoons of cream cheese or a dollop of sour cream into your salsa before spreading it over the chicken.
• Different Proteins: This preparation method isn’t just for chicken! You could try it with pork chops or even thick white fish fillets, adjusting baking times as necessary.

Tips for the Perfect Baked Santa Fe Chicken

Achieving perfectly cooked, flavorful chicken is easy with a few simple tips:

• Even Thickness: If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, consider pounding them lightly to an even thickness (about 1/2 to 3/4 inch). This ensures they cook evenly and prevents drying out.
• Thorough Breading: Make sure the chicken is fully coated in mayonnaise and then the cracker crumbs. This creates a protective, flavorful crust that locks in moisture.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the baking dish without overcrowding. This allows for proper air circulation, leading to crispier breading.
• Check Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This is the best way to guarantee perfectly cooked, juicy chicken without guessing.
• Rest the Chicken: After removing the chicken from the oven, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.

By following these guidelines and embracing the potential for customization, you can make this Baked Santa Fe Chicken a staple in your meal rotation, tailored exactly to your taste preferences.

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We hope you enjoy this fantastic Baked Santa Fe Chicken recipe as much as we do! It’s truly a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something spectacular. Whether you’re preparing it for a quick family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, its vibrant flavors and ease of preparation make it an undeniable winner. Don’t forget to rate and share your experience with us!