Sometimes there just isn’t enough time in the day. I feel like between raising a one year old, supervising and helping my 2nd grader with online learning, sometimes I just want an easy dinner! This is it. I’m not kidding when I say you can have this ready and on the table in a half hour. It’s cheesy, filled with Mexican flavors and you can serve it with tortillas or over rice & beans. Bonus- you can make this ahead and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat- making it even easier!!!

Tips for this Recipe:

1. 1.5 Pounds of Chicken Breasts usually yields about 3 breasts. I cut them each into 2-3 strips and this is enough to serve my family of 4.

2. Using your favorite store bought Salsa is the key to making this recipe so speedy. However, it is super easy to whip up a batch of your own fresh salsa with just a few ingredients if you have the time!! **Recipe Below

3. Be creative with how you want to serve this Main Course! Flour tortillas hold up really well with the sauciness, making burrito bowls with Rice and Beans, seasoned spaghetti squash for a healthier alternative- sooo many options!

4. I love the taste of Sharp Cheddar Cheese and so we tend to always have that on hand, but any type of Cheddar or Jack Cheese would be great for this.
   

Ingredients:

1.5 Lb. Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts; cut into 1” thick strips.

16 oz. Salsa (store bought or fresh work great)

6 oz. Sharp Cheddar Cheese; Shredded

1/2 tsp. Ground Cumin

1/2 tsp. Paprika

1 tsp. Chili Powder

1/4 tsp Oregano

1/4 tsp. Onion Powder

1/8 tsp. Garlic Powder

1/8 tsp. Cayenne Powder (optional to add spice)

Olive Oil

Salt and Pepper

Optional toppings/sides:

Avocado/Guacamole

Plain Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream

Scallions

Black Olives

Shredded Lettuce

Diced Tomatoes

Pickled Vegetable & Jalapeños

Tortillas (Flour or Corn)

Tortilla Chips

1. In a small bowl, combine spices to make a rub for the chicken.
   

2. Preheat oven to 400°

3. Heat a Cast Iron Skillet or an oven proof pan to medium and add about 1 tbsp. Olive Oil.

4. Generously salt and pepper the Chicken first and then coat the Chicken Breast strips in the spice rub so they’re well seasoned.

5. Cook for about 3-4 minutes then flip and cook another 3-4 minutes until Chicken is mostly cooked and lightly browned. they should feel firm to the touch. Turn heat off and remove from pan.

6. Add the salsa to the pan and place chicken in a single layer on top of the salsa. Cover with Cheddar Cheese.

7. Bake for 12-15 minutes until cheese is melted and chicken is cooked through.

8. Top with your choice of topping and serve with tortillas or rice. Enjoy!

Quick & Easy Fresh Salsa

Ingredients:

3-4 Garden Vine Tomatoes; halved

1 Yellow Onion

1 Jalapeño; deseeded

2-3 Cloves of Garlic

A small Handful of Cilantro

Olive Oil

Water

Salt & Pepper

1. Heat oven to 450°

2. Roughly Chop the onion, garlic and Jalapeño and generously coat with Olive oil, Salt and Pepper. Lay in a single layer on a sheet pan.

3. Roast Ingredients for 10-12 minutes or until they begin to blister and char a bit.

4. Put roasted Ingredients, Tomatoes and Cilantro into the blender and “chop” just until a chunky salsa forms. **you may need to add a small amount of olive oil or water to thin it just slightly.

5. Pour Salsa into a bowl, and season more with salt and pepper if needed.

When you are wanting a quick & easy delicious Mexican Dinner, make this meal and let me know what you think! Share your feedback in the comments below and using #saltsandseasons on my social media pages.

-Alexandra