Description
Sizzling southwest baked chicken brings spicy Mexican-inspired flavors to your dinner table. Juicy chicken breasts seasoned with bold spices create a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
Produce and Additional Ingredients
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 0.5 cup corn kernels
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, minced (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Blend all dry spices in a small bowl, creating a vibrant southwestern seasoning mix that will infuse the chicken with bold, zesty flavors.
- Thoroughly coat each chicken breast with the spice blend, ensuring an even and generous coverage on all sides.
- Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, creating a single layer for uniform cooking.
- Scatter diced bell peppers, corn kernels, and optional jalapeños around and between the chicken pieces to create a colorful vegetable medley.
- Pour the diced tomatoes evenly over the chicken and vegetables, allowing the juices to help keep the meat moist during baking.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- During the last 5 minutes of cooking, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken and return to the oven until the cheese melts and becomes slightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Finish by drizzling fresh lime juice over the dish and garnishing with chopped green onions and cilantro for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- Adjust spice levels by reducing or eliminating jalapeños for milder palates or adding extra chili powder for heat lovers.
- Swap chicken breasts with tofu or plant-based protein alternatives to create a vegetarian version that maintains the southwestern flavor profile.
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help spices adhere better and create a more intense flavor crust.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure precise doneness and prevent overcooking, which can result in dry chicken.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg