Chicken Mexican Style
A flavorful Mexican-inspired chicken dish featuring tender breasts topped with a zesty tomato-chile sauce, melted cheeses, and fresh herbs, perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Lightly brown chicken breasts in vegetable oil.
- Place the browned chicken in a shallow baking pan.
- Combine catsup, drained chopped chiles, and sliced green onions; spoon this mixture over each chicken piece.
- Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.
- Top the chicken with sliced olives and shredded cheeses.
- Bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding some diced jalapeños to the catsup mixture. If you don't have Monterey Jack cheese, you can substitute it with a similar melting cheese like Gouda. To enhance the flavors, marinate the chicken in lime juice and spices for a few hours before cooking. This dish also works great with chicken thighs for richer flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken Mexican Style with a side of rice or warm tortillas for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Chilaquiles for a festive brunch or can be complemented by a fresh salad or guacamole. For added texture, consider serving with crispy tortilla chips or alongside a refreshing pico de gallo.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Chicken Mexican Style can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place it in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions on low power to avoid overcooking the chicken.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Mexican Style contains roughly 349 calories, with 29g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (64% of the Daily Value), protein (59% of the Daily Value), and iron (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 618mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts; just ensure they are fully thawed before starting the recipe to ensure even cooking. If using frozen, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
What can I use instead of catsup?
If you don't have catsup, you can substitute it with tomato sauce mixed with a bit of sugar and vinegar to mimic the sweetness and acidity of catsup. Alternatively, salsa can be a great stand-in for a more flavorful twist.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and topping mixture a day in advance. Just assemble everything in the baking pan, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready to cook, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).