Southwestern Chicken With Salsa
A flavorful Southwestern chicken dish featuring a vibrant tomato and corn salsa, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal with bold southwestern flavors that suits any family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons olive oil ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onion ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried basil ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper ⓘ
- 1 medium pressed garlic clove ⓘ
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
- 1 cup chunky salsa ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons oil, divided ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz) can peeled whole tomatoes, in juice ⓘ
- 1 cup frozen corn ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon pepper, divided ⓘ
- 1/4 cup flour ⓘ
- 1/4 cup cornmeal ⓘ
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 1 lb.)
Instructions
- In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat.
- Add garlic and cook until golden, about 1 minute.
- Add tomatoes and juice, breaking them up with a spoon.
- Stir in corn, oregano, rosemary, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Reduce heat to low.
- Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes. Transfer mixture to a serving platter and cover to keep warm.
- Wipe out the skillet.
- Combine flour, cornmeal, remaining salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
- In the same skillet, heat remaining oil over medium-high heat.
- Dip chicken breasts in milk, then coat in the cornmeal mixture.
- Add chicken to the skillet.
- Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 4 to 5 minutes per side.
- Serve the chicken with the warm corn-and-tomato sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, and spices for at least 30 minutes before cooking. If you're out of cornmeal, you can use breadcrumbs or crushed tortilla chips as a substitute for coating the chicken. For added depth, consider incorporating smoked paprika or cumin into the flour mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken atop a bed of rice or quinoa for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of black beans or a fresh green salad. For a festive touch, add diced avocado and cilantro as a garnish, and consider serving with warm tortillas, reminiscent of other delicious Mexican recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Cover and heat until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southwestern Chicken With Salsa contains roughly 983 calories, with 22g protein, 168g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (60% of the Daily Value), protein (43% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 704mg per serving (31% 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 skin-on chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use skin-on chicken if you prefer. Just be aware that the cooking time may increase slightly, so ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The skin will also add extra flavor and crispiness.
What can I substitute for the salsa?
If you don't have salsa on hand, you can use diced tomatoes with green chilies or make a quick homemade version with chopped tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños. This will provide a similar texture and flavor profile for the dish.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This Southwestern Chicken with Salsa is perfect for meal prep. You can cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then store them separately. Simply reheat when ready to serve for a quick and flavorful meal throughout the week.
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).