Tangy Chicken And Cheese

Prep: 10 min Cook: 35 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: Mexican

Tangy chicken and cheese with bold salsa flavors, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal that appeals to everyone, especially cheese and salsa lovers.

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Ingredients

  • 4 to 6 skinless boneless chicken breasts
  • 1 (12 to 16 oz.) jar medium or hot red salsa

Instructions

  1. Season chicken with salt and pepper; lightly flour.
  2. Brown in a heavy skillet in a little oil.
  3. Pour salsa over chicken.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 30 minutes.
  5. Place cheese on top.
  6. Cover until melted, 2 to 3 minutes.
  7. Serve immediately.

Tips & Substitutions

For added flavor, marinate the chicken in lime juice and spices before cooking. You can substitute the red salsa with green salsa for a different taste or use fresh chopped tomatoes with onions and cilantro for a homemade version. If you're looking to reduce calories, consider using a lighter cheese or omitting it altogether. This dish can also be adapted into tacos or served over rice, similar to Chicken Taco Salad.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Tangy Chicken and Cheese over a bed of rice or with warm tortillas for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of black beans or a fresh salad, such as a simple green salad or a corn salad. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside chips and guacamole for a delicious Mexican-inspired feast.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally. If the chicken seems dry, add a splash of chicken broth or salsa to maintain moisture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Tangy Chicken And Cheese contains roughly 225 calories, with 19g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (39% of the Daily Value) and calcium (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. At about 225 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.

225 kcal 11% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 19.3g 39% DV
Total Fat 14.7g 19% DV
Carbs 3.7g 1% DV
Fiber 0g
Sugar 1.3g 3% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 454.5mg 20% DV
Potassium 162mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 53.3mg 18% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 155.3mcg 17% DV
Vitamin D 0.3mcg 2% DV
Calcium 466.5mg 36% DV
Iron 0.3mg 2% DV
Diet fit High-protein Keto-friendly Under 400 cal

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, but be sure to thaw them completely before cooking for even cooking. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through.

What type of cheese works best for this dish?

A good melting cheese like Monterey Jack or cheddar works best for this Tangy Chicken and Cheese. You can also mix cheeses for added flavor. For a spicy kick, try pepper jack cheese.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Adding bell peppers, onions, or even corn can enhance this dish. Sauté the vegetables alongside the chicken for a complete meal that incorporates more veggies, reminiscent of dishes like Stir-Fry Chicken And Peppers.

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).

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