FREE 5-Ingredient Recipe EBook

• This Salsa Chicken Recipe Is My Go-To For Easy Mexican Night
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Make Salsa Chicken
• My Recipe Tips
• Salsa Chicken Recipe card
• Serving Ideas
• Alternate Cooking Methods
• Recipe Reviews

This Salsa Chicken Recipe Is My Go-To For Easy Mexican Night

This salsa chicken recipe is one of my favorite easy Mexican recipes to make when I need something quick, comforting, and full of flavor. It’s made with simple ingredients you probably already have, and you don’t need a ton of steps or prep to pull it off. I’ve made it for casual weeknights, meal prep, and even lazy Sundays when I don’t feel like cooking anything complicated. Here’s what makes it so good:

• Zesty, cheesy, and saucy – The chicken gets super tender, the salsa adds a little kick, and the melty cheese on top just makes it. So good for Taco Tuesday.
• Built for busy nights – I can get this in the oven in 10 minutes, and on the table in 30! It’s one of those easy wins when I need to get dinner going fast.
• Three ways to make it – I usually go with my stovetop to oven method (the same one I first used for sirloin steak ), but I’ve also tested it in the Crock Pot and Instant Pot. I love giving you options so you can pick what works best. See them below.

Hope you’re hungry, because this one’s a keeper. Make it with me!

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my salsa chicken recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

• Chicken – I usually use boneless skinless chicken breasts like I do for my cilantro lime chicken , but thighs work too if that’s what you’ve got. Just keep in mind they might need a little more time to cook.
• Salsa – Store-bought is totally fine, but if you have time, my homemade salsa makes this taste extra fresh. I’ve also tried it with fresh tomato salsa , and if you want a chicken salsa verde, just swap the tomato salsa for the same amount of your favorite green salsa .
• Spices – Including sea salt, smoked paprika , cumin , and black pepper. You can easily substitute store-bought or homemade taco seasoning if that’s what you have on hand.
• Olive Oil – I like using extra-virgin olive oil, but honestly, any neutral oil like avocado or even light olive oil will do the trick.
• Onion – I used a white onion, but you can use yellow, red, sweet or whatever kind you have lying around.
• Garlic – Fresh minced garlic gives the best flavor, but if I’m short on time, I’ll grab the jarred kind . You can also use 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and just add it with the other spices.
• Tomato Salsa – Use your favorite store-bought brand, or make it yourself. I prefer my salsa chicken with my classic homemade salsa recipe , but fresh tomato salsa also tastes great.
• Shredded Cheese – I use a mix of cheddar and white cheddar, but monterey jack, Mexican blend, or any cheese that melts well will work great.

How To Make Salsa Chicken

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

1. Season . Sprinkle the spices all over the chicken breasts and rub them in a bit so they’re well coated.
2. Sear the chicken. Heat some of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, and sear the chicken on both sides until it’s nice and golden.
3. Cook onions . Turn the heat down and toss in the onions and garlic. Let them cook until they’re soft and starting to brown. Then, pop the chicken back in right on top.

1. Add salsa and cheese . Pour the salsa sauce on top of the chicken and give it a little stir so everything’s coated. Then sprinkle the cheese all over the top.
2. Bake salsa chicken. Pop the skillet in the oven and I bake until the cheese is melty and bubbly, and the chicken is cooked through.

My Recipe Tips

• Use an oven-safe skillet. I use this one because it can go from stovetop to oven, which makes cleanup easier and keeps the chicken nice and juicy.
• Don’t skip the sear. It gives the outside a golden crust and adds way more flavor. Totally worth the few extra minutes.
• Let the onions caramelize. I try not to rush this step. Giving them a little extra time brings out their sweetness and adds so much depth to the flavor.
• Make sure the chicken is done. Timing can vary depending on your oven, so I use this probe thermometer that beeps when the chicken hits 165 degrees F. A regular meat thermometer works too.
• Rest the chicken before serving. It helps the juices settle so the chicken stays nice and moist when you slice into it.

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

• 4 8-oz Boneless skinless chicken breasts ▢
• 1 tsp Sea salt ▢
• 1/2 tsp Smoked paprika ▢
• 1/4 tsp Cumin ▢
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper ▢
• 1 tbsp Olive oil ▢
• 1 medium White onion (sliced thinly) ▢
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced) ▢
• 1 1/2 cups Tomato salsa ▢
• 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese (shredded) ▢
• 1/2 cup White cheddar cheese (shredded) ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. Season the chicken with salt, smoked paprika, cumin, and pepper.
3. In a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil, until shimmering. Add the chicken and cook for 4-8 minutes per side, until golden. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
4. Reduce heat to medium. Add the onions and garlic to the pan. Cook for 5-10 minutes , until the onions are soft and starting to brown. Return the chicken to the pan over the onions.
5. Add the salsa to the skillet and mix well to coat the chicken in salsa and sprinkle with the shredded cheddar and white cheddar.
6. Bake salsa chicken in the oven for 10 minutes , until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken is cooked through.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 chicken breast with salsa

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you lock in flavor, cook the chicken just right, and make cleanup easier.
• Alternate cooking methods: Don’t miss my alternate cooking methods for making salsa chicken in the Crock Pot or Instant Pot if you need a more hands-off option.
• Serving ideas: See my serving ideas below for easy ways to turn this salsa chicken into a full meal (or just load it up with your favorite toppings).
• Store: Leftover salsa chicken will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Reheat: You can reheat in the microwave, or in the oven at 350 degrees F.
• Freeze: Cool completely, then transfer to a zip lock bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Salsa Chicken

Serving Ideas

Not sure what to serve with it? Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy this salsa chicken recipe:

• Toppings – You can totally serve it as-is (I’ve done that plenty of times when I’m in a rush), but it’s even better with toppings like sour cream, guac , jalapeños, fresh cilantro, red onion, or black olives.
• Meal builder ideas – This salsa chicken makes awesome tacos, nachos, taco bowls , quesadillas, burritos (I love it with almond flour tortillas ), or even stuffed into peppers .
• Easy sides – I usually serve it with extra salsa and some baked tortilla chips , but black beans, cilantro lime cauliflower rice , avocado corn salad , or taco slaw are all super easy and always hit the spot.

Alternate Cooking Methods

• Crock Pot Salsa Chicken – I’ve got a different slow cooker salsa chicken in my first cookbook , but you can totally make this version in the Crock Pot too. Add onions and garlic first, then layer the chicken, season it, and pour salsa on top. Cook on high for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, scoop out extra liquid if needed, then add cheese in the last 10 minutes and cover to melt.
• Instant Pot Salsa Chicken – Season the chicken and sear it first if you want. Add salsa to the bottom, place the chicken on top, and pour on the rest. Cook on high pressure for 10–12 minutes, natural release for 10, then quick release. Scoop out extra liquid if needed, add cheese, and cover to melt.

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• The Basic Keto Meal Formula
• Understanding Macros
• Keto Food Swaps
• Keto Food List
• Electrolyte Basics
• Keto Diet Types
• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System + EBooks (Only $37)

The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Keto Swaps For Bread

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Keto Swaps For Drinks

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Foods To Eat On Keto

• Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
• Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
• Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
• Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
• Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
• Avocados
• Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
• Almond flour and coconut flour
• Eggs
• Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

• White flour & sugar
• Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
• Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
• Cereal
• Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
• Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
• Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
• Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
• Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
• Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

Get The Keto Cheat Sheet System PDF (Only $37)

Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

• Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
• Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
• Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
• Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

Salsa Chicken

My salsa chicken recipe is juicy, cheesy, and easy to make in one skillet with simple ingredients. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/salsa-chicken/

Ingredients

• 4 8-oz Boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tsp Sea salt
• 1/2 tsp Smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp Cumin
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper
• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 medium White onion (sliced thinly)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 1/2 cups Tomato salsa
• 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1/2 cup White cheddar cheese (shredded)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. Season the chicken with salt, smoked paprika, cumin, and pepper.
3. In a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil, until shimmering. Add the chicken and cook for 4-8 minutes per side, until golden. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
4. Reduce heat to medium. Add the onions and garlic to the pan. Cook for 5-10 minutes , until the onions are soft and starting to brown. Return the chicken to the pan over the onions.
5. Add the salsa to the skillet and mix well to coat the chicken in salsa and sprinkle with the shredded cheddar and white cheddar.
6. Bake salsa chicken in the oven for 10 minutes , until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken is cooked through.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 chicken breast with salsa

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you lock in flavor, cook the chicken just right, and make cleanup easier.
• Alternate cooking methods: Don’t miss my alternate cooking methods for making salsa chicken in the Crock Pot or Instant Pot if you need a more hands-off option.
• Serving ideas: See my serving ideas below for easy ways to turn this salsa chicken into a full meal (or just load it up with your favorite toppings).
• Store: Leftover salsa chicken will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Reheat: You can reheat in the microwave, or in the oven at 350 degrees F.
• Freeze: Cool completely, then transfer to a zip lock bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)