Salsa Roja Chicken

4.0
(1)

Quick pan-seared chicken breasts served with salsa, cotija cheese, and cilantro for a wonderful south-of-the-border taste. The whole family loves this! Easy and quick. Garnish with chopped avocado and sour cream if you like. Serve with Mexican rice and a tossed green salad.

Prep Time:
25 mins
Cook Time:
12 mins
Total Time:
37 mins
Servings:
6
Yield:
6 servings
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 6 servings

  • 1 ½ pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into six 4-ounce portions

  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour, or more as needed

  • 1 pinch salt and ground black pepper to taste

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, or as needed

  • 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes

  • 1 cup tomato salsa

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder

  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin

  • ½ cup chicken stock

  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice

  • 4 ounces crumbled cotija cheese, divided

  • 1 (6 inch) corn tortilla, cut into 1/2-inch squares

  • 1 cup stemmed and chopped fresh cilantro leaves

Directions

  1. Place chicken between 2 sheets of heavy plastic on a solid, level surface. Firmly pound chicken with the smooth side of a meat mallet to 1/2-inch thickness.

  2. Combine flour, salt, and ground black pepper in a shallow dish. Dredge chicken in flour mixture.

  3. Coat a large skillet with olive oil; heat over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium and add chicken; cook until golden brown, 5 to 6 minutes. Flip chicken and continue cooking until second side is golden brown, about 4 minutes more.

  4. Stir diced tomatoes, salsa, chili powder, and cumin into the skillet. Cook until flavors combine, 2 to 3 minutes. Add chicken stock and lime juice; stir to blend. Transfer chicken to a serving platter. Add 3 ounces cotija cheese and tortilla pieces to the sauce; simmer, about 1 minute. Spoon sauce over chicken on the platter.

  5. Garnish chicken with remaining 1 ounce cotija cheese and fresh cilantro.

Cook's Notes:

Substitute chicken thighs for the chicken breasts if desired.

Substitute canola oil for the olive oil if preferred.

You can use fire-roasted diced tomatoes if desired. You can use homemade salsa instead of store-bought.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

297 Calories
12g Fat
14g Carbs
32g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Calories 297
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 12g 16%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Cholesterol 89mg 30%
Sodium 699mg 30%
Total Carbohydrate 14g 5%
Dietary Fiber 2g 9%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 32g 64%
Vitamin C 11mg 12%
Calcium 191mg 15%
Iron 4mg 19%
Potassium 530mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.