Creamy Tex-Mex Cheesy Chicken Bake
This Creamy Tex-Mex Cheesy Chicken Bake combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a rich and flavorful sauce made from condensed cheddar cheese soup, zesty salsa, and creamy sour cream. The addition of spices like cumin and chili powder gives it a delightful kick that brings life to your dinner table. With simple prep and an easy one-dish bake, it makes for a perfect weeknight meal that pairs wonderfully with Spanish rice, sweet corn niblets, and freshly baked cornbread. Enjoy a taste of the Southwest with every bite!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 (none)
condensed cheddar cheese soup
1 (10 ounce) can (none)
salsa
1 cup (none)
sour cream
1/2 cup (none)
ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
hot Mexican chili powder
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
cilantro
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the condensed cheddar cheese soup, salsa, sour cream, ground cumin, hot Mexican chili powder, and chopped cilantro. Stir until the mixture is well blended, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
3
Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts into a 13x9 inch baking dish. Pour the cheesy salsa mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
4
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is cooked through.
5
Once done, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Creamy Tex-Mex Cheesy Chicken Bake with your favorite sides!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Tex-Mex Cheesy Chicken Bake?
It is a flavorful dish featuring juicy chicken breasts baked in a rich sauce made from cheddar cheese soup, salsa, and sour cream.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
What type of chicken is required?
The recipe calls for 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts.
What ingredients are in the sauce?
The sauce contains condensed cheddar cheese soup, salsa, sour cream, ground cumin, hot Mexican chili powder, and chopped cilantro.
How do you prepare the sauce?
Combine the soup, salsa, sour cream, and spices in a medium mixing bowl and stir until well blended.
What size baking dish is recommended?
You should use a 13x9 inch baking dish.
How is the chicken arranged for baking?
Place the chicken breasts in the dish and pour the cheesy salsa mixture over them until they are well coated.
Do you need to cover the dish while it bakes?
Yes, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil for the initial stage of cooking.
How long does the chicken bake while covered?
Bake the chicken covered for 25 minutes.
How long is the second stage of baking?
After removing the foil, bake for an additional 20 to 35 minutes.
What is the target internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (75 degrees Celsius).
Can I use chicken thighs for this recipe?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used, though you should monitor the internal temperature as cooking times may vary.
What spices give the dish its flavor?
Ground cumin and hot Mexican chili powder provide the primary Tex-Mex seasoning.
What are the recommended side dishes?
This dish pairs well with Spanish rice, sweet corn niblets, and freshly baked cornbread.
Is salt and pepper used in the recipe?
Yes, you should season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste before baking.
Is this a good recipe for a weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is described as a perfect weeknight meal due to its simple preparation and easy one-dish cleanup.
Should the chicken rest after it is finished cooking?
Yes, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to ensure the juices redistribute.
What kind of salsa should be used?
You can use any standard salsa, choosing the heat level (mild, medium, or hot) based on your preference.
Can I substitute the condensed cheddar cheese soup?
While cheddar cheese soup is preferred, you could use cream of chicken soup, though it will change the flavor profile.
How spicy is this chicken bake?
It has a delightful kick from the hot Mexican chili powder, but the heat can be adjusted with your choice of salsa.
What if I do not have Mexican chili powder?
You can use regular chili powder as a substitute, perhaps adding a pinch of cayenne for heat.
Can I add extra cheese to the top?
Yes, adding shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese during the final 10 minutes of baking is a popular variation.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, the sauce can be mixed ahead of time and refrigerated until you are ready to assemble the dish.
Why is this dish considered comfort food?
Its rich, creamy texture and cheesy flavor make it a satisfying and comforting meal choice.
How many total ingredients are needed?
The recipe requires 9 ingredients, including seasonings.
Does the chicken need to be cooked before it goes in the oven?
No, the chicken is placed raw into the dish and is fully cooked during the baking process.
Is cleanup easy for this recipe?
Yes, it is an easy one-dish bake, which minimizes the number of pots and pans used.
What gives the recipe its Tex-Mex character?
The combination of salsa, cumin, chili powder, and cilantro creates a traditional Southwest flavor profile.