Mexican-Style Cheesy Chicken Bake
This mouthwatering Mexican-Style Cheesy Chicken Bake combines succulent skinless chicken breasts with a zesty topping of refried beans, salsa, and sharp cheddar cheese. It's a delightful fusion of flavors that's perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Topped with pickled jalapeños for a kick and served with cooling sour cream and fresh coriander, this dish brings the vibrant taste of Mexican cuisine right to your table. Perfect for oven cooking, it's an easy yet impressive meal to whip up when you're craving something hearty and comforting.
4
Servings
450
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
skinless chicken breasts, filets
4 (trimmed and pounded to an even thickness)
oil
2 teaspoons (for sautéing)
refried beans
450 g can (preferably chili-flavored)
sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups (shredded)
prepared salsa
1 1/2 cups (medium or hot based on preference)
pickled jalapeño peppers
2 tablespoons (chopped)
light sour cream
1/2 cup (for serving)
fresh coriander (cilantro)
1/4 cup (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
2
In a large, oven-proof frying pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the prepared chicken breasts and cook for about 20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and no longer pink in the center, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
3
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully spoon the refried beans evenly over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
4
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the beans, then generously top with salsa.
5
Disperse the chopped pickled jalapeños evenly over the salsa. Finish by adding the remaining cheese on top.
6
Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the topping is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7
Serve each portion with a dollop of light sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for an added burst of flavor.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
30g
Carbs
40g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in the Mexican-Style Cheesy Chicken Bake?
The main protein is 4 skinless chicken breast filets, trimmed and pounded to an even thickness.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 450 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 40 grams of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving contains 30 grams of carbohydrates.
How much fat is in this dish?
There are 20 grams of fat per serving.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 200°C (400°F).
How long should the chicken be sautéed in the pan?
The chicken should be cooked for about 20 minutes over medium heat until cooked through.
What type of beans are used in this bake?
A 450g can of refried beans, preferably chili-flavored, is used.
What kind of cheese is recommended?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
How long does the dish bake in the oven?
It should be baked for 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
What type of salsa should I use?
You can use 1 1/2 cups of prepared salsa, choosing medium or hot based on your preference.
Are jalapeños included in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 2 tablespoons of chopped pickled jalapeño peppers.
What are the recommended garnishes for serving?
The dish is served with light sour cream and chopped fresh coriander (cilantro).
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 8 main ingredients required for this recipe.
What type of pan is best for this recipe?
A large, oven-proof frying pan is recommended.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and a family dinner.
How should the chicken be prepared before cooking?
The chicken breasts should be trimmed and pounded to an even thickness.
How do I know when the chicken is done sautéing?
The chicken is done when it is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
In what order is the topping assembled?
Refried beans are spread first, followed by cheese, then salsa, jalapeños, and a final layer of cheese.
How much oil is needed for sautéing?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of oil.
Can I use fresh cilantro?
Yes, 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro is used as a garnish.
What is the total cheese amount divided into layers?
One cup is sprinkled over the beans, and the remaining cup is added as the final top layer.
How much sour cream is used for serving?
The recipe suggests 1/2 cup of light sour cream.
Is this recipe suitable for oven cooking?
Yes, it is designed for oven-proof pan cooking and baking.
What category of food is this recipe?
It is a Mexican-style comfort food dish.
Does the recipe specify fiber or sugar content?
No, fiber and sugar data are not provided for this recipe.
Should the salsa be added before or after the jalapeños?
The salsa is added before the jalapeños.
How should the refried beans be applied?
Carefully spoon the refried beans evenly over the cooked chicken pieces.
What is the final visual cue that the bake is ready?
The bake is ready when the topping is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.