Salsa-Glazed Baked Chicken Thighs
Indulge in the flavors of our Salsa-Glazed Baked Chicken Thighs, a delightful twist on a classic dish. This recipe showcases tender, juicy chicken breasts drenched in a zesty salsa sauce that's complemented by the sweetness of brown sugar and the tang of balsamic vinegar. Serve this scrumptious meal with your choice of fluffy rice or creamy buttered noodles for a satisfying dinner that’s both easy to prepare and delicious to enjoy. Perfect for weeknight meals or gatherings, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds!
N/A
Servings
170
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breast halves
4 (trimmed of excess fat)
salsa
1 (16 ounce) jar (choose mild, medium, or HOTbased on preference)
brown sugar
3 tablespoons (packed)
balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons (regular or aged)
Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon (smooth)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Lightly coat a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3
Arrange the boneless skinless chicken breasts in the prepared dish, spacing them evenly.
4
In a medium bowl, whisk together the salsa, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard until well combined.
5
Pour the salsa mixture over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are evenly coated.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is no longer pink in the center.
7
Once cooked, allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve alongside rice or buttered noodles for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
2.5g
Fat
12.5g
Carbs
30g
Protein
0.75g
Fiber
7.5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves, trimmed of excess fat.
What ingredients make up the salsa glaze?
The glaze consists of salsa, packed brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, and smooth Dijon mustard.
What is the required oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How long does the chicken need to bake?
Bake the chicken for 30 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What are the calorie counts for this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 170 calories.
How much fat is in a serving?
There are 2.5g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving has 12.5g of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in each serving?
The recipe provides 30g of protein per serving.
Does this recipe provide fiber?
Yes, there is approximately 0.75g of fiber per serving.
How much sugar is in the salsa-glazed chicken?
There are 7.5g of sugar per serving.
What size baking dish is recommended for this recipe?
A 2-quart baking dish is recommended for arranging the chicken.
How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the baking dish?
Lightly coat the baking dish with cooking spray before placing the chicken inside.
What side dishes go well with this salsa chicken?
It is best served alongside fluffy rice or creamy buttered noodles for a complete meal.
Why should I let the chicken rest after baking?
Allowing the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing helps keep the meat juicy and tender.
Can I use spicy salsa for this recipe?
Yes, you can choose mild, medium, or hot salsa based on your heat preference.
How much salsa is needed for the glaze?
The recipe requires one 16-ounce jar of salsa.
How much brown sugar is used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of packed brown sugar.
What type of vinegar should be used for the glaze?
Use 2 tablespoons of regular or aged balsamic vinegar.
What kind of mustard is best for the chicken glaze?
One tablespoon of smooth Dijon mustard is used to add tanginess to the glaze.
Should the chicken be trimmed before cooking?
Yes, the chicken breast halves should be trimmed of excess fat.
How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when it is no longer pink in the center and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
How do I apply the glaze to the chicken?
Whisk the glaze ingredients in a medium bowl and pour the mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
Is this recipe suitable for a busy weeknight?
Yes, it is designed to be an easy-to-prepare meal that is perfect for weeknights.
Is this dish Mexican-inspired?
Yes, it is categorized as a Mexican-inspired dish due to the salsa-based glaze.
Is this recipe good for serving guests?
Yes, it is a crowd-pleaser that is great for both family meals and gatherings.
Can this be considered a one-pan meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a one-pan meal because the chicken is baked and served from the same dish.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 primary ingredients used to make this dish.
Should the chicken be skinless?
Yes, the recipe specifies using boneless skinless chicken for the best results.
What flavor profile does the glaze have?
The glaze is a zesty salsa sauce complemented by the sweetness of brown sugar and the tang of balsamic vinegar.
Does the recipe use chicken thighs or chicken breasts?
While the title mentions thighs, the specific ingredient list and instructions call for boneless skinless chicken breast halves.