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Keto Salsa ChickenĀ šŸ„˜

Cast Iron Keto
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3 Comments
4.75 from 4 votes

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Ready for a yummy recipe? Let's make Keto Salsa Chicken! This recipe is not only full of flavor but also low in carbs. It's perfect for those who want to stay healthy without giving up on taste. What's more, it's a fun and easy dish to put together and an excellent opportunity for culinary exploration. So, tie up your apron and fire up the oven; a mouthwatering adventure awaits in your kitchen!

overhead shot, keto salsa chicken bake fresh from oven with toppings served in a cast iron skillet.
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Preparation and cooking overview

Making this keto salsa chicken, also called keto Mexican chicken, is a breeze and takes only 40 minutes. First, season the chicken with taco spices. Then, layer salsa and cheese on top and bake for 40 minutes. And voilĆ ! The result is a flavorful masterpiece ready to serve.

Chef's note

Elevate the flavor of your keto salsa chicken by trying out various toppings and salsa options. Whether you prefer a mild or spicy taste, you can find a keto salsa that matches your preferences. For toppings, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, and a splash of lime juice create a fantastic combination. 

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 6 Servings

For more inspiration check out our Chicken recipe.

šŸ„˜ Ingredients for this keto salsa chicken recipe

Here's a list of ingredients you need for this low carb chicken:

  • 2 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons of avocado oil
  • 1 teaspoon of taco seasoning
  • 12 ounces of salsa 
  • 1 Ā½ cups of shredded Monterrey Jack cheese

Optional Toppings:

  • 1 avocado, diced
  • Ā¼ cup sour cream
  • 1 jalapeƱo, thinly sliced

Ingredient substitutions

Not a fan of something on the ingredients list? No problem! Here are some keto-friendly alternatives you can use instead:

  • Sour cream: If you're out of sour cream, use keto Greek yogurt as a tangy alternative.
  • Jalapenos: No jalapenos? Opt for diced green chilies to add a fiery kick to your low-carb salsa chicken.
  • Monterey Jack cheese: If you don't have Monterey Jack cheese, cheddar or Parmesan cheese will work just as well.

Additional ingredients

Here are some optional keto-friendly ingredients that pair well with this dish:

  • Fresh cilantro: Chopped cilantro adds a herby flavor that complements the salsa and cheese.
  • Lime juice: Squeezing fresh lime juice over the chicken adds a tangy and refreshing element.
  • Sliced black olives: Black olives provide a briny taste that pairs well with the flavors of the salsa and cheese.
  • Chopped bell peppers: For added color and texture, add some chopped bell peppers to the skillet. They should either be sautĆ©ed with the chicken or sprinkled on top before baking.
  • Garlic powder/onion powder: Garlic and onion powder add aromatic flavors to the keto salsa chicken, enhancing its taste.
  • Chicken broth: Adding chicken broth to the keto salsa chicken will enhance its flavors and add to the texture complexity.

Cooking tools required

To make this baked keto chicken recipe, you'll need the following tools:

  • 10" or larger cast iron skillet (oven-safe)
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups

Tools substitute options

  • Cast-iron skillet: If you don't have a cast iron skillet, use a regular oven-safe skillet or a baking dish instead.
  • Measuring spoons and cups: If you don't have measuring spoons or cups, use standard kitchen utensils like teaspoons, tablespoons, or regular cups. 

How to make Keto Salsa Chicken: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • Baking

Preparation steps

  1. Rinse the boneless skinless chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels.
  2. Place the chicken on a clean cutting board and chop off any excess fat.
  3. Cut the chicken breasts into equal-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
  4. Dice the avocados and cut the jalapenos into thin slices.

Cooking instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400Ā°F.
  2. Arrange the chicken pieces in a 10" or larger cast iron skillet.
  3. Drizzle a small amount of oil over the chicken, then sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly.
  4. Spoon the salsa over the chicken and sprinkle with cheese.
  5. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes.
  6. Once the cheese begins to bubble, it's ready to be taken out of the oven.
  7. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
  8. Add your desired toppings and serve!

Chef's pro tip

To prevent overcooking your chicken, monitor the oven's internal temperature using an oven thermometer. Once the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165Ā°F, stop the baking process and remove the skillet from the oven. By carefully tracking the internal temperature, you can ensure perfectly cooked chicken that's moist and tender.

Single serving of keto salsa chicken bake on a black plate

What to serve with keto salsa chicken?

Here are some food pairings that would go well with the keto salsa chicken recipe:

  • Cauliflower rice: Serve the salsa chicken over a bed of cauliflower rice for a complete meal. 
  • Zucchini noodles: Serve your salsa chicken with zucchini noodles to make this dish fun to eat.
  • Guacamole: Enjoy this low-carb salsa chicken with fresh guacamole for a creamy and flavorful combination.
  • Roasted vegetables: Roast low-carb vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and asparagus for extra nutrition.
  • Mixed greens salad: Serve this low-carb chicken with a refreshing mixed greens salad for a balanced meal. 
  • Flaxseed crackers: Pair the baked keto chicken with flaxseed crackers to add a nice crunch to your dish.

How to make it healthier

Use these simple tricks to make your keto salsa chicken even healthier:

  • Choose low-sodium or no-salt salsas to reduce the sodium content of the dish. Avoid adding extra salt when seasoning the chicken.
  • Consider making homemade salsa using organic ingredients for a healthier option.

Time-saving tips

  • Pre-cut chicken: Purchase pre-cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs from the grocery store to save time. Avoid using shredded chicken in this baked salsa chicken recipe.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

  • Prepare the taco seasoning in advance and store it in an airtight jar.
  • Make your keto salsa ahead of time and store it in an airtight jar in the refrigerator. When it's time to cook, simply take it out and use it as needed.

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage tips

Refrigeration: Allow your keto salsa chicken to cool before placing it in an airtight container. Store the container in the refrigerator and consume the leftovers within 3-4 days.

Note: Avoid freezing the salsa chicken as it may alter the texture of the dish.

Reheating best practices

  • Microwave: Take the desired amount of leftovers and place them in a microwave-safe dish. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or wrap, then heat on high for 1-2 minutes.
  • Oven: Preheat your oven to 350Ā°F (180Ā°C). Transfer the chicken to an oven-safe dish, cover it with aluminum foil, and bake for 10-15 minutes.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

This sensational Keto Salsa Chicken requires only a handful of simple ingredients. As you bake this delightful dish to perfection, let the enticing aroma fill your home. We're confident it will soon become one of your all-time favorite keto Mexican chicken breast dishes.

Now it's time to give this recipe a try! Feel free to share a picture of the final product with us on Facebook and Instagram. We'd love to see your culinary success!

Frequently asked questions

Keto salsa chicken is a flavorful and low-carb dish made with boneless chicken breasts, taco seasoning, salsa, and shredded cheese. It is a delicious keto-friendly option that is easy to prepare.

Salsa is a great addition to a low-carb diet. It is typically made with fresh ingredients like tomatoes, onions, peppers, and herbs, which are generally low in carbohydrates. Check our recipe card for more nutritional information regarding this recipe.

If you prefer, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may differ slightly. To ensure it is cooked properly, be sure to check the internal temperature with a thermometer.

Absolutely! Monterrey Jack cheese melts nicely in this recipe. But any other keto shredded cheese will work just as well.

The carb count in salsa will vary depending on the brand and ingredients used. On average, salsa contains around 2-4 grams of carbs per serving. Please check the recipe card for more nutritional information. 

šŸ“– Recipe

Single serving of keto salsa chicken bake on a black plate

Keto Salsa Chicken

This Keto Salsa Chicken is a breeze and ready in under an hourā€”a simple, satisfying dinner for busy nights.
4.75 from 4 votes
Print Rate Pin Recipe
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Keyword: easy, keto, protein
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 392kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 1 teaspoon taco seasoning
  • 12 ounces salsa we used drained pico de gallo
  • 1 Ā½ cups shredded Monterrey Jack cheese

Optional Toppings:

  • 1 avocado diced
  • Ā¼ cup sour cream
  • 1 jalapeƱo thinly sliced
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400Ā°F.
  • In a 10" or larger cast iron skillet, arrange the chicken pieces.
  • Drizzle a small amount of oil over the chicken, then sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly.
  • Spoon the salsa over the chicken and sprinkle with cheese.
  • Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes.
  • Once the cheese begins to bubble, it's ready to be taken out of the oven.
  • Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
  • Add your desired toppings and serve!

Notes

Info does not include optional toppings, to increase fat serve with a high-fat side or avocado!

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Keto Salsa Chicken
Amount Per Serving
Calories 392 Calories from Fat 216
% Daily Value*
Fat 24g37%
Saturated Fat 9g56%
Cholesterol 127mg42%
Sodium 338mg15%
Potassium 758mg22%
Carbohydrates 3g1%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 40g80%
Vitamin A 396IU8%
Vitamin C 8mg10%
Calcium 233mg23%
Iron 1mg6%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jacquie says

    Made your salsa Chicken this evening. So simple and very good! Next time I will wait to put the cheese on...a little crunchy but very good! Thank youšŸ¤— jacquie

    Reply

  2. kathy says

    wow! this is a keeper. I will definitely make this again. the flavors bake into the chicken perfectly

    Reply

  3. JocyG says

    WOW! Made this for dinner today using salmon fillets, because that's what I had. Baked for 15 minutes at 400 and used Trader Joe's mild Pico de Gallo. DELICIOUS and 5-year-old approved! Thank you for the recipe. It will be in rotation for weekly meals.

    Reply
4.75 from 4 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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