Southwest Chicken Bake
This Southwest Chicken Bake is a weeknight winner! Tender chicken, zesty enchilada sauce, and creamy toppings come together for a satisfying meal.
Equipment
- Baking Dish
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Oven mitts
Ingredients
For the Bake:
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 15 ounces enchilada sauce
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 8 ounces sour cream
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
- Cojita cheese
- Tortilla chips/strips for serving
Instructions
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your Southwest Chicken Bake cooks evenly.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper to taste. This simple step enhances the flavor of the chicken.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the enchilada sauce and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Mix well until thoroughly combined.
- Spread a thin layer of the sauce mixture on the bottom of a baking dish. Place the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the sauce. Pour the remaining sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring it’s well-coated.
- Dollop the sour cream over the chicken and sauce mixture, spreading it evenly for that creamy goodness.
- Sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend generously over the top, covering the sour cream.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro and crumbled cojita cheese over the top. Serve your delicious Southwest Chicken Bake with tortilla chips or strips for that perfect crunch. Enjoy!
Notes
- For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts in the enchilada sauce for a few hours before baking.
- Feel free to customize the heat level by using mild or hot enchilada sauce and adjusting the diced tomatoes accordingly.
- Don’t skip the cilantro and cojita cheese; they bring a fresh and tangy element that balances the richness of the dish.