Are you a fan of spicy food? Do you love the combination of chicken and salsa? Look no further! In this article, we will be exploring 20 delicious and easy-to-make spicy salsa chicken recipes that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want to spice up your weeknight dinner routine, these recipes are sure to please.
From classic dishes like enchiladas and tacos, to more unique creations like grilled pineapple skewers and stuffed sweet potatoes, we have something for everyone. And the best part? Each recipe is packed with flavor and can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. So go ahead, get creative in the kitchen, and let’s dive into these mouth-watering salsa chicken recipes!
Creamy Salsa Verde Chicken Enchiladas
A twist on traditional enchiladas, this recipe combines the bold flavors of salsa verde with tender chicken and a creamy sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
– 1/2 cup salsa verde
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 6-8 corn tortillas
– 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: diced onions, sour cream, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Stir in salsa verde and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 5 minutes.
4. In a separate saucepan, combine heavy cream and shredded cheese. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until melted and smooth.
5. To assemble enchiladas, dip tortillas in the chicken-salsa mixture, then roll up with filling inside. Place seam-side down in a baking dish. Pour creamy sauce over the top.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken Tacos
Elevate your taco game with this easy and flavorful recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have tender chicken, tangy salsa, and crunchy toppings in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 1/2 cup salsa
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1/4 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Tortillas, shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, and any other desired toppings
Instructions:
1. Place chicken in the slow cooker. Add diced tomatoes with green chilies, salsa, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. Shred chicken with two forks. Serve with tortillas, shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, and any other desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Grilled Pineapple Salsa Chicken Skewers
Get ready to add a tropical twist to your summer cooking with these flavorful and colorful skewers. This recipe combines the sweetness of pineapple, the spiciness of salsa, and the juiciness of grilled chicken for a truly delicious treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup pineapple chunks
– 1/2 cup store-bought or homemade salsa
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10-12 wooden skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Add chicken and pineapple chunks to the bowl; toss to coat.
4. Alternate threading chicken and pineapple onto skewers.
5. Grill for 8-10 minutes per side or until chicken is cooked through.
6. Brush with salsa during the last minute of grilling.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Cheesy Salsa Chicken Stuffed Peppers
Brighten up your dinner table with these vibrant, flavorful peppers packed with tender chicken, gooey cheese, and a hint of spicy salsa. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a weeknight supper or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup store-bought salsa
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped cilantro or scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a bowl, mix chicken, cheese, salsa, and olive oil.
4. Stuff each pepper with the chicken mixture.
5. Place peppers in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 25 minutes.
6. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes or until peppers are tender.
7. Serve warm, garnished with chopped cilantro or scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
One-Pan Salsa Chicken and Rice Bake
This recipe is a flavorful and effortless one-pan meal that combines juicy chicken, savory rice, and tangy salsa. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 1/4 cup salsa
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped cilantro or scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
4. Add the rice, water, diced tomatoes with green chilies, salsa, salt, and pepper. Stir until combined.
5. Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the chicken is tender.
6. Remove from oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Spicy Mango Salsa Chicken Bowls
Elevate your mealtime with this flavorful and refreshing recipe that combines juicy chicken, spicy mango salsa, and crunchy veggies. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a lunchtime boost.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 1 ripe mango, diced
– 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
– Cooked brown rice or quinoa for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Add chicken breast and toss to coat; bake for 20-22 minutes or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, combine mango, red onion, jalapeño, and garlic in a blender or food processor.
5. Pulse until coarsely chopped and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Assemble bowls by placing chicken on top of cooked rice or quinoa, then spooning the spicy mango salsa over the top.
7. Garnish with cilantro leaves (if using) and serve immediately.
Cook Time: 20-22 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Salsa Chicken Quesadillas with Avocado
A flavorful twist on classic quesadillas, this recipe combines juicy chicken, creamy avocado, and tangy salsa for a deliciously easy meal. Perfect for a quick dinner or lunch on-the-go!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb cooked chicken breast, shredded
– 2 large tortillas
– 1/4 cup store-bought or homemade salsa
– 2 ripe avocados, sliced
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together the chicken, salsa, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half with cheese (if using).
4. Add the chicken mixture on top of the cheese, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
5. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
8. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Black Bean and Salsa Chicken Soup
This flavorful and nutritious soup is a perfect blend of spicy and savory, with the richness of chicken, black beans, and salsa. It’s an easy and comforting meal that can be prepared in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup salsa
– 1 tsp cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tbsp of oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the chicken; cook until browned.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, black beans, chicken broth, salsa, cumin, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Baked Salsa Chicken with Cilantro Lime Rice
Elevate your dinner game with this flavorful and easy-to-make recipe that combines the bold flavors of baked salsa chicken with a zesty cilantro lime rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup salsa
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cilantro Lime Rice (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together salsa, olive oil, and cumin. Place the chicken breasts in a shallow baking dish and brush the salsa mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
3. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, prepare Cilantro Lime Rice according to recipe below.
Cilantro Lime Rice:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– Salt to taste
Cook rice according to package instructions. Mix in lime juice, cilantro, and salt to taste.
Total Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Salsa Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
A flavorful twist on traditional stuffed sweet potatoes, this recipe combines tender chicken with a zesty salsa and creamy cheese for a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 large sweet potatoes
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cooked and shredded
– 1 cup store-bought or homemade salsa
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: sour cream, avocado, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wash and poke some holes in the sweet potatoes. Microwave for 3-4 minutes or bake for 45-50 minutes until tender.
3. In a bowl, mix cooked chicken, salsa, and shredded cheese.
4. Split the sweet potatoes open and spoon the chicken mixture into each potato.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Optional: top with sour cream, avocado, or cilantro for extra flavor.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chipotle Salsa Chicken Sliders
Elevate your slider game with these spicy and flavorful Chipotle Salsa Chicken Sliders!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup chipotle salsa
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 hamburger buns
– Shredded cheese (optional)
– Lettuce, tomato, and avocado slices (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together chipotle salsa, olive oil, lime juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add chicken breasts to the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
4. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Assemble sliders by slicing grilled chicken into thin strips and placing on hamburger buns.
6. Top with shredded cheese, lettuce, tomato, and avocado slices (if using).
7. Cook time: 15-20 minutes.
Salsa Chicken and Cornbread Casserole
Salsa Chicken and Cornbread Casserole: A Delicious Twist on Classic Comfort Food!
This casserole combines the flavors of juicy chicken, tangy salsa, and sweet cornbread for a dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup salsa
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels
– 1/2 cup cornmeal
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 tsp baking powder
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook the chicken until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat.
3. Add salsa and corn kernels to the skillet; stir to combine.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Add melted butter and stir until mixture forms a crumbly texture.
6. Pour chicken mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with cornbread mixture.
7. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the casserole is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Instant Pot Salsa Chicken Burritos
Elevate your burrito game with this easy and delicious recipe that combines the convenience of Instant Pot cooking with the bold flavors of salsa chicken.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 1/2 cup salsa
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 packet (0.25 oz) taco seasoning
– 8-10 tortillas
– Shredded cheese, sour cream, and any other desired toppings
Instructions:
1. Press “Saute” on the Instant Pot and heat the olive oil. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 2 minutes.
2. Add the diced tomatoes with green chilies, salsa, and taco seasoning. Stir to combine.
3. Close the lid and set the valve to “Sealing”. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, followed by a 5-minute natural release.
4. Shred the chicken with two forks. Assemble burritos with the cooked chicken, cheese, and desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (including prep and natural release)
Pineapple Salsa Chicken Stir-Fry
A sweet and savory twist on classic stir-fries, this recipe combines juicy chicken with tangy pineapple salsa and crunchy vegetables for a flavorful meal that’s ready in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup pineapple salsa
– 2 cups mixed bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil. Add bell peppers, onion, and garlic; cook until vegetables are tender-crisp (about 3-4 minutes).
4. Stir in pineapple salsa and cooked chicken. Cook for an additional minute to combine flavors.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Salsa Chicken Nachos with Jalapeños
Elevate your nacho game with this mouthwatering recipe that combines juicy chicken, spicy jalapeños, and creamy salsa. Perfect for a fun night in with friends or a family movie night.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup salsa
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 6-8 jalapeño slices
– 1 bag of tortilla chips
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook chicken until browned and cooked through.
3. Arrange tortilla chips in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Top chips with cooked chicken, salsa, cheese, cilantro, and jalapeños.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-17 minutes
Avocado Salsa Chicken Salad Wraps
Elevate your lunch game with these flavorful and healthy wraps, packed with juicy chicken, creamy avocado, and spicy salsa. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb cooked chicken breast, diced
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 1/2 cup store-bought or homemade salsa
– 4 large flour tortillas
– 1 head of lettuce, chopped
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine chicken, avocado, and salsa. Mix well.
2. Lay out a tortilla and spoon about 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture onto the center of the wrap.
3. Top with lettuce and cherry tomatoes.
4. Fold the bottom half of the tortilla up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll into a neat wrap.
5. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: None needed! Assemble and serve immediately.
Smoky Salsa Chicken Fajitas
Elevate your fajita game with this flavorful recipe that combines smoky chicken, spicy salsa, and sautéed peppers. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
– 1/4 cup smoky salsa (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 8 small flour tortillas
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from skillet.
3. Add bell peppers and onion to skillet; cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Add garlic and smoky salsa to skillet; stir for 1 minute.
5. Return chicken to skillet; stir to coat with salsa mixture.
6. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
7. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
8. Assemble fajitas with chicken, peppers, and desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Salsa Chicken and Cheese Stuffed Shells
Elevate your pasta game with this creative take on stuffed shells, featuring the flavors of salsa chicken and melted cheese. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 12 jumbo pasta shells
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
– 1/2 cup salsa
– 8 oz ricotta cheese
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions.
3. In a skillet, combine chicken, salsa, and cooked chicken; heat until warm.
4. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and egg.
5. Stuff each pasta shell with the cheese mixture, then top with the salsa chicken mixture.
6. Place shells in a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 minutes.
7. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Roasted Salsa Chicken with Quinoa
This recipe combines the juiciness of roasted chicken with the spiciness of salsa and the nuttiness of quinoa, all in one convenient dish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs), bone-in
– 1 cup cooked white quinoa
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1/2 cup salsa
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse the chicken and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, salsa, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
5. Place the chicken in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven.
6. Cook for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Serve with cooked quinoa and garnish with cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Salsa Chicken Pizza with Pepper Jack
Salsa Chicken Pizza with Pepper Jack: A flavorful twist on traditional pizza, combining spicy chicken, tangy salsa, and creamy pepper jack cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup salsa
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 8 oz pizza dough
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup crumbled pepper jack cheese
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a bowl, mix chicken with salsa, cilantro, salt, and pepper.
3. Roll out pizza dough to desired thickness. Place on baking sheet or pizza stone.
4. Spread chicken mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around edges.
5. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top, followed by pepper jack cheese.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Get ready to spice up your mealtime with these 20 mouth-watering salsa chicken recipes! From classic tacos and quesadillas to innovative stuffed peppers and casseroles, there’s something for every occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick one-pan dinner or a show-stopping main course, these recipes are sure to please. With flavors ranging from creamy salsa verde to spicy chipotle, you’ll never run out of ideas. So go ahead, get saucy, and serve up some serious flavor with these sizzling salsa chicken recipes!