Are you ready to transform your boring chicken dinner into a mouthwatering Mexican-inspired feast? Get ready to discover the ultimate comfort food that combines the zesty kick of salsa, the richness of cream cheese, and perfectly cooked chicken tenders that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds! This quick and easy recipe is about to become your new weeknight dinner superhero, promising maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients: 1 lb of chicken tenders, 1 cup of salsa, 1 cup of cream cheese, 1 cup of shredded cheese, 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning, and salt to taste.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is ready for baking.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and salsa. Use a whisk or spatula to mix them together until smooth and well combined.
- Add the taco seasoning to the cream cheese and salsa mixture. Stir until the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
- In a greased baking dish, arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer. Sprinkle salt over the chicken to taste.
- Pour the creamy salsa mixture evenly over the chicken tenders, ensuring they are well coated.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the chicken and sauce mixture, covering it evenly.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the chicken from drying out during cooking.
- Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once cooked, remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the creamy salsa chicken tenders warm, garnished with fresh cilantro or green onions if desired. Enjoy your meal!
Tips
- For extra flavor, use a medium or hot salsa to add more depth to your sauce.
- Make sure to use room temperature cream cheese for smoother mixing.
- Pat your chicken tenders dry before seasoning to help the salt and sauce adhere better.
- Don't overcook the chicken - check internal temperature should reach 165°F for food safety.
- For a crispy top, switch to broil for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or Mexican blend for variety.
- Serve with rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice to soak up the delicious creamy sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 370kcal
Carbohydrates: 14g
Protein: 38g
Fat: 51g
Saturated Fat: 29g
Cholesterol: 125mg
