This Skillet Salsa Chicken has tender, juicy chicken breasts simmered in homemade salsa and topped with gooey pepper jack cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s the perfect easy dinner for busy weeknights.

Jump to:

• ❤️ Why You'll Love This Skillet Salsa Chicken Recipe
• 🛒 Ingredients for Skillet Salsa Chicken
• 🔪 How to Make Salsa Chicken
• ☑️ Storage Instructions
• 🍴 What to Serve with Salsa Chicken
• 💡 Tips for Making Skillet Salsa Chicken
• 🔄 Substitutions and Additions
• What Toppings Can I Add to Salsa Chicken Skillet?
• Can I Use Store-Bought Salsa?
• How Do I Make Chicken Soft Like a Restaurant?
• Can I Cook The Chicken In The Oven?
• 🍽️ More Keto Chicken Recipes

❤️ Why You'll Love This Skillet Salsa Chicken Recipe

• Tender and juicy seasoned chicken breasts
• Simmered in an easy homemade salsa
• Topped with gooey pepper jack cheese
• Easy to make with just a handful of ingredients
• Made in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights

If you’re craving a weeknight dinner that’s bursting with robust flavors, yet is super easy to make, this Skillet Salsa Chicken is a must-try. It features tender and juicy taco-seasoned chicken simmered in fresh homemade salsa, topped with a generous layer of gooey pepper jack cheese.

The real star here is the fresh salsa, which gives every bite a bold, zesty flavor you just can’t get from the jarred stuff. And with the melty pepper jack cheese, this dish has just the right amount of heat. Plus, it all comes together in one skillet, making clean-up a breeze, perfect for when you don’t want to spend all evening in the kitchen.

If you love one-skillet recipes, make sure to check out my recipes for Creamy Tuscan Chicken and Easy Chicken Fajitas.

🛒 Ingredients for Skillet Salsa Chicken

• Chicken
• Easy Homemade Salsa
• Pepper jack cheese
• Taco Seasoning
• Olive oil

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

🥣 Recommended Tools

• Large skillet
• Meat mallet
• Meat thermometer

🔪 How to Make Salsa Chicken

Make the batch of salsa, then set it aside while you prepare the chicken.

Slice each piece of chicken in half, making 6 thin chicken cutlets. I also like to pound them out with a meat mallet, so they are nice and even.

Season both sides of the chicken with the taco seasoning.

Heat a large oven-safe skillet to medium and add in the olive oil. 

Sear the chicken for 2 minutes on each side. 

Pour the salsa in the skillet, making sure the chicken is well coated. 

Turn the heat down to a simmer and partially cover with a lid.

Preheat your oven to 450°F.

Simmer until the chicken is cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of at least 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer.

Add the shredded cheese over the tops of the chicken, then bake in the oven for 5-7 minutes or until the cheese has melted.

Serve and enjoy!

☑️ Storage Instructions

Fridge: Store any leftover Skillet Salsa Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

Freezer: You can freeze this dish by placing the cooked chicken and salsa in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet or oven until hot and the cheese is melted.

🍴 What to Serve with Salsa Chicken

I served mine with my Lime Cilantro Cauliflower Rice as shown in the photo above and it was delicious! If your looking for other easy sides, here are some great options:

• Mexican Coleslaw
• Air Fryer Broccoli
• Lime Cilantro Broccoli Slaw
• Air Fryer Zucchini
• Roasted Cauliflower Steaks
• Oven Roasted Vegetables
• Air Fryer Roasted Green Beans

💡 Tips for Making Skillet Salsa Chicken

• For even cooking and tender results, lightly pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before seasoning and searing.

• Always check the internal temperature of the chicken to make sure it reaches at least 165°F. A meat thermometer is a handy tool for this.

• If your large skillet did not come with a lid, you can partially cover the top with a piece of foil. This helps the sauce reduce some and thicken slightly.

🔄 Substitutions and Additions

• Chicken: You can swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs if you prefer.

• Cheese: Swap out pepper jack for cheddar, Monterey Jack, or any of your favorite melty cheeses.

• Vegetables: Feel free to add sliced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the skillet with the chicken.

• Beans: Stir in black beans along with the salsa for added protein.

• Herbs: Garnish with fresh cilantro, green onions, or parsley for a burst of freshness.

• Lime juice: A squeeze of lime juice over the finished dish can brighten up the flavors and add a tangy kick.

What Toppings Can I Add to Salsa Chicken Skillet?

This dish is delicious just as it is, but you can add other tasty toppings. For extra flavor and texture, you can add sliced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream. You can also sprinkle on some crumbled keto-tortilla chips for a little bit of crunch.

Can I Use Store-Bought Salsa?

The short answer is, of course you can. But, there is nothing like the clean, fresh pop of flavors in fresh salsa. It's super quick and easy to make and when you taste it, you will see that it's worth the extra few steps.

How Do I Make Chicken Soft Like a Restaurant?

To get tender, restaurant-style chicken, ensure you don’t overcook it. Searing the chicken and simmering it gently in the salsa helps keep it moist and tender. You can also pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for consistent cooking.

Can I Cook The Chicken In The Oven?

Sure. After searing the chicken and adding the salsa, transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the cheese is melted.

🍽️ More Keto Chicken Recipes

• Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
• Lemon Chicken
• Tuscan Chicken
• Chicken Francese
• Creamy Dijon Chicken
• French Onion Chicken