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Salsa Chicken Bake with Cream Cheese, Refried Beans, and Melty Cheese Recipe

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4.3 from 1 review

This easy-to-make Salsa Chicken casserole features layers of tender, seasoned chicken breasts topped with creamy layers of cream cheese, refried beans, salsa, and a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Baked to perfection and garnished with fresh cilantro, it’s a flavorful and comforting dish perfect for serving with rice or tortillas.

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ¾ lbs.)
  • 1 oz. packet Taco Seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Layer Ingredients

  • 8 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 16 oz. refried beans
  • 16 oz. salsa (approximately 2 cups)
  • 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 3/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, to garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
  2. Prepare Chicken: Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create thinner slices. Place the chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a gallon freezer bag. Using the textured side of a meat mallet, pound the chicken evenly to about ½ inch thickness. Pat dry completely with paper towels.
  3. Season Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken slices evenly with the taco seasoning packet for flavorful spice.
  4. Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken slices in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust forms. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  5. Assemble Layers: Spread the softened cream cheese evenly over the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish (or a 12-inch round baking dish). Next, spread the refried beans on top of the cream cheese layer, followed by an even layer of salsa.
  6. Add Chicken and Cheese: Place the seared chicken slices over the salsa layer. Then, sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the chicken.
  7. Bake Covered: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and cheeses to melt.
  8. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil cover and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes to brown the cheese and finish cooking the chicken.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, and serve warm, ideally with rice or tortillas.

Notes

  • For extra spice, add jalapeños or hot sauce to the salsa layer.
  • Ensure the cream cheese is softened to spread easily without lumps.
  • You can substitute refried beans with black beans if preferred.
  • Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking for easier serving.
  • Using a meat mallet helps ensure even cooking by flattening the chicken slices uniformly.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican-American

Find it online: https://recipeteach.com/salsa-chicken-bake-with-cream-cheese-refried-beans-and-melty-cheese-recipe/