Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
Other Ingredients
- 10 ounces ROTEL tomatoes with green chiles, (1 can) drained
- ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Garnish (optional)
- Freshly chopped cilantro
- Freshly chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400˚F to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Season Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together salt, garlic powder, cumin, and chili powder. Season both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with this spice blend, then place the breasts flat in a large casserole dish.
- Add Rotel Tomatoes: Drain the Rotel tomatoes with green chiles and spoon them evenly over the chicken breasts, covering them completely.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the Rotel-covered chicken.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to allow the chicken to cook through and the flavors to meld.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165˚F and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro or green onions if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your cheesy, flavorful chicken bake.
Notes
- Make sure to fully drain the Rotel tomatoes to avoid excess liquid in the casserole.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer, adjusting cooking time as needed.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked to 165˚F for food safety.
- For a spicier kick, add additional chili powder or chopped jalapeños.
- This dish pairs well with rice, tortillas, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
