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Delicious Southwest Chicken Bake recipe photo

Southwest Chicken Bake

A creamy, cheesy baked chicken with enchilada sauce and green chiles for a quick Southwest-inspired weeknight meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts pounded to 1-inch thickness
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste
  • 15 ounces enchilada sauce 1 can
  • 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes with green chilies 1 can, drained
  • 8 ounces sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
  • fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish
  • Cotija cheese crumbled, for garnish
  • tortilla chips or strips for serving

Equipment

  • 8x11-inch baking dish
  • Meat mallet or rolling pin
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk or fork
  • Meat Thermometer
  • Spatula or spoon

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray an 8x11-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
  2. Pound each chicken breast to an even 1-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin, then season both sides with salt and black pepper.
  3. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the enchilada sauce, drained diced tomatoes with green chilies, and sour cream until smooth.
  5. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, coating them well.
  6. Bake uncovered at 375°F for 20–30 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 155°F–165°F (the residual heat will finish cooking while resting).
  7. Sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend evenly over the chicken and return to the oven just until the cheese melts and begins to bubble, about 2–4 minutes.
  8. Remove the dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for 3–4 minutes.
  9. To serve, arrange a nest of tortilla chips on plates, place a chicken breast on top, spoon any extra sauce over the chicken, and garnish with chopped cilantro and crumbled Cotija cheese.

Notes

  • For more flavor, rub the chicken with taco seasoning instead of just salt and pepper.
  • Spread a thin layer of sauce in the bottom of the dish to prevent sticking.
  • Drain the canned tomatoes well to avoid a watery sauce.
  • Try green enchilada sauce or salsa verde for a tangier variation.
  • Crockpot option: cook on LOW 4–5 hours or HIGH 2–3 hours, adding cheese for the last 10–15 minutes.
  • Properly cooked chicken breasts should reach 165°F internally.