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Easy Creamy Salsa Chicken Recipe with Taco Seasoning

Easy Creamy Salsa Chicken

Tender chicken breasts simmer in chunky salsa, taco seasoning, and broth before being finished with softened cream cheese for a rich, flavorful skillet sauce. Optional shredded cheese and fresh herbs make this easy weeknight dinner even more inviting.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 breasts, about 1 1/2–2 pounds total Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil or neutral cooking oil
  • 1 ounce, about 1 standard packet or 2 tablespoons Taco seasoning
  • 1 cup Chunky salsa
  • 4 ounces Cream cheese, softened and cubed
  • 1/2 cup Chicken broth
Optional Toppings
  • 1 cup Shredded Mexican-blend cheese or cheddar
  • 2 tablespoons Chopped cilantro or green onions
Seasoning
  • As needed Salt and black pepper

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Pat the chicken dry. If the breasts are very thick, pound them to an even thickness or slice them horizontally so they cook at the same rate.
  2. Season both sides of the chicken with taco seasoning, adding a small amount of salt only if the seasoning is low-sodium. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side.
  3. Add the chunky salsa and chicken broth to the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes, turning the chicken once, until the thickest part reaches 165°F/74°C.
  4. Remove the chicken briefly or push it to one side of the pan. Add the softened cream cheese to the hot salsa mixture and stir until smooth, then return the chicken to the sauce and simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.
  5. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the chicken if using, cover for 1–2 minutes, and let it melt. Garnish with cilantro or green onions and serve over rice, pasta, quinoa, or with tortillas.

Notes

Use medium or thick salsa for a fuller sauce, and soften the cream cheese before cooking. Keep the heat low after adding the cream cheese to help prevent a grainy or separated sauce. Chicken breasts vary in thickness, so confirm doneness with an instant-read thermometer. Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container and reheat gently.