- Red Onion (to add a mild sweetness and texture contrast)
- Fresh Cilantro (for a fresh burst of flavor and color)
- Lime Juice (to enhance the natural flavors)
- Honey (for a touch of natural sweetness, boosting overall taste)
- Garlic Cloves (minced to infuse savory aromas into the dish)
- Salt (to season and bring out the true flavors)
- Black Pepper (grinding fresh for optimal flavor)
- Olive Oil (for cooking, adding richness and depth)
- Freshly Ground Cumin (optional but gives a distinctive taste, can be SEO-friendly as "taste-enhancing spice")
- Chili Powder (optional, adds heat and complexity to the salsa)
Keywords: baked chicken, plum tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, honey, garlic, salt, black pepper, olive oil, cumin, chili powder
Steps
### Baked Chicken with Plum Tomato Salsa: A Flavorful Recipe
#### Introduction
Discover how to prepare a delicious and easy-to-make baked chicken dish that's packed with flavor thanks to its plum tomato salsa. This recipe is perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or entertaining guests at home.
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (adjust to taste)
- 1 small clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
#### Instructions
##### Step 1: Preparing the Chicken
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Seasoning:** Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, oregano, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper if using.
3. **Coat in Oil:** Brush a little olive oil over the chicken to prevent sticking.
##### Step 2: Assembling the Salsa
1. **Dice Tomatoes:** Finely dice the plum tomatoes into small, uniform pieces.
2. **Chop Onions and Garlic:** Mince the red onion and mince the garlic clove.
3. **Add Jalapeño and Cilantro:** Seed and finely chop the jalapeño pepper. Chop fresh cilantro to add a burst of freshness.
4. **Combine Ingredients:** In a mixing bowl, combine diced tomatoes, chopped onions, minced garlic, chopped jalapeño, and cilantro. Squeeze in the lime juice and toss gently until well combined.
##### Step 3: Preparing the Chicken
1. **Place Chicken on Baking Sheet:** Place seasoned chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. **Spread Salsa:** Spoon about half of the plum tomato salsa over each piece of chicken, ensuring an even layer.
3. **Bake the Chicken:** Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
##### Step 4: Serving
1. **Allow to Rest:** Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.
2. **Plate and Serve:** Place sliced chicken on a plate and garnish with any remaining salsa. Serve immediately.
#### Tips and Variations
- For added flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, lime juice, garlic, and spices for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Use different types of tomatoes or add diced bell peppers to your salsa for color and texture variety.
- Garnish with fresh avocado slices or crumbled queso fresco for an extra burst of flavor.
#### Keywords
- Baked Chicken
- Plum Tomato Salsa
- Easy Recipe
- Flavorful Dinner
- Meal Prep
Enjoy your delicious baked chicken with plum tomato salsa, perfect for a delightful meal that's both easy to prepare and full of flavor!