Preheat your oven to a warm 350°F. This sets the stage for our chicken to cook beautifully.
Take your chicken breasts and sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over both sides. Don’t be shy; really coat them well! Then, place those seasoned beauties into a baking dish, ready to soak in all the flavors.
Next, pour the salsa over the top of the chicken. Make sure every nook and cranny is covered, as this will help keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
Now for the best part: sprinkle that delicious shredded cheese over the top of your chicken. Pop it back into the oven for another 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Oh, the aroma will fill your kitchen!
If you wish, garnish your masterpiece with some chopped cilantro. It adds a lovely freshness that brightens the dish.
Serve your Southwest Baked Chicken immediately, accompanied by your favorite sides like rice, beans, or roasted vegetables. Enjoy!