Baked Chicken with Plum Tomato Salsa is a delightful dish that combines the tender, juicy flavors of baked chicken with the vibrant, tangy notes of fresh plum tomato salsa. This recipe is perfect for those who love a mix of savory and refreshing flavors, making it a hit at family dinners and gatherings. Plum tomatoes, known for their rich flavor and low moisture content, are ideal for making salsas and sauces. But why exactly are plum tomatoes so good for salsa? And how do you cut plum tomatoes for the perfect salsa? We’ll explore these questions and more as we delve into this delicious recipe.
Ingredients
For the Baked Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
For the Plum Tomato Salsa
- 4 ripe plum tomatoes
- 1 small red onion, finely diced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 2 limes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Preparing the Baked Chicken
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for the chicken.
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken breasts evenly with the mixture and drizzle with lemon juice.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest the Chicken: Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to ensure the juices are redistributed, keeping the meat tender.
Making the Plum Tomato Salsa
- Prepare the Tomatoes: To cut plum tomatoes for salsa, slice each tomato in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and dice the flesh into small, even pieces.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro. Stir in the lime juice and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill the Salsa: For the best flavor, cover the salsa and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Tips and Variations
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh plum tomatoes are key to a vibrant salsa. If fresh ones are unavailable, use canned plum tomatoes as a substitute.
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat of the salsa by adding more or less jalapeño. For a milder salsa, remove the seeds and ribs from the jalapeño before chopping.
- Herb Variations: If cilantro isn’t your favorite, try using fresh basil or parsley for a different flavor profile.
- Additional Ingredients: For extra flavor, add diced avocado or corn to the salsa.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
Baked Chicken with Plum Tomato Salsa is a dish that offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. The succulent chicken paired with the fresh, tangy salsa makes for a meal that’s both satisfying and refreshing. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough to impress at any occasion. So why wait? Try this recipe today and let the vibrant flavors transform your dinner table.
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