healthy mexican chicken bake

Author of this recipe: Anette Steffler

"Try this healthy Mexican chicken bake recipe! Packed with lean protein, veggies, and bold flavors—perfect for a quick, nutritious dinner!"

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Ingredients

• Here’s a list of ingredients for a **healthy Mexican chicken bake**, optimized with SEO-friendly formatting and keywords to help you rank better:
• - **Boneless, skinless chicken breasts** (high-protein, lean meat)
• - **Black beans** (fiber-rich, plant-based protein)
• - **Corn kernels** (sweet, gluten-free, and nutrient-dense)
• - **Diced tomatoes** (low-calorie, rich in vitamins)
• - **Bell peppers** (colorful, high in vitamin C)
• - **Red onion** (antioxidant-rich, adds flavor)
• - **Jalapeños** (spicy, metabolism-boosting)
• - **Low-fat shredded cheese** (calcium-rich, reduced-fat option)
• - **Greek yogurt** (creamy, high-protein substitute for sour cream)
• - **Whole-grain tortilla chips** (crunchy, fiber-packed)
• - **Taco seasoning** (flavorful, low-sodium option)
• - **Fresh cilantro** (herbaceous, adds freshness)
• - **Lime juice** (zesty, vitamin C-rich)
• - **Olive oil** (heart-healthy fat for cooking)
• - **Garlic** (immune-boosting, aromatic)
• - **Avocado** (healthy fats, creamy texture)
• - **Salsa** (low-calorie, adds tangy flavor)
• This **healthy Mexican chicken bake recipe** is perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or a high-protein, low-carb diet. It’s packed with **nutrient-dense ingredients**, making it a **gluten-free**, **low-calorie**, and **flavorful dish** that’s easy to customize!

Steps

1. # Healthy Mexican Chicken Bake: A Flavorful and Nutritious Recipe
3. Looking for a **healthy Mexican chicken bake** that’s packed with flavor and easy to prepare? This recipe combines lean protein, fresh vegetables, and bold Mexican spices for a wholesome, family-friendly meal. Perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner, this dish is gluten-free, high in protein, and loaded with nutrients. Follow these detailed steps to create a delicious and **healthy Mexican-inspired casserole**.
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7. ## **Ingredients for Healthy Mexican Chicken Bake**
8. - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness)
9. - 1 cup diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
10. - 1 cup diced zucchini
11. - 1 cup black beans (low-sodium, drained and rinsed)
12. - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
13. - 1 cup salsa (choose a low-sugar, organic option)
14. - 1 cup shredded low-fat cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
15. - 1 tsp chili powder
16. - 1 tsp cumin
17. - 1 tsp smoked paprika
18. - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
19. - 1/2 tsp onion powder
20. - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
21. - Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish
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25. ## **Step-by-Step Instructions**
27. ### **Step 1: Preheat and Prep**
28. 1. Preheat your oven to **375°F (190°C)**.
29. 2. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
31. ### **Step 2: Season the Chicken**
32. 1. Place the chicken breasts in the baking dish.
33. 2. In a small bowl, mix the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
34. 3. Rub the spice blend evenly over the chicken, ensuring it’s well-coated on both sides.
36. ### **Step 3: Add Vegetables and Beans**
37. 1. Scatter the diced bell peppers, zucchini, black beans, and corn around the chicken in the baking dish.
38. 2. Pour the salsa evenly over the chicken and vegetables.
40. ### **Step 4: Bake the Dish**
41. 1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for **25 minutes**.
42. 2. Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional **10-15 minutes**, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of **165°F (74°C)** and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
44. ### **Step 5: Garnish and Serve**
45. 1. Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
46. 2. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges for a zesty finish.
47. 3. Pair with brown rice, quinoa, or a side salad for a complete meal.
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51. ## **Why This Recipe Works**
52. This **healthy Mexican chicken bake** is a crowd-pleaser because it’s:
53. - **High in protein**: Chicken and black beans provide a satisfying, muscle-building base.
54. - **Packed with veggies**: Bell peppers and zucchini add fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
55. - **Low in calories**: Using low-fat cheese and minimal oil keeps it light.
56. - **Customizable**: Swap ingredients to suit dietary preferences or spice levels.
58. ---
60. ## **Tips for Success**
61. - Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker version.
62. - Add avocado slices or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
63. - Double the recipe for meal prep—store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
65. ---
67. Enjoy this **healthy Mexican chicken bake** as a flavorful, nutritious dinner that’s sure to become a family favorite!

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