The purpose of this blog is to demonstrate how a base recipe, in this case Chicken and Salsa, can create a new recipe with a few ingredient changes.
First, we create a recipe, then we taste the recipe, then we change up the ingredients to develop a new recipe from the original recipe. This is the innovative part of the process. That is why our approach to cooking is create, taste, innovate.
3 Ways to Pivot Your Salsa Base
- The Creamy Pivot: Stir in 4oz of cream cheese at the end for a “Creamy Southwest” sauce.
- The Tropical Pivot: Mix in a half cup of mango or pineapple chunks.
- The Taco Pivot: Use the #2 Slow Cooker version as a filling for tacos, taco salads, or enchiladas.
What’s your next flavor adventure?
If you love the bold, zesty energy of these salsa-based meals, you’ll enjoy these other fast-paced favorites from my kitchen:
Craving something different? Try my Italian Eggplant Stacks with Fresh Mozzarella for a Italian-style appetizer twist.
Want to switch to Italian? Use the same quick skillet method with my Quick Chicken Bites with Spinach and Tomatoes.
Looking for a garden-fresh side? These salsa dishes pair perfectly with my Zucchini with Garlic and Oil.
Need more 30-minute meals? Check out my Baked Italian Sausage and Potatoes for a hearty, one-pan alternative.
Welcome to our Chicken and Salsa Recipe Series Page
Easy 20-Minute Skillet Chicken and Salsa (Healthy Weeknight Meal)
This is part of my “Invent Your Recipe” series. One jar of salsa and some chicken can become 5 different family favorites:
- The Hub: Master Base Recipe: Chicken and Salsa (5 Ways)
- #1 Quick Skillet: Simple 20-Minute Chicken Salsa Skillet
- #2 Slow Cooker: Tender Slow Cooker Pulled Salsa Chicken
- #3 Baked Tenders: Baked Chicken Tenderloins with Salsa
- #4 Sautéed Veggies: Sautéed Salsa Chicken with Peppers and Onions
- #5 Pinto Beans: Quick Salsa Chicken with Pinto Beans
Simple chicken salsa dish is ready in no time and is great for a quick weeknight dinner.
In this version I am using salsa and chicken breasts sautéed in a skillet to create a wonderful and tasty chicken and salsa dish. This series of recipes will feature different cuts of chicken cooked with salsa.
What will change the most in these recipes are the complimentary ingredients or cooking style. For instance, in the second version of this recipe, the chicken is cooked in a slow cooker to create a tender a juicy pulled chicken in salsa.
Get the full Easy 20-Minute Skillet Chicken and Salsa (Healthy Weeknight Meal) Recipe here.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breast, sliced
- 15 oz. jar of salsa mild or choice
- ½ tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. black pepper
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic sliced
Instructions
Preparing the Chicken:
- Begin by cleaning and trimming the fat from the chicken breast. Next, slice the whole chicken breast into bit sized slices.4 boneless
- In a frying pan, add ¼ cup of extra virgin olive oil and bring to a high heat. Add chicken slices, salt, and black pepper and fry on both sides until golden brown in color (2-3 minutes each side).½ tsp. salt, ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, ¼ tsp. black pepper
- Remove from frying pan and set aside. Drain half the oil and then return the skillet to medium heat. Add sliced garlic and sauté until golden, about 1-2 minutes.2 cloves of garlic sliced
- Next, return the chicken to the skillet and also add in the salsa. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the chicken is tender and mixed well.15 oz. jar of salsa
To Serve:
- Place chicken on a bed of brown rice and serve along size steamed broccoli or your favorite vegetable.
Notes
Nutrition
Slow Cooker Pulled Salsa Chicken (Simple 3-Ingredient Base)
This is part of my “Invent Your Recipe” series. One jar of salsa and some chicken can become 5 different family favorites:
- The Hub: Master Base Recipe: Chicken and Salsa (5 Ways)
- #1 Quick Skillet: Simple 20-Minute Chicken Salsa Skillet
- #2 Slow Cooker: Tender Slow Cooker Pulled Salsa Chicken
- #3 Baked Tenders: Baked Chicken Tenderloins with Salsa
- #4 Sautéed Veggies: Sautéed Salsa Chicken with Peppers and Onions
- #5 Pinto Beans: Quick Salsa Chicken with Pinto Beans
Slow Cooker Chicken and Salsa features the use of a slow cooker which creates a delicious, juicy, and tender pulled chicken. This is the second version of the chicken and salsa recipe series.
In this version, Slow Cooker Chicken and Salsa, I am using a slower cooker method to change up this dish. This recipe is a very subtle change, as the first version of this recipe calls for chicken and salsa sautéed together in a skillet.
However, a small change like this really does make a completely different dish and eating experience.
Get the full Slow Cooker Pulled Salsa Chicken (Simple 3-Ingredient Base) Recipe here.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breast
- 15 oz. jar of salsa mild or choice
- ½ tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. black pepper
- 2 cloves of garlic sliced
Instructions
Preparing the Chicken:
- Begin by cleaning and trimming the fat from the chicken breast. Next, place the chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker and season with the salt and pepper.4 boneless, ½ tsp. salt, ¼ tsp. black pepper
- Add the garlic to the top of the chicken and cover with the salsa. Cook on high for 4 hours.15 oz. jar of salsa, 2 cloves of garlic sliced
- After 4 hours, turn off the slow cooker, remove the lid, and pull the chicken apart. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before serving.
To Serve:
- Place chicken on a bed of brown rice or pasta and serve along size steamed broccoli or your favorite vegetable.
- For a gluten free option leave out the brown rice, pasta, or other wheat products.
Notes
Nutrition
Healthy Baked Chicken Tenderloins with Salsa (Low Carb & Keto Friendly)
This is part of my “Invent Your Recipe” series. One jar of salsa and some chicken can become 5 different family favorites:
- The Hub: Master Base Recipe: Chicken and Salsa (5 Ways)
- #1 Quick Skillet: Simple 20-Minute Chicken Salsa Skillet
- #2 Slow Cooker: Tender Slow Cooker Pulled Salsa Chicken
- #3 Baked Tenders: Baked Chicken Tenderloins with Salsa
- #4 Sautéed Veggies: Sautéed Salsa Chicken with Peppers and Onions
- #5 Pinto Beans: Quick Salsa Chicken with Pinto Beans
Chicken tenderloins with salsa. Chicken tenderloins baked with salsa and served with brown rice and broccoli.
Welcome to the third recipe in our Chicken and Salsa series of recipes. In this version, Chicken Tenderloins with Salsa, I am baking chicken tenderloins covered with salsa to change up this dish.
With the change in cooking method and ingredients this recipe offers a whole new eating experience.
Get the full Healthy Baked Chicken Tenderloins with Salsa (Low Carb & Keto Friendly) Recipe here.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. chicken tenderloins about 8
- 8 oz. salsa
- ½ tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. black pepper
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees
Preparing the Chicken:
- Place the chicken tenderloins evenly on a baking sheet or baking pan. Next, season with the salt and black pepper.
- Next, spoon or pour the salsa over the chicken tenderloins, ensuring to spread out the salsa evenly. Bake the chicken tenderloins at 400 degrees for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is tender.
To Serve:
- Place chicken tenderloins with salsa on a bed of brown rice and serve along size steamed broccoli or your favorite vegetable.
Notes
Nutrition
Sautéed Salsa Chicken with Peppers and Onions (Fajita Style)
This is part of my “Invent Your Recipe” series. One jar of salsa and some chicken can become 5 different family favorites:
- The Hub: Master Base Recipe: Chicken and Salsa (5 Ways)
- #1 Quick Skillet: Simple 20-Minute Chicken Salsa Skillet
- #2 Slow Cooker: Tender Slow Cooker Pulled Salsa Chicken
- #3 Baked Tenders: Baked Chicken Tenderloins with Salsa
- #4 Sautéed Veggies: Sautéed Salsa Chicken with Peppers and Onions
- #5 Pinto Beans: Quick Salsa Chicken with Pinto Beans
Chicken Salsa with Peppers and Onions. Boneless chicken breasts cut into bite sized pieces and sautéed with peppers, onions, and salsa and served over a bed of brown rice.
This is the fourth version or our chicken salsa series of recipes. In this version the main difference is the addition of the peppers and onions. If you like this dish, give our other three chicken salsa recipes a try.
Get the full Sautéed Salsa Chicken with Peppers and Onions (Fajita Style) Recipe here.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless chicken breasts (about 1 lb.) cut into bite sized pieces
- 2 bell peppers sliced
- 16 oz. Salsa
- 1 sweet onion sliced
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. black pepper
Instructions
- Before beginning the recipe remember to read the “Invent Your Recipe” section below for additional suggestions, recipe combinations, or ingredient alternatives.
Preparing the Vegetables:
- In a large skillet add in the extra virgin olive oil and bring to a high heat. Next, add in the peppers and onions and sauté for 5 minutes, mixing occasionally.
Putting it all Together:
- Continuing on high heat, add in the chicken pieces, salt, and black pepper and sauté for 5 minutes, mixing occasionally.
- Finally, add in the salsa, bring to a simmer, and cook for 10 minutes, mixing occasionally.
To Serve:
- Place the chicken salsa with peppers and onions in a large serving dish or on top of brown rice.
Notes
Nutrition
Quick Salsa Chicken with Pinto Beans (Easy 25-Minute Skillet)
This is part of my “Invent Your Recipe” series. One jar of salsa and some chicken can become 5 different family favorites:
- The Hub: Master Base Recipe: Chicken and Salsa (5 Ways)
- #1 Quick Skillet: Simple 20-Minute Chicken Salsa Skillet
- #2 Slow Cooker: Tender Slow Cooker Pulled Salsa Chicken
- #3 Baked Tenders: Baked Chicken Tenderloins with Salsa
- #4 Sautéed Veggies: Sautéed Salsa Chicken with Peppers and Onions
- #5 Pinto Beans: Quick Salsa Chicken with Pinto Beans
This is part of my “Invent Your Recipe” series. One jar of salsa and some chicken can become 5 different family favorites:
- The Hub: Master Base Recipe: Chicken and Salsa (5 Ways)
- #1 Quick Skillet: Simple 20-Minute Chicken Salsa Skillet
- #2 Slow Cooker: Tender Slow Cooker Pulled Salsa Chicken
- #3 Baked Tenders: Baked Chicken Tenderloins with Salsa
- #4 Sautéed Veggies: Sautéed Salsa Chicken with Peppers and Onions
- #5 Pinto Beans: Quick Salsa Chicken with Pinto Beans
Who doesn’t love a quick and easy weeknight meal? After a long day, the last thing you want is a complicated recipe that takes hours. That’s why this Salsa Chicken with Pinto Beans is a staple in my kitchen.
In this 5th version of my Salsa Base Series, I am using the ‘Invent Your Recipe’ method to pivot the flavor by adding hearty pinto beans. This simple change adds fiber and creaminess to the dish, transforming it into a filling, high-protein meal prepared in just 25 minutes.
Whether you serve this over rice or in a bowl with a dollop of Greek yogurt, it’s the ultimate shortcut to a home-cooked dinner.
Get the full Quick Salsa Chicken with Pinto Beans (Easy 25-Minute Skillet) Recipe here.
Ingredients
- 2 breasts boneless chicken about 1 lb. cut into bite sized pieces
- 1 jar salsa about 16oz.
- 1 can Pinto beans 15-16oz. with liquid
- ¼ cup canola olive oil
- 1 tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. ground black pepper
Instructions
Preparing the Chicken:
- In a large skillet add in the canola olive oil and bring to a high heat.
- Next, add in the chicken and sauté for 6 minutes, 3 minutes each side. Drain the oil and return the chicken to the skillet.
Putting it all Together:
- Continuing on high heat, add in the pinto beans, salsa, salt, and ground black pepper.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 8 minutes, mixing occasionally, or until the sauce has thickened.
To Serve:
- Place the chicken salsa with pinto beans in a large serving dish or on top of brown rice.
Notes
Nutrition
As I round out this chicken and salsa base recipe I hope you see the simplicity and easiness of this savory chicken base recipe series. Open a can of salsa or make it homemade, then add it to some chicken and vegetables and you are all set for a fulfilling dinning experience.
I believe the real beauty of this base recipe is the simplicity. When time is limited and the family is hungry, reach for this recipe and invent your version!
For even more ideas check out our pinterest page…
