To make a delicious baked picante chicken recipe, you can follow these general steps:
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup picante sauce (adjust the amount based on your preference for spiciness)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish that's large enough to hold the chicken breasts in a single layer.
In a small bowl, mix together the picante sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This will be the marinade and sauce for the chicken.
Place the chicken breasts in the greased baking dish and pour the picante sauce mixture over them, ensuring each breast is well-coated. You can also reserve a small amount of the sauce for basting later.
Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. For even more flavor, you can marinate it for several hours or overnight.
Once marinated, place the baking dish with the chicken in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
Optional: If desired, halfway through baking, you can baste the chicken with the reserved sauce for added moisture and flavor.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the chicken moist.
Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley, if desired, for an extra burst of freshness and color.
Serve your delicious baked picante chicken with rice, roasted vegetables, or a salad for a complete meal. Enjoy the flavorful and spicy chicken!
Remember, you can adjust the seasonings and spice level according to your taste preferences. Feel free to add additional herbs, such as oregano or cumin, to further enhance the flavor profile.