Get ready to elevate your dinner game with the mouthwatering Salsa Mesquite Oven Fried Chicken! This tantalizing dish combines the smoky flavors of mesquite seasoning with zesty salsa, all wrapped in a crispy cornflake coating that will have your taste buds dancing with delight. Whether you're hosting a family gathering or simply craving a comforting meal, this recipe promises to impress without the fuss of frying. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a total of 1 hour to serve, you'll be savoring every delicious bite in no time. Dive into this easy yet flavorful recipe that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup cornflake crumbs
- 1 tsp mesquite seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your chicken will cook evenly and become crispy.
- Rinse the chicken thighs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps to remove any excess moisture, allowing the skin to crisp up nicely during cooking.
- In a medium bowl, combine the salsa and mesquite seasoning. Stir well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the salsa.
- Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper to taste. Be generous with the seasoning, as it will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- In a shallow dish, spread out the cornflake crumbs. This will be used to coat the chicken, giving it a crunchy texture.
- Take each chicken thigh and dip it into the salsa mixture, making sure to coat it thoroughly. Allow any excess salsa to drip off.
- Next, roll the coated chicken thigh in the cornflake crumbs, pressing lightly to ensure the crumbs adhere well to the chicken.
- Place the coated chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased to prevent sticking. Make sure to leave some space between each piece for even cooking.
- Once all the chicken thighs are coated and arranged on the baking sheet, place them in the preheated oven.
- Bake the chicken for 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden brown and crispy. You may want to flip the chicken halfway through cooking for even browning.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the chicken stays moist.
- Serve the Salsa Mesquite Oven Fried Chicken hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy with your favorite sides!
Tips
- Preheat is Key: Always preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) before cooking. This step is crucial for achieving that perfectly crispy texture on your chicken.
- Pat Dry for Crispiness: After rinsing your chicken thighs, make sure to pat them dry thoroughly. Removing excess moisture will help the skin crisp up beautifully in the oven.
- Customize Your Salsa: Feel free to use your favorite salsa—whether it’s mild, medium, or hot—to tailor the flavor to your preference. You can even add chopped jalapeños for an extra kick!
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper. A good seasoning is essential to enhance the flavors of the chicken and the salsa.
- Press the Crumbs: When rolling the chicken in cornflake crumbs, press them lightly to ensure they stick well. This will give you that satisfying crunch with every bite.
- Space it Out: Arrange the chicken thighs on the baking sheet with enough space between them. This allows for even cooking and prevents them from steaming.
- Flip for Even Browning: For a beautifully golden and crispy coating, flip the chicken halfway through the baking time.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping your chicken moist and flavorful.
- Garnish for Presentation: Add a pop of color and freshness by garnishing your dish with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro before serving. Enjoy your cooking adventure with this delightful recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 130mg
