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Healthy Clean Salsa Chicken Breast Recipe Over Fluffy Cauliflower Rice

healthy clean salsa chicken breast - featured image
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A quick, easy, and wholesome recipe featuring salsa-marinated chicken breasts served over light and fluffy cauliflower rice. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is flavorful, healthy, and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz / 170 g each)
  • 1 cup fresh salsa (about 240 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing the chicken)
  • 1 medium head cauliflower (about 4 cups grated / 400 g)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh chopped cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
  • Optional add-ons: fresh lime juice (1 tablespoon), red pepper flakes, diced avocado or Greek yogurt on the side

Instructions

  1. Remove the leaves and core from the cauliflower head. Using a box grater or food processor, grate the cauliflower into rice-sized pieces. Set aside.
  2. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, cumin, and smoked paprika. Let rest for 5 minutes.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown but not fully cooked.
  4. Pour fresh salsa over the chicken in the skillet. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until chicken is cooked through. Stir occasionally.
  5. While chicken simmers, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a separate skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Add grated cauliflower, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring often, for 5-7 minutes until tender but still fluffy.
  7. Remove chicken from heat once cooked and salsa slightly thickened. Serve chicken breasts over cauliflower rice. Garnish with cilantro or parsley and a squeeze of lime juice if desired.

Notes

If salsa is too watery, strain before adding to chicken to avoid sogginess. Avoid overcrowding the pan when searing chicken; cook in batches if needed. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Pulse cauliflower in short bursts if using a food processor to avoid mushiness. Let chicken rest after seasoning for better flavor and tenderness.

Nutrition

Keywords: healthy chicken recipe, salsa chicken, cauliflower rice, low carb dinner, clean eating, quick dinner, weeknight meal, gluten-free, dairy-free option

Find it online: https://perkypan.com/healthy-clean-salsa-chicken-breast-recipe-over-fluffy-cauliflower-rice-easy-and-delicious/