Mexican Chicken Breast
- T Millan
- Sep 1
- 2 min read
During Día de los Muertos, every dish carries meaning. Food is not only nourishment but also a way to honor loved ones by preparing the recipes they cherished. This comforting Mexican Chicken Breast with homemade refried beans recipe brings warmth to the table — perfect for sharing while remembering family and friends on your ofrenda (altar).
Ingredients for Mexican Chicken Breast
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
salt and ground black pepper to taste
4 ounces shredded Mexican cheese blend
1 cup salsaocart
Instructions for Mexican Chicken Breast
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season one side of chicken breasts with 1/2 of the cumin, 1/2 of the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper; arrange chicken breasts seasoned-side down in hot oil. Fry until chicken is lightly browned on the bottom, 4 to 5 minutes.
Season the top of each chicken breast with remaining cumin, remaining garlic powder, salt, and black pepper; flip chicken and cook until other side is lightly browned, 4 to 5 minutes. If the skillet gets dry, pour in just enough salsa juice to keep it from burning.
Transfer chicken breasts to a 9-inch square baking dish; sprinkle with Mexican cheese blend. Loosen drippings from the skillet with a little more salsa juice and pour on top of chicken breasts. Spoon salsa over cheese layer.
Bake chicken breasts until no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, 20 to 25 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
✨ Tradition Tip: Serve this dish with frijoles refritos (refried beans) and warm tortillas — a nod to everyday Mexican comfort food that also belongs on festive tables.
Why It Matters
On Día de los Muertos, preparing chicken the way abuelita (grandmother) once did is a way of saying: te recordamos con cariño (we remember you with love). Every bite becomes an offering, a memory, and a celebration.
Your turn: What dishes do you prepare to honor your loved ones? Share your tradiciones familiares (family traditions) in the comments — your story could inspire someone else’s ofrenda.
Celebrate Día de los Muertos 2025 in McKinney
Don’t miss Día de los Muertos 2025 in Historic Downtown McKinney — with altars, live music, food, and family activities.
