Mexican-Style Baked Chicken with Tomato-Raisin Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A tender chicken dish simmered in a sweet and savory tomato-raisin sauce with herbs. This mexican-inspired chicken ready in about 65 minutes blends (4 oz each) chicken thighs, medium tomatoes, raisins into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: Dice 1 medium onion into 1/4-inch cubes. Mince 2 garlic cloves. Toss 4 chicken thighs with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp oregano, 1 tsp coarse salt, and 1 tbsp lime juice. Place on the baking sheet.
  3. Step 3: Halve 4 medium tomatoes and add to the baking sheet. Sprinkle 1/4 cup raisins over the tomatoes. Top with onion and garlic.
  4. Step 4: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is golden and cooked through, and the sauce is thick and bubbly.
  5. Step 5: Drizzle with remaining 1 tbsp lime juice and serve with rice or warm tortillas.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Mexican-Style Baked Chicken with Tomato-Raisin Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (25 min prep + 40 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Mexican-Style Baked Chicken with Tomato-Raisin Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Mexican-Style Baked Chicken with Tomato-Raisin Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Mexican-Style Baked Chicken with Tomato-Raisin Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Mexican-Style Baked Chicken with Tomato-Raisin Sauce?

Mexican chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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