Santa Fe Chicken Skillet

This easy Santa Fe chicken skillet is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with black beans, corn, Ro-tel tomatoes, and a blend of southwest spices. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe is not only quick to prepare but also delivers a burst of flavor in every bite. With its melty cheese topping and colorful ingredients, the Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is sure to impress family and friends alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of spices and ingredients creates a delightful taste experience.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main course or serve it over rice or tortillas for added variety.
• Healthy Ingredients: Loaded with protein and fiber from the beans and veggies.
• Easily Customizable: Adjust spice levels or add your favorite toppings like avocado or salsa.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make cooking the Santa Fe Chicken Skillet even easier. Here are some essential items you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Oven-safe skillet
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Oven-safe skillet: This allows you to cook the chicken on the stovetop and finish it in the oven for perfectly melted cheese.
• Sharp knife: A good knife makes slicing chicken breasts easier and safer.
• Cutting board: Keeps your workspace organized while prepping ingredients.
• Spatula: Ideal for flipping chicken and mixing ingredients without scratching your skillet.

Ingredients

This easy Santa Fe chicken recipe is loaded with black beans, corn, Ro-tel tomatoes, southwest spices, and melty cheese. It’s ready in just 30 minutes!

For the Chicken

• 2 large chicken breasts
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt & pepper (to taste)

For the Skillet Mixture

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
• 1 (10 ounce) can Ro-tel diced tomatoes & green chilies (drained)
• 1 (14 ounce) can black beans (drained & rinsed)
• 1 (12 ounce) can corn (drained)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

For Topping

• 1 cup Mexican cheese blend
• Fresh cilantro (chopped, optional, to taste)

How to Make Santa Fe Chicken Skillet

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 400F and move the rack to the middle position.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise so you have 4 thinner cutlets.
2. Season both sides with garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. Add olive oil to an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Once hot, add chicken cutlets and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until lightly golden.
3. Remove chicken from pan.

Step 4: Sauté Onions

Add chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and lightly browned.

Step 5: Add Other Ingredients

Stir in Ro-tel tomatoes, black beans, corn, and smoked paprika. Heat through for a couple of minutes while scraping up browned bits from the pan.

Step 6: Combine Chicken with Mixture

Return chicken to the skillet. Spoon some of the tomato-bean-corn mixture onto each piece of chicken. Sprinkle cheese over everything.

Step 7: Bake Until Done

Place skillet in preheated oven for 5-7 minutes or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F and cheese is melted. Optionally broil for a few minutes to brown cheese—watch carefully!

Step 8: Serve

Top with fresh chopped cilantro if desired, then serve immediately.

Enjoy your delicious Santa Fe Chicken Skillet!

How to Serve Santa Fe Chicken Skillet

This Santa Fe chicken skillet is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you want a casual meal or something a bit more refined, there are plenty of serving ideas to make your dinner special.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Cilantro: Adding chopped cilantro on top enhances the flavors and provides a fresh contrast.
• Green Onions: Sliced green onions add a nice crunch and mild onion flavor.

Pair with Rice or Quinoa

• Fluffy Rice: Serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice for a hearty meal.
• Quinoa: For a protein-packed option, quinoa works well and adds texture.

Include Tortillas

• Corn Tortillas: Warm corn tortillas make for excellent wraps to enjoy the chicken filling.
• Flour Tortillas: Soft flour tortillas can be used for burrito-style servings.

Add Avocado or Guacamole

• Sliced Avocado: Fresh avocado slices bring creaminess and richness to each bite.
• Guacamole: A dollop of guacamole complements the southwest flavors perfectly.

How to Perfect Santa Fe Chicken Skillet

To ensure your Santa Fe chicken skillet turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go and adjust spices according to your preferences.
• Don’t Overcook Chicken: Cook until just done to avoid dry chicken—aim for an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Scrape the Skillet: Make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom; they add wonderful depth of flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Santa Fe Chicken Skillet

Complement your Santa Fe chicken skillet with these delicious side dishes that enhance the meal experience:

1. Mexican Street Corn Salad: A refreshing salad with roasted corn, lime, and cotija cheese brings bright flavors.
2. Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice tossed with lime juice and cilantro offers a zesty contrast.
3. Black Bean Salad: This salad combines black beans, bell peppers, onions, and a citrus dressing for added nutrition.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted with olive oil make for a colorful and healthy side.
5. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with homemade salsa provide a fun appetizer before the main course.
6. Grilled Zucchini: Lightly seasoned grilled zucchini adds a smoky element to balance the dish’s richness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Santa Fe Chicken Skillet, it’s easy to make a few mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some common pitfalls to watch for:

• Bold seasoning: Under-seasoning the chicken can lead to bland flavors. Always taste and adjust seasonings like garlic powder and chili powder before cooking.
• Bold chicken thickness: Using thick chicken breasts can result in uneven cooking. Slice the chicken thinly to ensure it cooks evenly throughout.
• Bold skillet choice: Not using an oven-safe skillet can create extra cleanup. Make sure your skillet is suitable for both stovetop and oven use.
• Bold ingredient prep: Forgetting to drain and rinse beans or corn can add excess liquid. Always prepare canned ingredients properly for the best texture.
• Bold timing issue: Overcooking the cheese can make it rubbery. Keep an eye on the cheese while broiling to achieve that perfect melt without burning.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• The Santa Fe Chicken Skillet will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Santa Fe Chicken Skillet

• Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Santa Fe Chicken Skillet

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Santa Fe Chicken Skillet:

What is a Santa Fe Chicken Skillet?

Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is a one-pan dish featuring seasoned chicken, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and cheese. It’s quick, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights.

Can I use other proteins in this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute turkey or even beef if you prefer a different protein. Just adjust cooking times as needed.

How spicy is the Santa Fe Chicken Skillet?

The spice level depends on how much chili powder you use. For a milder dish, reduce the amount or choose a sweet paprika instead of smoked.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh and ensure all other ingredients are vegetarian-friendly.

Final Thoughts

The Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is not only quick and easy but also bursting with flavor. Its versatility allows for various modifications, so feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust spices according to your taste preferences. Try it today for a satisfying meal!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Santa Fe Chicken Skillet

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

This Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is a vibrant and satisfying dish that brings the flavors of the Southwest to your dinner table in just 30 minutes. With tender chicken simmered with hearty black beans, sweet corn, and zesty Ro-tel tomatoes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Topped with melty cheese and fresh cilantro, each bite bursts with flavor. Enjoy it as a standalone meal or served over fluffy rice or warm tortillas for an extra touch. Quick to prepare and easily customizable, this dish is destined to impress family and friends alike.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 large chicken breasts
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt & pepper (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
• 1 (10 ounce) can Ro-tel diced tomatoes & green chilies (drained)
• 1 (14 ounce) can black beans (drained & rinsed)
• 1 (12 ounce) can corn (drained)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 cup Mexican cheese blend
• Fresh cilantro (chopped, optional, to taste)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Cut chicken breasts in half lengthwise; season with garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat; cook chicken until golden (3-4 minutes per side).
4. Sauté chopped onion in the same skillet until softened (about 5 minutes).
5. Stir in Ro-tel tomatoes, black beans, corn, and smoked paprika; heat through for 2 minutes.
6. Return chicken to skillet; spoon mixture over chicken and top with cheese.
7. Bake for 5-7 minutes until chicken is cooked through (165°F) and cheese melts.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southwest

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 41g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 85mg