Santa Fe Chicken

Santa Fe Chicken is a flavorful, one-pan dish loaded with southwest-inspired ingredients like tender chicken breasts, black beans, corn, peppers, and melty cheese. It’s an easy, hearty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights and will quickly become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is packed with bold, Tex-Mex flavors but is simple enough for beginners to make. It’s cooked in just one skillet, so cleanup is a breeze. Plus, it’s healthy, customizable, and great for meal prep—serve it over rice, with tortillas, or enjoy it as-is for a low-carb option.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup frozen or canned corn, drained
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup salsa (mild or spicy)
• 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) if finishing in the oven.
2. Season the chicken breasts with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until browned.
4. Add the diced peppers, corn, and black beans to the skillet, spreading them around the chicken. Pour salsa over the chicken.
5. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top.
6. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.

Servings and timing

Makes 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: About 40 minutes

Variations

• Use boneless chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
• Add sliced jalapeños for more heat.
• Swap black beans for pinto beans or kidney beans.
• Top with avocado, sour cream, or a squeeze of lime for extra flavor.

Storage/reheating

Store leftover Santa Fe Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. This dish also freezes well—store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months and thaw in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

1. What is Santa Fe Chicken?

It’s a southwest-style chicken dish with bold flavors, black beans, corn, peppers, salsa, and cheese.

2. Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Add all ingredients except cheese to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4–5 hours. Add cheese in the last 15 minutes.

3. Can I make it spicier?

Use spicy salsa and add jalapeños or extra chili powder.

4. What sides go well with Santa Fe Chicken?

Rice, quinoa, tortillas, or a fresh green salad.

5. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, just skip searing and bake to heat through and melt the cheese.

6. How do I keep the chicken juicy?

Don’t overcook—use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness.

7. Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, just ensure your salsa and seasonings are gluten-free.

8. Can I make this dairy-free?

Skip the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

9. How do I meal prep this recipe?

Divide into containers with rice or veggies for easy grab-and-go lunches.

10. Can I grill the chicken instead?

Absolutely—grill seasoned chicken breasts, then top with warm veggie mixture and cheese.

Conclusion

Santa Fe Chicken is an easy, flavorful dish that brings vibrant southwest flavors to your dinner table with minimal effort and cleanup. Whether you serve it with rice, wrapped in tortillas, or straight from the skillet, it’s a satisfying meal everyone will love!

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