Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe
If you’re craving a vibrant, flavor-packed meal that combines smoky spices, tender chicken, and a colorful array of fresh ingredients, the Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish bursts with zesty notes from chili powder and roasted tomatoes, balanced with creamy cheese and hearty black beans and corn. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weekday dinner or a casual weekend get-together, this recipe delivers satisfying comfort with a spicy twist that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe uses simple, staple ingredients that come together effortlessly yet deliver a depth of flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role, from seasoning the chicken to creating a vibrant, hearty topping that makes every bite exciting.
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, sliced thinly for quick and even cooking.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle, fragrant baseline flavor that perks up the chicken.
- ½ teaspoon chili powder: Brings a gentle heat and smoky essence crucial to the dish’s Santa Fe character.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps brown the chicken and soften the onions without overpowering.
- ½ medium onion, chopped: Provides sweetness and texture once sautéed.
- 1 (10-ounce) can Ro-Tel diced tomatoes & green chilies, drained: Adds a spicy, tangy pop and some juiciness to the skillet.
- 1 (14-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed: A hearty, protein-packed ingredient for texture and earthiness.
- 1 (12-ounce) can corn, drained: Sweetness and vibrant color that brighten the dish.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Deepens the smoky flavor and ties all the spices together.
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend: Melts to gooey, savory perfection topping the skillet.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish): Adds freshness and a pop of green for visual appeal.
How to Make Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Chicken
Start by slicing each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets—this helps the chicken cook quickly and evenly. Then season both sides generously with garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper to infuse the chicken with that signature Santa Fe flavor foundation.
Step 2: Cook Chicken and Sauté Onion
Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken cutlets until they develop a lovely golden crust, about 3-4 minutes per side. Once cooked, remove the chicken and set it aside. Toss the chopped onion into the same skillet and sauté it until soft and lightly browned—these caramelized onions will add a natural sweetness that balances the spices beautifully.
Step 3: Add the Remaining Ingredients
Next, stir in the drained Ro-Tel diced tomatoes & green chilies, black beans, corn, and smoked paprika into the skillet with the onions. Cook everything together until heated through, making sure to scrape up the browned bits from the pan’s bottom—these bits hold a ton of flavor and help build the base of the dish.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Return the cooked chicken back to the skillet, nestling each piece beneath and within the tomato and bean mixture. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded Mexican cheese blend all over the top, then transfer the skillet to a preheated 400°F oven. Bake for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. For an extra golden crust on the cheese, pop the skillet under the broiler for a couple of minutes but keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Step 5: Serve with Flair
Once out of the oven, sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro if you like that fresh herbaceous brightness rounding out the warm, savory flavors. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting layers of taste and texture this Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe offers.
How to Serve Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is a classic garnish because it adds a pop of color and a hint of brightness that contrasts beautifully with the rich, smoky flavors. You can also try a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime for an extra zing.
Side Dishes
This skillet pairs perfectly with simple sides like warm tortillas, cilantro-lime rice, or a crisp green salad to lighten the meal. Refried beans or a quick avocado salsa can also complement the flavors without overshadowing the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, serve this Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe in the skillet itself straight to the table—it’s rustic and inviting. Alternatively, scoop portions into small bowls and top with extra cheese or sliced avocado for a colorful, individual serving experience that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, transfer them into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully after resting, making the dish even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to prep ahead. Store cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags for up to 2 months. Just make sure to leave some room for expansion and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth if the mixture feels too dry, and consider topping with a little extra shredded cheese to refresh the gooey texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and even more flavorful. Just adjust cooking time slightly because thighs might take a bit longer to cook through.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe has a mild to moderate heat level thanks to the chili powder and Ro-Tel tomatoes, but you can easily adjust the spice by tweaking the amount of chili powder or choosing a milder or hotter tomato blend.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the chicken for plant-based protein like firm tofu, tempeh, or extra beans. Keep the same spices and proceed with the same cooking method for a delicious vegetarian twist.
What kind of cheese works best?
A Mexican cheese blend combines cheddar, Monterey Jack, and queso quesadilla for great melting and flavor, but you can substitute with just cheddar or even mozzarella if preferred.
Is it necessary to use an oven-safe skillet?
Yes, using an oven-safe skillet lets you assemble and bake everything in one pan, which makes cleanup a breeze and helps the cheese melt evenly. If you don’t have one, transfer the mixture to a baking dish for the oven step.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about a one-pan meal that delivers bold Southwestern flavors, and the Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe does exactly that. It’s quick, colorful, and downright delicious, perfect for family dinners or impressing guests with minimal fuss. Give it a try—you’ll soon see why this dish quickly becomes a cherished favorite in any kitchen!
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Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A flavorful and easy Santa Fe Chicken Skillet recipe featuring tender chicken breasts cooked with smoky spices, sautéed onions, diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, corn, and melted Mexican cheese. This one-pan dish is perfect for a quick, hearty weeknight dinner with a delicious Southwestern flair.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Vegetables & Beans
- ½ medium onion, chopped
- 1 (10-ounce) can Ro-Tel diced tomatoes & green chilies, drained
- 1 (14-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (12-ounce) can corn, drained
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Cheese & Garnish
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets. Season both sides evenly with garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for baking the assembled skillet dish.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken cutlets until they turn lightly golden on both sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside for later.
- Sauté Onion: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes softened and lightly browned, absorbing the flavorful chicken drippings.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the drained Ro-Tel tomatoes & green chilies, black beans, corn, and smoked paprika. Cook the mixture until heated through, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits for extra flavor.
- Assemble Skillet: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the vegetable and bean mixture. Sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend evenly over the top of the chicken and mixture.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the cheese has melted. For a golden-brown cheese topping, broil for an additional 2 minutes if desired.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro if using, and serve immediately for a comforting, delicious meal.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through by checking for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Use an oven-safe skillet like cast iron to go from stovetop to oven seamlessly.
- Draining canned ingredients well prevents excess liquid for a thicker skillet mixture.
- Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of chili powder or adding fresh jalapeños.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat well in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southwestern
