Name: Santa Fe Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican/Southwestern
Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; Salt and pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 medium onion, chopped; 10-ounce can Ro-tel diced tomatoes and green chilies; 14-ounce can black beans; 12-ounce can corn; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 cup Mexican cheese blend; Fresh cilantro (optional)

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Imagine the warm, inviting aroma of spiced chicken wafting through your kitchen, mingling with the sweet scent of corn and the warmth of melted cheese. Each bite of this Santa Fe Chicken is a burst of flavor, a delightful taste of the Southwest wrapped in comfort. The vibrant colors of the Ro-tel tomatoes and black beans dance together in a skillet, beckoning you to dive in.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Santa Fe Chicken
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Santa Fe Chicken

This dish often brings back memories of cozy gatherings and sun-soaked days. I remember friends laughing around the dinner table, eagerly reaching for seconds, and the joyful chatter that follows a fun meal shared together. With the crisp air of early fall in mind, this easy recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you still want something delicious and satisfying. You’ll adore how quickly you can whip up this Santa Fe Chicken—in just 30 minutes, your loved ones will gather around the table, eager to dig in. Are you ready to bring this colorful fiesta of flavors to your kitchen?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in around 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Irresistible Flavor: Packed with spices, creamy cheese, and fresh ingredients, the flavors create a delicious, mouthwatering experience.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors of the ingredients make it not just tasty, but also a feast for the eyes.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy it as a main dish, or make it a taco topping or a filling for burritos; it’s versatile for many occasions.
Diet-Friendly Options: Looking for alternatives? This dish can easily be adapted to be gluten-free or dairy-free!

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 large chicken breasts: Thinly sliced for quicker cooking and tenderness. You can also use chicken thighs for a juicier option.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a delicious savory depth. Fresh garlic can work as a substitute, if you prefer.
1/2 teaspoon chili powder: Brings warmth and a bit of zing—consider smoked chili powder for extra flavor.
Salt and pepper: To enhance all the flavors, use freshly cracked black pepper for better taste.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Ideal for sautéing the chicken and onions; feel free to use avocado oil for a buttery flavor.
1/2 medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the base; yellow or red onions are both great choices.
10-ounce can Ro-tel diced tomatoes and green chilies: This key ingredient provides a zesty base. Substitute with fresh diced tomatoes and green chilies if desired.
14-ounce can black beans: Nutritional powerhouse packed with fiber. Drain and rinse to remove excess sodium.
12-ounce can corn: For a touch of sweetness and texture; fresh or frozen corn works well too!
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Infuses a wonderful smoky essence. Regular paprika can substitute if you can’t find smoked.
1 cup Mexican cheese blend: Melts beautifully and adds creaminess; you can mix in some pepper jack for a spicy kick.
Fresh cilantro (optional): Adds a fresh burst of flavor. If you’re not a fan, parsley makes a good alternative.

How to Make Santa Fe Chicken

Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) with the rack positioned in the middle. Preparing the chicken is the next step—cut the breast halves lengthwise, creating four thinner cutlets. Season both sides generously with garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.

Heat the Oil: In an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Allow it to heat up until it shimmers slightly. This means it’s ready for the chicken. Carefully add the seasoned chicken cutlets to the hot skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re a beautiful golden brown. Remove them from the pan and set aside.

Sauté the Onions: Using the same skillet creates depth in the flavor. Toss in the chopped onions and sauté for about 5 minutes. You want them softened and lightly browned, which brings out their natural sweetness and complements the chicken perfectly.

Add the Base Ingredients: Stir in the drained Ro-tel tomatoes, black beans, corn, and smoked paprika into the sautéed onions. Heat the mixture through for about 2 minutes while scraping up the delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan—this builds flavor!

Combine Chicken and Mix: Return the golden chicken to the skillet, nestling it among the flavorful mixture. Spoon a generous scoop of the beans and corn blend onto each cutlet. Then, sprinkle the Mexican cheese blend over everything, focusing on the chicken to ensure it’s wonderfully cheesy!

Bake and Finish: Slide the skillet into your preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Watch for the cheese to melt into that irresistible gooeyness. If you want a golden crust on top, consider broiling for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching carefully so it doesn’t burn.

Garnish and Serve: If you’d like, sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro over the cheesy, warm dish before serving. This adds a pop of freshness and color. Gather your family around and enjoy your homemade **Santa Fe Chicken** immediately!

Storing & Reheating

To store your delicious Santa Fe Chicken, let it cool to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, transfer to a freezer-safe dish, and it can last for about 3 months. To reheat, simply pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Keep in mind, the cheese may lose some of its initial creaminess, but a splash of water over the pan will help refresh it.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet when browning the chicken; this ensures a good sear.
Choose chicken that’s similar in size for even cooking and tenderness.
If you want more heat, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the bean mixture.
Let the cooked chicken rest for a couple of minutes before cutting to keep it juicy.
Make this dish ahead of time by prepping and assembling everything, then just bake when ready to serve.

This Santa Fe Chicken recipe embodies not just ease but a flavorful experience that invites you to experiment further. You’re armed with everything you need for a delightful meal. Encourage your loved ones to add their favorite toppings or sides—maybe some avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream. Enjoy the vibrant, rich flavors and remember, cooking is all about bringing people together. So, next time you gather friends for a meal or want something special for your family, let this dish take center stage.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but ensure it is completely thawed before cooking. Frozen chicken takes longer to cook and may not brown as nicely. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight for best results.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish a day in advance, refrigerate it, and then bake shortly before serving. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly since it will be starting from a cooler temperature.

What sides go well with Santa Fe Chicken?

Santa Fe Chicken pairs wonderfully with a side of Spanish rice, a simple green salad, or tortilla chips with guacamole. You can also serve it in soft tortillas for a fun taco night!

What can I substitute for beans?

If beans aren’t your thing or you want to alter the texture, consider using cooked quinoa or extra corn instead. Both options maintain the heartiness while adding their unique flavors.