Name: Santa Fe Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon chili powder; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 1 can Ro-tel diced tomatoes and green chilies; 1 can black beans, drained; 1 cup corn; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 cup Mexican cheese blend; Fresh cilantro, for garnish

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The aroma of sizzling chicken wafts through the kitchen, mingling with vibrant notes of spices and the sweet, smoky scent of roasted peppers. Each bite of this Santa Fe Chicken is a burst of bold flavors: juicy chicken paired with colorful veggies and melty cheese creates a satisfying dish that’s both hearty and comforting. Picture it—golden chicken topped with a medley of black beans and corn, all bubbling away in a skillet, just waiting to be served. It’s a feast for the eyes and the senses, perfect for weeknight dinners or laid-back gatherings.

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

I remember the first time I came across this delightful dish at a summer potluck. The mix of flavors and textures blew me away, reminding me of my travels through the Southwest where every meal felt like a celebration. Now, whenever I make this Santa Fe Chicken, I’m taken back to those lively summer nights filled with laughter and music. Your kitchen is about to be filled with the same warmth and joy, so let’s dive into making this delicious recipe together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of spices, cheese, and fresh ingredients creates a mouthwatering taste experience.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors of this dish make it a showstopper on any table.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy it for dinner, make tacos with leftovers, or even serve it at a gathering—everyone will love it!
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets or to incorporate veggies for a lighter meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken Breasts: Use large, boneless, skinless breasts for quick cooking. Feel free to substitute with thighs for a juicier option.

Garlic Powder: A must-have for adding depth of flavor without the hassle of chopping fresh garlic. You can swap it for fresh minced garlic, but adjust the amount to taste.

Chili Powder: This spice adds warmth and a little kick. If you prefer a milder flavor, consider using a mild chili powder blend.

Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning. Adjust according to your personal preference for taste.

Olive Oil: A healthy fat for cooking. If you prefer, you can also use avocado oil for a slightly different flavor.

Onion: Adds sweetness and flavor. Red onions work well here for a milder taste, or yellow onions can add a bit of zest.

Ro-tel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies: A flavor-packed option that includes the essence of Southwest cuisine. If unavailable, use canned diced tomatoes and add chopped green chilies.

Black Beans: A great source of protein. You can substitute canned kidney beans or pinto beans based on your preference.

Corn: Adds sweetness and texture. Fresh corn is lovely when in season, but frozen corn is a convenient alternative.

Smoked Paprika: This gives a lovely smoky depth, enhancing the dish’s flavor profile. Regular paprika can be used if you don’t have smoked on hand.

Mexican Cheese Blend: A scoop of cheese brings it all together. For a dairy-free option, try a plant-based cheese that melts well.

Fresh Cilantro: Brightens the whole dish with a pop of freshness. If cilantro isn’t your thing, fresh parsley can also work.

How to Make Santa Fe Chicken

Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and moving the rack to the middle position. While that’s warming up, cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create four thinner cutlets. This will allow them to cook quickly and evenly. Season both sides with garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper, and set them aside for a moment to soak in the flavors.

Sear the Chicken: Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, carefully lay the chicken in the pan. Sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a lovely golden color. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Your kitchen should already be smelling fantastic!

Sauté the Onion: In the same skillet, toss in the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized. This step gets the flavors going and adds a delightful base for the rest of the ingredients.

Mix in the Veggies: Now, stir in the drained Ro-tel tomatoes, black beans, corn, and smoked paprika. Allow everything to heat through for about 2 minutes, scraping the bottom of the pan to incorporate any delicious browned bits stuck on the skillet. This little bit of attention brings extra depth to your dish.

Reintroduce Chicken: Nestle the chicken back into the pan and spoon some of the bean and corn mixture generously over the top. This is where the magic happens! Sprinkle a generous cup of Mexican cheese blend over everything, focusing especially on each chicken piece. It’s about to get gooey and delicious.

Bake to Perfection: Carefully place the skillet in the preheated oven. Bake for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, and the cheese is all melty and bubbly. If you love a bit of browning on the cheese, feel free to turn on the broiler for an additional 2-3 minutes—just keep a close eye on it!

Finish and Serve: Once out of the oven, you can top your dish with freshly chopped cilantro for that extra zing of freshness. Serve immediately while it’s hot, and watch how fast this dish disappears!

Storing & Reheating

To store leftover Santa Fe Chicken, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months; just make sure to label the container with the date. When ready to enjoy again, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. Do note that the texture may change slightly upon reheating, so you might want to sprinkle a little extra cheese on top for that freshly made feel!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Make sure the chicken is uniformly cut to ensure even cooking. Thinner pieces cook faster and stay juicy.
For a flavor boost, consider marinating the chicken in lime juice and spices for 30 minutes before cooking.
Keep an eye on the cheese when broiling to avoid burning. It should just bubble and turn golden.
To enhance the dish’s appeal, serve it with a side of fresh avocado slices or a simple green salad.
Leftovers make fantastic taco fillings. Just shred the chicken and layer it in tortillas with your favorite toppings.

The combination of effortless preparation, fantastic flavor, and colorful appeal makes Santa Fe Chicken an instant favorite. It’s not just a meal; it’s a joyful culinary adventure waiting for you to fully enjoy. Don’t be shy—experiment with your favorite toppings and variations!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just be sure to thaw them completely before cutting and cooking. If you’re cooking from frozen, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly, ensuring they reach 165°F internally.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the chicken with hearty vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers, or try using grilled tofu. Increase the amount of beans and corn for added protein and fiber to keep it satisfying.

What can I serve with Santa Fe Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. You could also serve it with tortilla chips for crunch or transform it into tacos by adding your favorite toppings.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can prep the ingredients in advance by chopping the veggies and seasoning the chicken. Just store them separately in the fridge overnight. When you’re ready for dinner, it will come together quickly!

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