Santa Fe Chicken Skillet – Easy, Flavorful Weeknight Dinner

Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish packed with the bold, vibrant flavors of the Southwest. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy this hearty meal with tender chicken, melty cheese, black beans, corn, and a blend of southwest spices. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or hosting a cozy dinner, this skillet recipe will quickly become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Santa Fe Chicken Skillet

This Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is the perfect combination of quick and satisfying. It’s a one-pan meal that comes together effortlessly and is bursting with flavor. With ingredients like black beans, corn, and zesty spices, it’s both hearty and healthy. The addition of gooey cheese and fresh cilantro makes it even more irresistible. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it’s also a dish that appeals to picky eaters, making it an ideal choice for family dinners.

Ingredients for Santa Fe Chicken Skillet

To make the perfect Santa Fe Chicken Skillet, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Chicken breasts: Thinly sliced for faster cooking and tender texture.
• Garlic powder: Adds a mild yet rich flavor to the chicken.
• Chili powder: Provides a subtle heat, perfect for southwest dishes.
• Olive oil: For pan-frying the chicken to a crispy golden brown.
• Onion: Sweet onions like Vidalia balance out the spices and add a savory flavor.
• Rotel tomatoes with green chilies: A classic ingredient that adds both tanginess and heat.

• Black beans: A great source of protein and fiber, giving the dish its hearty texture.
• Corn: Adds sweetness and crunch to the skillet.
• Smoked paprika: Imparts a smoky, savory depth to the dish.
• Mexican cheese blend: Melts beautifully, creating a cheesy, gooey topping for the chicken.
• Fresh cilantro: Optional, but adds a burst of freshness and color to finish off the dish.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you don’t have all the ingredients on hand, don’t worry! You can make a few swaps based on what you have:

• Chicken thighs: For a juicier, more flavorful alternative to chicken breasts.
• Canned diced tomatoes: If Rotel is unavailable, you can use regular tomatoes and add a can of diced green chilies or a fresh jalapeno for heat.
• Frozen corn: If fresh or canned corn isn’t available, frozen corn will work just fine.
• Cheddar cheese: If you prefer a sharper flavor, use cheddar instead of the Mexican cheese blend.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Santa Fe Chicken Skillet

Making this Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is simple and straightforward. Just follow these steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and move the rack to the middle position.
2. Slice the chicken breasts into four thinner cutlets. Season both sides with garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until lightly golden. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
4. Sauté the onion in the same skillet for 5 minutes, or until softened and lightly browned.
5. Add the Rotel tomatoes, black beans, corn, and smoked paprika to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it heat through for a couple of minutes. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for added flavor.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet, placing it on top of the tomato-bean-corn mixture. Spoon some of the mixture over the chicken, then sprinkle the cheese over everything.
7. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the cheese has melted.
8. Optional: If you like your cheese a little crispy, broil the dish for 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye on it.
9. Finish with fresh cilantro (optional) and serve immediately.

Tips & Tricks for Making the Best Santa Fe Chicken Skillet

To make sure your Santa Fe Chicken Skillet turns out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:

• Don’t rush the pan-frying step: Allow the chicken to cook fully on each side before flipping. This ensures it gets a golden crust and won’t stick to the pan.
• Use an oven-proof skillet: This allows you to easily move the skillet from the stove to the oven without transferring the contents to a different dish.
• Check for doneness: Always check the internal temperature of your chicken with a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
• Customize the heat level: Adjust the spiciness by using mild or hot Rotel, or adding fresh jalapenos or chili flakes for more heat.
• Leftover storage: Store any leftover Santa Fe Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat it on the stovetop over low heat for best results.

Pairing Ideas and Variations for Santa Fe Chicken Skillet

While this Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is satisfying on its own, you can elevate the meal with these pairing suggestions:

• Serve with rice: A side of fluffy white rice or cilantro-lime rice complements the flavors of the skillet and makes it even more filling.
• Fresh salad: Pair it with a refreshing side salad like Avocado Corn Salad or Black Bean Corn Avocado Salad.
• Taco-style: For a fun twist, serve the chicken in soft tortillas and top with sour cream, salsa, and shredded lettuce for a delicious taco night.
• Jalapeno Slaw: Add some spice with a tangy, crunchy jalapeno slaw on the side.

Health Benefits of Santa Fe Chicken Skillet

This dish is not only delicious but also offers several health benefits. The combination of lean chicken breast, fiber-rich black beans, and nutrient-packed corn makes it a great source of protein and fiber. The smoked paprika and chili powder add flavor without extra calories, making this a healthy choice for those looking to cut down on added sugars or fats.

Conclusion

Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is the perfect weeknight meal when you’re looking for something quick, tasty, and full of bold flavors. This one-pan dish combines tender chicken, hearty black beans, sweet corn, and smoky southwest spices, all topped with melty cheese for an irresistible finish. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a meal for friends, this Santa Fe Chicken Skillet will satisfy every appetite. Plus, it’s so easy to make and clean up, which makes it even more appealing on busy nights. Try it today and experience the delightful flavors of the Southwest in your own kitchen!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

More Relevant Recipes

• Healthy Chicken Enchilada Skillet: This chicken enchilada skillet brings a Tex-Mex twist to your dinner table, featuring tender chicken, black beans, corn, and a blend of Mexican spices, all topped with melted cheese. It’s the perfect dish for those who love bold southwest flavors, much like the Santa Fe Chicken Skillet.
• Maple Mustard Roasted Chicken: A hearty dish with a sweet and tangy glaze of maple and mustard, perfectly roasted with a variety of veggies. If you enjoy dishes with a balance of savory and sweet, this recipe offers a similar richness and heartiness as the Santa Fe Chicken Skillet.
• Country Chicken and Biscuits: A comforting, homestyle dish featuring tender chicken, creamy gravy, and buttery biscuits. This cozy, hearty recipe shares the same satisfying quality and is perfect for those who crave a filling, delicious meal like the Santa Fe Chicken Skillet.

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