Santa Fe Chicken Skillet

This easy Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is a delicious and colorful dish that brings the taste of the Southwest to your table. With hearty black beans, sweet corn, zesty Ro-tel tomatoes, and topped with melty cheese, it’s perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers. The best part? It comes together in just 30 minutes, making it not only tasty but also a quick weeknight meal option.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This dish is ready in just 30 minutes, allowing you to serve a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavor Packed: Infused with southwest spices and fresh ingredients, this skillet is bursting with flavor.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spice level to suit your taste.
• One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup means more time enjoying your meal; everything cooks in one skillet!
• Great for Meal Prep: Perfect for leftovers and can be easily reheated for lunch or dinner throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into cooking, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Cast-iron skillet or oven-safe skillet
• Knife
• Chopping board
• Measuring spoons
• Can opener

Importance of Each Tool

• Cast-iron skillet or oven-safe skillet: Ideal for searing chicken and then transitioning directly to the oven to finish cooking.
• Knife: A sharp knife is essential for cutting chicken evenly and chopping vegetables quickly.
• Chopping board: Provides a stable surface for cutting ingredients safely and efficiently.

Ingredients

This easy Santa Fe chicken recipe is loaded with black beans, corn, Ro-tel tomatoes, southwest spices, and melty cheese. It’s ready in just 30 minutes!

For the Chicken

• 2 large chicken breasts
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt & pepper (to taste)

For the Skillet Mixture

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
• 1 (10 ounce) can Ro-tel diced tomatoes & green chilies (drained)
• 1 (14 ounce) can black beans (drained & rinsed)
• 1 (12 ounce) can corn (drained)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Topping

• 1 cup Mexican cheese blend
• Fresh cilantro (chopped optional, to taste)

How to Make Santa Fe Chicken Skillet

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 400F and move the rack to the middle position.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise so you have 4 thinner cutlets.
2. Season both sides with garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

1. Add olive oil to an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken cutlets.
3. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until lightly golden.
4. Remove chicken from pan.

Step 4: Sauté Onions

Add chopped onion to the same skillet:
1. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and lightly browned.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

1. Stir in drained Ro-tel tomatoes, black beans, corn, and smoked paprika.
2. Heat through for a couple of minutes while scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Step 6: Assemble in Skillet

1. Return chicken cutlets back into the skillet.
2. Spoon some of the tomato-bean-corn mixture over each piece of chicken.
3. Sprinkle cheese generously on top.

Step 7: Bake Until Done

Place skillet in preheated oven:
1. Bake for 5-7 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F and cheese is melted.
2. Optionally broil for a few minutes at the end until cheese is browned—watch closely!

Step 8: Serve

Top with fresh chopped cilantro if desired and serve immediately. Enjoy your flavorful Santa Fe Chicken Skillet!

How to Serve Santa Fe Chicken Skillet

Serving Santa Fe Chicken Skillet can elevate your dining experience with a burst of flavors and textures. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this dish.

Pair with Rice

• Cilantro Lime Rice: This fragrant rice adds a zesty touch that complements the chicken beautifully.
• Spanish Rice: Cooked with tomatoes and spices, this option enhances the southwestern theme of the meal.

Add Fresh Salad

• Avocado Salad: Creamy avocado slices bring a refreshing contrast to the hearty skillet.
• Corn and Black Bean Salad: This vibrant salad echoes the ingredients in the skillet for a cohesive meal.

Offer Tortillas

• Flour Tortillas: Soft tortillas are great for wrapping up pieces of chicken and veggies for a tasty handheld meal.
• Corn Tortillas: For a gluten-free option, corn tortillas add an authentic touch to your serving.

Top with Garnishes

• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream can balance the spices and add creaminess.
• Sliced Jalapeños: For those who enjoy heat, fresh jalapeños provide an extra kick.

How to Perfect Santa Fe Chicken Skillet

To make your Santa Fe Chicken Skillet even better, consider these helpful tips for achieving perfection.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance flavor and texture. Always opt for the freshest produce you can find.
• Don’t Overcook Chicken: Keep an eye on cooking times to ensure chicken remains juicy. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust spice levels or experiment with additional seasonings like cumin or oregano for more depth.
• Layer Flavors: Sautéing onions until they’re golden adds sweetness. Scraping up browned bits from the pan infuses more flavor into your dish.
• Add Extra Veggies: Bell peppers or zucchini can be great additions, providing extra nutrition and color.
• Broil for Crispiness: For a crispy cheese topping, broil it for a few minutes after baking but watch closely to avoid burning.

Best Side Dishes for Santa Fe Chicken Skillet

Enhance your meal by pairing Santa Fe Chicken Skillet with delicious side dishes. Here are some excellent options that complement its flavors.

1. Mexican Street Corn: Grilled corn on the cob topped with lime, chili powder, and cheese creates a flavorful side.
2. Guacamole and Chips: Creamy guacamole served with crunchy tortilla chips makes for a perfect appetizer or side.
3. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with black beans, corn, and lime offers added protein and fiber.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring caramelization that pairs well with the spices in the skillet.
5. Refried Beans: Smooth refried beans are traditional and provide a hearty complement to the chicken dish.
6. Zucchini Noodles: Light and healthy, zucchini noodles tossed in olive oil make a nice base under the skillet chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing the Santa Fe Chicken Skillet, it’s essential to dodge common pitfalls for the best results.

• Bold seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken adequately can lead to bland flavors. Make sure to season both sides generously with spices.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can make it dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165F.
• Neglecting the veggies: Sautéing the onion properly is crucial for flavor development. Cook until softened and lightly browned.
• Skipping the broiling step: For that perfect melty cheese crust, don’t skip broiling at the end. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
• Using untested substitutes: Substituting ingredients without knowledge can affect taste. Stick to proven alternatives for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in airtight containers.
• Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Santa Fe Chicken Skillet

• Place in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Santa Fe Chicken Skillet

• Oven: Preheat to 350F and bake until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes) until hot, stirring occasionally.
• Stovetop: Reheat on medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making the Santa Fe Chicken Skillet.

What makes Santa Fe Chicken Skillet unique?

The combination of black beans, corn, and southwest spices creates a flavorful dish that is quick and satisfying.

Can I customize my Santa Fe Chicken Skillet?

Absolutely! Add your favorite vegetables or adjust spices according to your taste preferences for a personalized dish.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Substitute chicken with plant-based protein options like tofu or chickpeas for a delicious vegetarian version of Santa Fe Chicken Skillet.

What sides pair well with Santa Fe Chicken Skillet?

Serve with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad for a complete meal that complements the flavors of this dish.

Is there a low-carb option for this recipe?

Yes! You can reduce carbs by using cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice or serving it over leafy greens.

Final Thoughts

The Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is not only quick and easy but also versatile and packed with flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients or adjust the spice levels to suit your palate!