If you’re looking for a vibrant dish that bursts with bold flavors and comes together in just 30 minutes, this Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe is your new go-to meal. It’s a beautiful blend of tender, seasoned chicken paired with zesty tomatoes, smoky spices, creamy melted cheese, and fresh touches that make every bite feel like a flavorful fiesta. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe offers a colorful and satisfying experience that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is what makes this Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe so wonderfully accessible. Each item plays a crucial role in layering flavors, delivering textures, or brightening the dish with a pop of color.
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These provide the hearty protein base that soaks up all the delicious seasonings.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle, aromatic earthiness without overpowering the chicken.
- ½ teaspoon chili powder: Brings gentle heat and a smoky note essential to the Santa Fe flavor profile.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Enhances every ingredient’s natural flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Perfect for searing chicken and softening onions with a silky finish.
- ½ medium onion, chopped: Gives sweetness and a bit of crunch once sautéed.
- 1 (10-ounce) can Ro-Tel diced tomatoes & green chilies, drained: Adds a vibrant tomato kick with mild spicy heat.
- 1 (14-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed: Provides a creamy texture and earthy richness to balance the dish.
- 1 (12-ounce) can corn, drained: Adds subtle sweetness and a pop of yellow that brightens the skillet.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Delivers a deep smoky flavor that ties all the ingredients together beautifully.
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend: Melts perfectly to create a luscious, gooey topping.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish): Offers fresh, citrusy notes to finish off the dish with brightness.
How to Make Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets—this helps them cook evenly and stay juicy. Season the cutlets generously with garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. This simple seasoning combo sets the stage for that signature Santa Fe flair that makes the dish so irresistible.
Step 2: Cook Chicken and Sauté Onion
Heat olive oil in a sturdy, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken cutlets until they develop a beautiful golden crust. Once cooked, remove and set them aside. In the same skillet, add your chopped onions and sauté until they soften and start to turn a lovely golden brown. This step builds a flavorful base by capturing all the savory chicken bits left behind in the pan.
Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients
Now toss in the drained Ro-Tel tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, corn, and smoked paprika. Stir everything together over the heat until it’s warmed through and fragrant, making sure to scrape up all those delicious browned bits from the pan’s bottom. These combined ingredients contribute tanginess, sweetness, and smokiness that make this skillet recipe truly unforgettable.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Return the chicken cutlets to the skillet, nestling them under the vibrant tomato and bean mixture. Generously sprinkle shredded Mexican cheese blend on top. Slide the skillet into a preheated 400°F oven and bake for 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese has melted into a golden blanket. If you want a touch of extra crunch and color, broil for a few minutes until the cheese edges turn perfectly browned.
Step 5: Serve
Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped cilantro if you like. Serve the Santa Fe Chicken Skillet piping hot, right from the pan, letting everyone scoop up a hearty and colorful portion of this flavorful feast.
How to Serve Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is a fantastic way to brighten up the dish with its herbal, citrusy punch. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or some sliced avocado to introduce a creamy, cooling contrast to the smoky and spicy flavors. A squeeze of fresh lime juice on top can elevate the freshness even more.
Side Dishes
This skillet pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Serve it alongside fluffy white rice or cilantro lime rice to soak up every bit of the juicy tomato sauce. For something lighter, a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables provide a fresh balance. Warm tortillas or crusty bread are also perfect for mopping up all those savory, cheesy juices.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe family-style right from the pan at the table to keep things cozy and casual. For an elegant touch, plate the chicken atop a bed of rice and drizzle with the bean and tomato mixture, then sprinkle cheese and cilantro right before serving. You could also turn the leftovers into hearty wraps or layer the ingredients into nachos for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld even more nicely after a day or two, making it perfect for quick lunches the next day.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, it’s best to do so before adding the cheese to preserve texture. Place the cooled chicken, bean, and tomato mixture in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and adding fresh cheese.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If you have the oven available, warming in a 350°F oven can help maintain the crispness of the chicken while melting the cheese beautifully again. Add fresh cilantro after reheating to restore brightness.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add more juiciness and a slightly richer flavor, which works wonderfully in this Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe. Just adjust cooking time accordingly, as thighs might take a bit longer to cook through.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The heat level is mild and adjustable thanks to the gentle chili powder and Ro-Tel tomatoes with green chilies. You can reduce the chili powder or use mild diced tomatoes if you prefer less spice, or add extra chili powder or hot sauce if you like a kick.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the chicken for firm tofu, tempeh, or extra beans, and skip the step where you sear the meat. This keeps things hearty while still delivering the same great flavors and textures.
What can I substitute for the Mexican cheese blend?
Feel free to use a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese or even mozzarella for a milder, stretchy melt. The key is to use a cheese that melts well and offers a little creaminess without overpowering the dish.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. It holds up well when refrigerated and tastes just as good reheated. Just keep garnishes like cilantro separate until serving to keep the freshness intact. This makes the Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe perfect for busy weeknight dinners or packed lunches.
Final Thoughts
This Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe is one of those rare dishes that delivers incredible flavor without complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. It’s colorful, comforting, and packed with smoky, spicy, and savory goodness that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. I can’t wait for you to make this at home and enjoy a taste of Santa Fe magic right from your skillet!
Print
Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is a vibrant and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breasts cooked with a zesty blend of spices, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Topped with melted Mexican cheese and fresh cilantro, this easy-to-make dish combines Tex-Mex flavors that come together quickly for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
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 and 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
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets. Season both sides of the chicken with garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper to develop the base flavor.
- Cook Chicken and Sauté Onion: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cutlets and cook until they turn lightly golden on both sides, ensuring they are partially cooked. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and slightly browned to bring out sweetness and depth.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the drained Ro-Tel diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, corn, and smoked paprika into the skillet. Cook the mixture, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits, until everything is heated through and flavors meld together.
- Assemble and Bake: Return the chicken cutlets to the skillet, nestling them into the tomato-bean mixture. Evenly sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend over the top. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the cheese has melted. Optionally, broil for a few minutes to achieve a golden brown and bubbly cheese crust.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, if desired. Serve immediately for a hearty and delicious meal.
Notes
- Use an oven-safe skillet like cast iron for seamless stovetop-to-oven cooking.
- For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper with the spices.
- To make this dish gluten free, ensure canned products are labeled gluten free.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or oven.
- Substitute chicken breasts with boneless thighs for juicier meat.
