Santa Fe Chicken Skillet

This Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is a delightful dish that brings together the flavors of southwest spices, black beans, corn, and melty cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe is not only quick to prepare but also bursting with flavor. In just 30 minutes, you can serve a hearty meal that satisfies everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This dish is ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of southwest spices, Ro-tel tomatoes, and melty cheese creates a deliciously rich taste.
• Healthy Ingredients: Loaded with black beans and corn, this skillet is full of protein and fiber.
• One-Pan Wonder: Cooking everything in one skillet minimizes cleanup time while maximizing flavor.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the spices or add your favorite veggies to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Santa Fe Chicken Skillet, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly in the kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Cast-iron skillet or oven-safe skillet
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring spoons
• Serving spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Cast-iron skillet or oven-safe skillet: This tool allows for both stovetop cooking and oven broiling, perfect for achieving that melty cheese topping.
• Cutting board: A sturdy surface is essential for safely chopping ingredients like chicken and vegetables.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes it easy to cut chicken breasts and chop onion efficiently.
• Measuring spoons: Accurate measurements help maintain consistent flavor in your dish.

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!

Ingredients:
– 2 large chicken breasts
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
– Salt & pepper (to taste)
– 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
– 1 cup Mexican cheese blend
– Fresh cilantro (chopped optional)

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 four thinner cutlets.
2. Season both sides with garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. Add olive oil to an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Once hot, add the chicken cutlets; cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until lightly golden.
3. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté the Onion

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

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

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

Step 6: Assemble in Skillet

Return chicken to the skillet. Spoon some of the tomato-bean-corn mixture over each piece of chicken. Sprinkle cheese over everything.

Step 7: Bake Until Done

Place the skillet in the oven for about 5-7 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F and cheese is melted. Optional: Broil for a couple of minutes if you want a browned top—just watch carefully!

Step 8: Serve

Top with fresh chopped cilantro if desired and serve immediately.

Enjoy your deliciously simple Santa Fe Chicken Skillet!

How to Serve Santa Fe Chicken Skillet

Serving your Santa Fe chicken skillet can elevate the meal experience. Here are some creative ideas to enhance your dish and impress your guests.

With Fresh Tortillas

• Use warm corn or flour tortillas to scoop up the delicious chicken and toppings. This adds a satisfying texture and makes for a fun, interactive meal.

Over Rice

• Serve the skillet over a bed of fluffy rice. The rice will soak up the flavorful juices, creating a hearty and filling dish.

With Avocado Slices

• Add fresh avocado slices on top or beside the skillet. The creamy avocado balances the spiciness, adding richness to each bite.

With a Side Salad

• Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. This adds freshness and crunch that complements the savory flavors of the chicken.

Topped with Sour Cream

• A dollop of sour cream can add creaminess and coolness, making each forkful even more delightful.

How to Perfect Santa Fe Chicken Skillet

To ensure your Santa Fe chicken skillet turns out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips for maximum flavor and texture.

• Use high-quality spices: Fresh spices enhance the overall flavor profile. Make sure they are not expired for the best taste.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of browning, affecting flavor.
• Let chicken rest: Allowing cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing keeps it juicy.
• Taste and adjust seasoning: Always taste before serving. You may need to adjust salt or spices according to preference.
• Experiment with toppings: Try different cheeses or add jalapeños for extra heat, customizing it to your liking.

Best Side Dishes for Santa Fe Chicken Skillet

Complement your Santa Fe chicken skillet with these delicious side dishes that enhance your meal without overpowering it.

1. Mexican Rice
   A flavorful side that pairs perfectly with the spices in the skillet; cook it with tomato sauce and seasonings for added depth.

2. Grilled Vegetables
   Seasonal vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers grilled until tender make a colorful and nutritious addition.

3. Cornbread
   Slightly sweet cornbread contrasts beautifully with spicy flavors; serve warm with butter for an extra treat.

4. Black Bean Salad
   A refreshing salad combining black beans, corn, tomatoes, and lime juice offers a zesty complement to the main dish.

5. Guacamole
   Creamy guacamole made from ripe avocados adds richness and balances out spicy elements in the skillet.

6. Coleslaw
   A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and brightness, making it an excellent counterpoint to the hearty skillet dish.

7. Quesadillas
   Melty cheese quesadillas make great finger food; fill them with veggies or additional beans for extra flavor.

8. Sweet Potato Fries
   Crispy sweet potato fries offer a sweet contrast while still being hearty; bake or fry until golden brown for best results.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking the Santa Fe chicken skillet can be a breeze, but a few common mistakes can affect the outcome.

• Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season the chicken adequately can lead to bland flavors. Be sure to season both sides generously with garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.

• Overcrowding the skillet: Placing too much chicken in the pan at once can lower the temperature and prevent proper browning. Cook in batches if necessary for that perfect golden color.

• Not draining canned ingredients: Using un-drained canned tomatoes, beans, or corn can make your dish watery. Always drain and rinse these ingredients before adding them to the skillet.

• Ignoring cooking times: Cooking chicken just until it’s no longer pink is essential for juicy meat. Use a food thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F for safety.

• Neglecting fresh herbs: Forgetting to add fresh cilantro as a garnish can lessen flavor complexity. It adds freshness and brightness, so sprinkle some on top before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Santa Fe Chicken Skillet

• Allow it to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.

Reheating Santa Fe Chicken Skillet

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.

• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish and cover. Heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.

• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about preparing the Santa Fe chicken skillet.

What is Santa Fe Chicken Skillet?

Santa Fe chicken skillet is a quick and flavorful dish made with chicken, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and cheese, all cooked together in one pan.

Can I use other meats for Santa Fe Chicken Skillet?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with turkey or beef if desired. Adjust cooking times accordingly based on the meat used.

How spicy is Santa Fe Chicken Skillet?

The spice level can be adjusted by altering the amount of chili powder used. For milder flavors, reduce the chili powder or choose a mild cheese blend.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for a delicious vegetarian version of Santa Fe skillet.

Final Thoughts

This Santa Fe chicken skillet is not only easy to prepare but also bursting with flavor and vibrant colors. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and offers endless customization options based on your preferences. Try adding different veggies or spices to make it your own!