There’s nothing quite like a vibrant, one-pan dish that’s easy enough for a weeknight but festive enough to brighten up your table. The Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe is exactly that—juicy, spice-rubbed chicken cooked right alongside a colorful mélange of black beans, sweet corn, salsa, and melty cheese. Every bite bursts with Southwest flair, and with just 30 minutes from start to finish, you’ll soon see why it’s my go-to for quick dinners and casual get-togethers alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe lies in its thoughtfully chosen, approachable ingredients. Each one pulls its weight—giving bold flavor, gorgeous color, and comforting texture. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Southwestern classic.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the perfect base—lean, hearty, and ready to soak up those Southwest spices.
- Olive oil: Just a drizzle jump-starts browning and keeps the chicken ultra juicy.
- Chili powder: Offers gentle heat and that signature Santa Fe smokiness.
- Cumin: Adds warmth and earthy depth that ties everything together.
- Garlic powder: For a punch of savory, aromatic flavor in every bite.
- Onion powder: Balances the garlic and boosts the savory vibe.
- Salt: Essential for drawing out maximum flavor in both chicken and veggies.
- Black pepper: A little pepper brings just the right background kick.
- Black beans: This pantry staple brings creaminess, protein, and fiber.
- Corn kernels: Sweet and bright, corn is classic in any Santa Fe-style dish—use what you have, fresh, canned, or frozen.
- Chunky salsa: The shortcut ingredient for tang, spice, and a juicy sauce—choose mild or hot depending on your mood.
- Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese: Melts into a gooey, golden blanket of flavor on top.
- Chopped fresh cilantro (optional): Adds a burst of color and freshness as a final flourish.
- Lime wedges (optional): A quick squeeze right before serving makes all those flavors pop.
How to Make Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry with a paper towel—this helps that tasty spice rub stick. In a small bowl, mix together chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle the spice blend generously over both sides of each chicken breast, really rubbing it in for max flavor. The aroma is your first hint that something special is on the way!
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer. Cook each side for about 5-6 minutes or until deeply golden and cooked through. Don’t fuss with the chicken too much—let it develop that delicious crust! Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and loosely cover to keep warm.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
Without cleaning the skillet (all those tasty browned bits are pure flavor gold), add the drained black beans, corn, and salsa. Give everything a good stir, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture is warmed through, bubbly, and just calling out for that juicy chicken to rejoin the party.
Step 4: Melt the Cheese
Nestle the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet and spoon some of the bean and corn mixture over each piece. Sprinkle the entire top with a generous layer of shredded cheese. Cover the skillet to let the cheese melt—just 2-3 minutes should do it. When you lift the lid and see that glorious, melty topping, you’ll know it’s time to eat!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and scatter over the fresh cilantro if using. Serve each portion with a wedge of lime for those who love a little zesty zip. That’s it! The Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe is ready to steal the show.
How to Serve Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of bright green cilantro isn’t just pretty—it wakes up all the flavors, especially when paired with a fresh squeeze of lime juice. For even more color and kick, try a few rings of fresh jalapeño or some thin-sliced green onion. Trust me, the finishing touch really makes this Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe shine!
Side Dishes
You have endless options when it comes to partners for this dish. Fluffy white or brown rice soaks up all the saucy goodness, while cauliflower rice keeps things light and low-carb. Warm tortillas are always a hit for scooping and wrapping, and a simple green salad is a crisp, refreshing counterpoint to the hearty main.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the chicken breasts before returning them to the skillet, fanning the pieces atop the beans and corn for a dramatic (and easy-to-serve) look. You can also serve everything family-style right in the skillet at the table, or let guests build their own wraps using warm tortillas, fresh toppings, and a little extra salsa. For parties, turn the Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe into cheesy nachos—layer over tortilla chips, top with salsa and sour cream, and watch them disappear!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra (lucky you!), simply cover and store the Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen as they sit, and the toppings reheat beautifully, making leftovers a joy.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this dish for later! Once cooled, place individual portions in freezer-safe containers. The chicken, beans, and corn hold up well; just know the cheese may separate a bit upon thawing, but a quick stir will bring it all back together. Freeze for up to two months.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, covered, until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave single portions (loosely covered) in 60-second increments, stirring in between, for a quick lunch or dinner. Add a splash of salsa or a squeeze of lime to freshen things up.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe. They’ll give you even juicier results and a richer flavor—just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, since thighs can take a minute or two longer.
Is this dish spicy?
The heat level is moderate—enough to give it character without being overwhelming. If you’re a spice lover, use a hot salsa or add diced jalapeños. For a milder version, select mild salsa and leave out any fresh chilies.
Can I make this Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe dairy-free?
Definitely! Swap out regular cheese for your favorite dairy-free shredded cheese alternative, or simply skip the cheese topping—the rest of the dish is naturally dairy-free and still packed with flavor.
What’s the best way to prep this dish ahead of time?
You can season and even sear the chicken a day in advance. When you’re ready to cook, just reheat the chicken and finish with the beans, corn, salsa, and cheese as directed for that fresh-from-the-skillet taste.
Can I use store-bought taco seasoning instead of blending my own spices?
Yes, if you’re in a hurry, a packet of taco seasoning is a great shortcut for this Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe. Use about two tablespoons, and taste to adjust the salt as needed, since packaged seasonings can be saltier.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re craving something comforting or need a quick dinner that delights everyone, I can’t recommend the Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe enough. It’s simple, colorful, and so full of flavor—you just might add it to your regular rotation. Give it a try and let this one-skillet wonder become a staple in your kitchen!
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Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Santa Fe Chicken Skillet recipe is a flavorful and easy one-pan meal that combines tender chicken breasts with black beans, corn, salsa, and melted cheese. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (frozen, canned, or fresh)
- 1 cup chunky salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- Lime wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Season chicken breasts with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook in olive oil until golden and cooked through.
- Prepare Skillet: Combine black beans, corn, and salsa in the skillet, heating through.
- Assemble: Return chicken to the skillet, top with bean and corn mixture, sprinkle with cheese, and cover until melted.
- Serve: Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with rice, cauliflower rice, or tortillas.
- For extra flavor, add sliced jalapeños or a squeeze of lime juice before serving.
- You can also slice the chicken before returning it to the skillet for easier serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
