If you’re craving a vibrant, flavorful dish that feels like a fiesta on your plate, this Santa Fe Chicken Recipe is a must-try. It brings together tender chicken breasts with a zesty blend of black beans, corn, and salsa, topped with melty Mexican cheese and fresh cilantro. This recipe perfectly balances smoky spices with fresh ingredients for a comforting yet exciting meal that’s ideal for weeknights or casual gatherings. Trust me, once you try this Santa Fe Chicken Recipe, it will become a go-to favorite for your dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Santa Fe Chicken Recipe, the ingredients are refreshingly simple yet essential to bring out the bold flavors and satisfying textures. Each item plays a role in creating that signature Southwest vibe, combining spice, creaminess, and a mix of colorful, wholesome ingredients.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base that soaks up all that amazing seasoning and salsa.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps to sear the chicken perfectly, locking in juices and adding a subtle richness.
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed: Adds a hearty, earthy texture and lots of fiber.
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained: Sweet bursts of color and natural sweetness complement the spices.
- 1 cup salsa (your favorite kind): The tangy, spicy sauce that ties everything together with freshness and moisture.
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend: Creates a gooey, savory topping that melts into every bite.
- 1 tsp chili powder: Provides the classic smoky warmth that’s essential to the Santa Fe flavor profile.
- 1 tsp cumin: Deepens the earthy, nutty notes, enhancing the chicken and beans beautifully.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that elevate all the flavors.
- Fresh cilantro for garnish: Adds a bright, fresh green pop to finish the dish with a zing.
- Optional extras – sour cream, avocado slices, lime wedges, tortillas or rice for serving: These accompaniments bring creamy, tangy, and filling elements to round out the meal perfectly.
How to Make Santa Fe Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to make sure nothing sticks and the chicken cooks evenly. This little prep step is key for easy cleanup and a great bake.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. While it warms up, season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin. Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side until it gets a beautiful golden-brown crust but isn’t completely cooked through. This step locks in flavor and gives the chicken a juicy texture.
Step 3: Mix the Topping
In a medium bowl, combine the drained black beans, corn, and your favorite salsa. This lively mixture packs a punch of Southwest flair and will transform the dish from simple chicken to a vibrant, saucy feast.
Step 4: Bake Covered
Place the seared chicken breasts in the greased baking dish and pour the bean, corn, and salsa mixture over the top. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), ensuring it’s cooked through but still tender.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove the foil and sprinkle a generous layer of shredded Mexican cheese blend all over the dish. Return it to the oven uncovered for another 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top. This cheesy finish makes the dish irresistibly comforting.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle fresh cilantro over the melted cheese for a burst of color and fresh herbal brightness. Now your Santa Fe Chicken Recipe is ready to enjoy—warm, vibrant, and packed with bold flavors!
How to Serve Santa Fe Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is a must-have garnish to brighten the rich, savory flavors. Adding a dollop of sour cream or a few slices of creamy avocado balances the spices with a cooling, smooth contrast. A squeeze of lime juice over the top adds a zesty finish that wakes up the taste buds.
Side Dishes
This dish shines when paired with simple sides that soak up the flavorful juices. Traditional warm tortillas or fluffy cilantro-lime rice work beautifully alongside the Santa Fe Chicken Recipe. A side salad or some roasted veggies will also add freshness and variety to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Santa Fe Chicken Recipe as a filling in tacos or burrito bowls topped with your favorite extras. You can even scoop it onto crisp tostada shells for a crunchy, handheld delight. The vibrant colors of the beans, corn, and cilantro make any presentation feel festive and special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Santa Fe Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy weeknight dinners.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well, too. Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. Just make sure to portion it out so you can thaw only what you need.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw if frozen, then warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in short bursts to avoid drying out the chicken. Add a little extra salsa or a splash of water if needed to keep it juicy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and tend to be juicier and more flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly since thighs may need a bit longer to reach the safe temperature.
What kind of salsa works best?
Use your favorite salsa style—whether chunky, smooth, mild, or spicy. The salsa sets the flavor tone, so pick one that fits your heat preference and taste. A fresh tomato salsa or a smoky chipotle version works especially well.
Is this recipe spicy?
The spice level is moderate thanks to the chili powder and cumin, but you can easily adjust it by increasing the chili powder or adding cayenne pepper for more heat. The cheese and sour cream help mellow the spice nicely.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! The recipe itself is naturally gluten-free as long as you check that your salsa and seasoning blends don’t contain gluten additives. Serve with corn tortillas or rice to keep it gluten-free.
How can I add more vegetables?
Feel free to mix in diced bell peppers, chopped tomatoes, or sliced jalapeños with the beans and corn. Roasted veggies like zucchini or squash could also be delicious stirred in before baking.
Final Thoughts
This Santa Fe Chicken Recipe is a shining example of how a handful of simple ingredients can come together to create a comforting, flavorful, and visually appealing meal. It’s packed with vibrant colors, balanced spices, and that irresistible cheesy finish that makes every bite feel special. I truly encourage you to make this recipe your own and enjoy the warmth and joy it brings to your table time and again.
Print
Santa Fe Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Santa Fe Chicken is a flavorful and hearty baked dish featuring tender chicken breasts seasoned with chili powder and cumin, topped with a zesty blend of black beans, corn, and salsa, and finished with melted Mexican cheese. This easy-to-make recipe brings southwest-inspired flavors to your dinner table, perfect for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
Bean and Corn Topping
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 cup salsa (your favorite kind)
Toppings and Garnishes
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Optional: Sour cream
- Optional: Avocado slices
- Optional: Lime wedges
- Optional: Tortillas or rice for serving
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare baking dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with oil or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin. Sear each chicken breast for 3-4 minutes per side until browned but not fully cooked through. Transfer the seared chicken breasts into the greased baking dish.
- Mix and Pour Topping: In a mixing bowl, combine the drained and rinsed black beans, drained corn, and salsa. Pour this bean and corn mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the baking dish.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Check that the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Add Cheese and Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil from the dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend on top of the chicken and bean mixture. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve warm with optional sour cream, avocado slices, lime wedges, and tortillas or rice as desired for a complete meal.
Notes
- To keep chicken moist, do not overcook during searing and cover while baking.
- Use your favorite salsa to adjust spice and flavor level.
- Substitute shredded Mexican cheese with cheddar or Monterey Jack if preferred.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Make sure chicken reaches 165°F internally to ensure food safety.
- For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños to the bean and corn mixture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southwestern
