Santa Fe Chicken
Santa Fe Chicken is a flavorful one-skillet dish that captures the bold essence of Southwestern cooking. Juicy, seasoned chicken breasts are paired with a colorful medley of black beans, corn, tomatoes, and green chiles—then finished with melty Colby Jack cheese and a splash of lime for brightness.
Santa Fe Chicken
Ingredients
For the Chicken
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Smoked paprika | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Chili powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground cumin | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Chicken breasts (halved lengthwise) | 2 large (about 1/2 inch thick) |
| Olive oil | 3 tablespoons, divided |
For the Skillet Mixture and Toppings
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Diced onion | 1 cup |
| Minced garlic | 5 cloves |
| Black beans (drained) | 1 (15 oz) can |
| Diced green chiles | 1 (4.5 oz) can |
| Diced tomatoes | 1 (15 oz) can |
| Corn (fresh or frozen) | 1 1/2 cups |
| Shredded Colby Jack cheese | 2 cups |
| Lime juice | 2 tablespoons |
| Chopped cilantro | For garnish |
Instructions
- Mix the Spices: In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to make a seasoning blend.
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken halves dry and rub both sides evenly with the spice mixture.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3–5 minutes per side, until golden brown. Set aside (it doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet).
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the diced onion for 4–5 minutes until tender. Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds more.
- Add the Veggies: Mix in the black beans, green chiles, diced tomatoes, and corn. Stir and cook for 3–4 minutes until warmed through.
- Return Chicken & Add Cheese: Nestle the seared chicken back on top of the veggie mixture. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over each piece of chicken.
- Melt & Cook Through: Cover the skillet with a lid or foil. Reduce heat to low and cook for 3–5 more minutes, until the cheese melts and the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish & Serve: Finish with a squeeze of lime juice and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy the layers of bold flavor.
Let me know if you’d like a spicier version or ideas for serving it with rice or tortillas! 🌶️🍗
