Santa Fe Chicken Recipe
If you’re craving a punchy, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s packed with color and flavor, look no further than this Santa Fe Chicken Recipe. It’s everything you want in a weeknight meal: juicy chicken breasts nestled in a skillet with black beans, corn, and zesty salsa, then baked under a gooey layer of cheddar cheese. The fusion of Tex-Mex spices with wholesome ingredients makes this recipe a steadfast favorite; it’s simple enough for busy nights, but bold enough to impress your family or friends. Whether you’re a kitchen newbie or an old pro, you’ll fall in love with the vibrant, rustic charm of the Santa Fe Chicken Recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish is a celebration of simple pantry staples, each bringing something special to the table. Bold spices give it a southwestern flair, while beans and corn add hearty texture. The ingredients play off each other to create a satisfying, colorful meal you’ll want to make again and again.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 lb): The juicy, lean protein foundation of this dish—choose evenly sized pieces for even cooking.
- Canned black beans (1 cup, rinsed and drained): Add hearty, creamy texture and make the meal extra filling.
- Corn kernels (1 cup, fresh, frozen, or canned): Sweet, golden pops of flavor that brighten every bite.
- Chunky salsa (1 cup): The secret shortcut to tons of flavor and built-in veggies in every spoonful.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts into gooey, bubbly perfection that ties it all together.
- Ground cumin (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses the chicken with a smoky, nutty warmth.
- Chili powder (1/2 teaspoon): Brings classic southwestern spice without overwhelming heat.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives subtle aromatic depth to every layer.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Lends mellow, savory notes that boost the tomato salsa and beans.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for enhancing and balancing all the flavors.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps the spices adhere and ensures a golden sear on the chicken.
- Chopped fresh cilantro and lime wedges (optional): These finishing touches add color, freshness, and a tangy pop just before serving.
How to Make Santa Fe Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Give yourself a head start by gathering and prepping all the ingredients—it makes assembling super quick and keeps things stress-free. If using frozen corn, let it thaw while you organize your spice blend and shred the cheese.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. While the oil gets shimmery, season both sides of your chicken breasts with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This spice rub adds the first layer of deep, southwestern flavor. Give each side a quick sear for 2 to 3 minutes, just until lightly golden. Don’t worry—they’ll finish cooking in the oven and stay deliciously juicy.
Step 3: Add Beans, Corn, and Salsa
Once the chicken is seared, keep it in the skillet and evenly scatter black beans and corn around the chicken pieces. Pour your favorite chunky salsa right over the top. This magical trio of salsa, beans, and corn seeps flavor into every nook and cranny, keeping the chicken moist and transforming the pan juices into a crave-worthy sauce.
Step 4: Bake Covered
Cover your skillet tightly with foil, then transfer it to the oven. Bake for 20 minutes, allowing all the flavors to marry and the chicken to cook through gently. This covered bake helps lock in moisture while infusing the meat with the southwest-inspired sauce.
Step 5: Melt the Cheese
After 20 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over each chicken breast. Pop the skillet back in the oven, uncovered, for another 10 minutes. The cheese melts and bubbles, forming the irresistible gooey topping that defines the Santa Fe Chicken Recipe.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once the cheese is beautifully golden and the chicken is cooked through, remove the skillet from the oven. Top with chopped fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for a burst of brightness. Serve right from the skillet while everything is hot and melty.
How to Serve Santa Fe Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A flourish of chopped cilantro and a few lime wedges wake up all the flavors and add a pop of color. If you love heat, feel free to scatter some sliced jalapeños or a dollop of sour cream on top for extra flair.
Side Dishes
This dish shines alongside simple steamed rice, fluffy quinoa, or warm tortillas for scooping up that saucy goodness. If you want more veggies, a crisp green salad with avocado is the perfect match for the bold flavors of Santa Fe Chicken Recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your chicken and tuck it into tacos or burrito bowls, or layer over tortilla chips for a knockout skillet nacho platter. The leftovers also make amazing quesadillas or wraps the next day! Don’t be afraid to put your own spin on how you present this Santa Fe Chicken Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftovers cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making lunch prep a breeze.
Freezing
You can freeze Santa Fe Chicken Recipe once it’s fully baked! Wrap individual chicken breasts (with toppings) in foil and store in zip-top bags, or freeze the whole cooled dish in a covered baking pan. It stays fresh for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready for a flavor-packed meal.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until heated through. For single portions, a microwave works great—heat in 60-second intervals until piping hot. Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese and cilantro to revive that just-cooked taste.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs work well and will add a bit more flavor and juiciness. Just adjust the cooking time if your pieces are extra thick.
Is this Santa Fe Chicken Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, making it a delicious option for anyone avoiding gluten. Just double-check your salsa and spices if using store-bought blends.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you’re after more heat, swap in a hot salsa, add diced jalapeños to the mix, or sprinkle a little cayenne pepper with the other spices. The Santa Fe Chicken Recipe is super adaptable to your spice preferences!
Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Layer everything in the slow cooker (no need to sear first), then cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or high for 2 to 3 hours. Sprinkle the cheese on top in the last 15 minutes so it has time to melt.
What cheese substitutes work if I don’t have cheddar?
Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend are fantastic melty alternatives. Feel free to mix and match based on what you have in your fridge!
Final Thoughts
This Santa Fe Chicken Recipe is pure southwest comfort—colorful, cheesy, and deeply satisfying. Give it a try the next time you want a dinner that’s as fun to eat as it is to make, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular in your meal rotation!
Print
Santa Fe Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Santa Fe Chicken recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines juicy chicken breasts with flavorful black beans, corn, salsa, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends and family.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Santa Fe Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup canned black beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup chunky salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Chopped fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet. Season chicken breasts with spices and sear for 2–3 minutes per side.
- Add ingredients: Spread black beans and corn around the chicken. Pour salsa over the top.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil, add cheese, and bake for another 10 minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with cilantro and lime. Serve with rice, tortillas, or salad.
Notes
- For a spicier version, use hot salsa or add jalapeños before baking.
- This dish can also be made in a slow cooker—just layer the ingredients and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
