If you are craving a vibrant meal bursting with Southwest flavors, the Santa Fe Chicken Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This dish perfectly marries juicy, spice-seasoned chicken with a lively medley of black beans, fire-roasted corn, and zesty Rotel tomatoes, all topped with melty fiesta cheese. It’s a colorful, comforting meal that’s easy to prepare yet feels like a special treat every time you serve it. Whether you’re after a quick weeknight dinner or something to impress your friends, this Santa Fe Chicken Recipe delivers flavor, texture, and satisfaction in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing the flavors and textures that make this Santa Fe Chicken Recipe so memorable. Each component plays an essential role, from the spices that infuse the chicken to the beans and corn that bring boldness to the dish’s hearty base.
- Chicken breasts: Using large, fresh chicken breasts ensures tender and juicy cutlets that soak up the spices beautifully.
- Garlic powder, chili powder, smoked paprika: This spice trio is essential for building the signature savory, smoky kick characteristic of Santa Fe cuisine.
- Salt and pepper: Simple yet vital, these seasonings balance and enhance every flavor in the dish.
- Olive oil: Helps brown the chicken perfectly while adding richness and depth to the cooking process.
- Chopped onion: Provides a sweet and soft foundation that melds seamlessly with the other ingredients.
- Rotel tomatoes (undrained): These spicy, juicy tomatoes add moisture and a tangy brightness to the mixture.
- Black beans (drained and rinsed): A hearty, creamy element rich in protein and fiber.
- Fire roasted corn (drained): Adds sweetness and a subtle smoky flavor to the dish’s vibrant texture palette.
- Fiesta cheese blend: Melts wonderfully over the top, lending a gooey, cheesy finish that ties every bite together.
- Fresh cilantro (optional): Just a sprinkle of this bright herb adds freshness and a burst of color as a garnish.
How to Make Santa Fe Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
The magic begins with slicing the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create four perfect cutlets. This helps the chicken cook evenly and quickly while maximizing surface area for seasoning. Once sliced, pat them dry and generously coat each cutlet with a savory blend of garlic powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This spice mixture is the heart of the Santa Fe flavors, so be sure to cover every inch well.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet to medium and lay down the seasoned chicken cutlets. Cooking each side for 5 to 7 minutes allows you to build a gorgeous golden-brown crust that locks in juices. When the chicken is fully cooked and beautifully browned, transfer it to a plate to rest while you prepare the next layers of this hearty dish.
Step 3: Cook the Onion
Using the same skillet, toss in the chopped onion. Sautéing it until soft and translucent releases its natural sweetness, creating a perfect base for the robust Santa Fe mix to come. The onion also picks up any leftover flavors from the chicken, adding depth to the whole dish.
Step 4: Add Vegetables
Next, stir in the undrained can of Rotel tomatoes, black beans, and fire roasted corn. Combining these ingredients creates a lively and colorful mixture packed with layers of flavor and varied textures. Don’t forget to scrape up those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet—they infuse even more character into the dish.
Step 5: Simmer
Lower the heat to medium-low and let this vibrant mixture gently simmer for around 5 minutes. This simmering time lets all the flavors marry beautifully, softening the vegetables while concentrating the zestiness of the Rotel and the earthiness of the beans.
Step 6: Return Chicken to Skillet
Carefully nestle the browned chicken cutlets back into the skillet on top of the flavorful veggie and bean bed. Spoon some of the mixture over the chicken pieces for extra moistness and flavor infusion. Allow everything to warm together for a few minutes, creating a harmonious blend of tastes and textures.
Step 7: Add Cheese
Sprinkle the fiesta cheese blend evenly over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Cover the skillet loosely with a lid or foil and let it sit for a few minutes so the cheese can melt into a luscious, gooey topping. This final cheesy touch adds both indulgence and visual appeal to your Santa Fe Chicken Recipe.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
For an extra pop of color and fresh flavor, sprinkle some chopped cilantro over the top just before serving. This simple garnish not only brightens the appearance but also complements the smoky and spicy notes of the dish. Serve your Santa Fe Chicken piping hot and get ready to enjoy every bite of this spirited, comforting meal.
How to Serve Santa Fe Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like cilantro are a perfect garnish to brighten the dish visually and flavor-wise. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime to complement the smoky, spicy elements and round out the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Santa Fe Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with fluffy white rice, cilantro-lime rice, or even warm tortillas to scoop up every tasty bit. A side of guacamole or a crisp green salad with avocado adds a fresh balance that keeps the meal feeling light and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Santa Fe Chicken Recipe layered over crispy tortilla chips to make a festive nacho platter. Alternatively, stuff the chicken and vegetable mixture into warm pita pockets or stuff sweet bell peppers for a colorful, handheld delight. Presentation can be as simple or creative as you like to suit your occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Santa Fe Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the chicken and vegetable mixture has cooled completely before refrigerating to preserve the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
This recipe also freezes well. Portion the chicken and vegetable mixture into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. When properly sealed, it can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing much of its deliciousness.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge if possible, then warm gently over low heat in a covered skillet or in the microwave. Adding a splash of water or broth can help keep the chicken moist and prevent drying out during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit fattier and more forgiving, so they will remain juicy and flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are fully cooked through.
Is this dish spicy?
The Santa Fe Chicken Recipe has a mild to medium heat level thanks to chili powder and Rotel tomatoes. You can adjust the amount of chili powder or add fresh jalapeños if you prefer a spicier kick.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the chicken with extra black beans, corn, and perhaps some grilled veggies like zucchini or bell peppers. Use vegetable broth to enhance the flavor and top with cheese or a dairy-free alternative for a delightful vegetarian version.
What type of cheese is in the fiesta blend?
Fiesta cheese blend usually includes a mix of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and sometimes queso blanco or asadero, which melt beautifully and add a creamy, mild tanginess.
Is it possible to cook this recipe in the oven?
Certainly! After browning the chicken and preparing the veggies on the stovetop, transfer everything to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.
Final Thoughts
This Santa Fe Chicken Recipe is truly a gem that brings bold, inviting flavors to your table with minimal fuss. It’s a dish you can confidently whip up any night of the week, feeling proud to serve something hearty, fresh, and full of family-friendly warmth. Give it a try and let this recipe become one of your favorite go-to meals for busy days or casual gatherings alike.
Print
Santa Fe Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Description
This Santa Fe Chicken recipe combines tender, spiced chicken breasts with a flavorful mix of sautéed onions, Rotel tomatoes, black beans, and fire-roasted corn, all topped with melty fiesta cheese and optional fresh cilantro for a delicious Southwestern-inspired meal that’s easy to prepare in one skillet.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Vegetables and Beans
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel, undrained
- 1 (14-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (12-ounce) can fire roasted corn, drained
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 cup fiesta cheese blend
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create four smaller cutlets. Rinse and pat dry the pieces, then set aside. In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Season all sides of the chicken cutlets evenly with this spice blend to coat well.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken cutlets and cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until nicely browned and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place on a plate to rest.
- Cook the Onion: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for a few minutes until soft and translucent, scraping up any browned bits left from the chicken for extra flavor.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the undrained can of Rotel, black beans, and fire roasted corn. Mix thoroughly to combine the ingredients well and ensure the flavors meld together.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to develop and the mixture to heat evenly.
- Return Chicken to Skillet: Nestle the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet on top of the vegetable and bean mixture. Spoon some of the mixture over the chicken. Let everything warm together for a few minutes until the chicken is heated through.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the fiesta cheese blend evenly over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and allow it to sit for a few minutes until the cheese melts completely and becomes gooey.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve the dish hot and enjoy the rich flavors of this Southwest-inspired meal.
Notes
- For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning blend.
- Serve with warm tortillas or over rice for a complete meal.
- You can substitute the fiesta cheese blend with cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese if preferred.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To make this dish gluten-free, ensure canned goods contain no gluten additives.
