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Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 140 reviews

This Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is a flavorful and hearty one-pan meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are seasoned with garlic and chili powder, then cooked with a vibrant mix of onions, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and smoky paprika. Topped with a melted Mexican cheese blend, this skillet dish combines bold southwestern flavors in a simple and satisfying way.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken & Seasonings

  • 2 large chicken breasts
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Vegetables & Beans

  • 1/2 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 (10 ounce) can Ro-tel diced tomatoes & green chilies, drained
  • 1 (14 ounce) can black beans, drained & rinsed
  • 1 (12 ounce) can corn, drained

Seasonings & Cheese

  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 cup Mexican cheese blend

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. This adds the base layer of southwestern flavor to the dish.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté the Onion: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent, scraping up any browned bits from the chicken for added flavor.
  4. Add Vegetables and Beans: Stir in the drained Ro-tel diced tomatoes & green chilies, black beans, corn, and smoked paprika. Mix well and cook for another 3-4 minutes until everything is heated through and flavors meld.
  5. Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the vegetable and bean mixture. Reduce heat to low and let everything simmer together for 5 minutes to allow flavors to combine.
  6. Add Cheese and Melt: Sprinkle the Mexican cheese blend evenly over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Serve: Once the cheese is melted, remove from heat and serve the Santa Fe Chicken Skillet hot, optionally garnished with fresh cilantro or avocado slices for added freshness.

Notes

  • You can substitute fresh diced tomatoes and green chilies if preferred.
  • Use low-sodium black beans to reduce sodium content.
  • Add sliced jalapeños if you want extra heat.
  • Serve with warm tortillas or rice for a complete meal.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Santa Fe chicken, chicken skillet, southwestern chicken, one-pan meal, easy chicken dinner, Mexican cheese chicken

Find it online: https://spatulaqueen.com/santa-fe-chicken-skillet-recipe/