Santa Fe Chicken Skillet

Name: Santa Fe Chicken Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts; 1 can Ro-tel diced tomatoes & green chilies; 1 can black beans; 1 can corn; Mexican cheese blend; Southwest spices (garlic powder, chili powder, smoked paprika); Olive oil

Published: December 7, 2025

by Victoria

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Prepare this delicious meal in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy schedules.
Flavor Packed: Enjoy the robust flavors from southwest spices and fresh ingredients.
One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in a single skillet.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice or enjoy it as is; great for any occasion.
Nutritious Ingredients: Loaded with protein and fiber from chicken and beans.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin making your Santa Fe chicken skillet, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Cast iron skillet or oven-safe skillet
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Cast iron skillet or oven-safe skillet: Ideal for searing chicken and transitioning from stovetop to oven seamlessly.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients efficiently.
Chef’s knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts for even cooking.

Ingredients

This easy Santa Fe chicken recipe is loaded with black beans, corn, Ro-tel tomatoes, southwest spices, and melty cheese. It’s ready in just 30 minutes!

For the Chicken

2 large chicken breasts
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
Salt & pepper (to taste)

For the Skillet Mixture

2 tablespoons olive oil
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)
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

For Topping

1 cup Mexican cheese blend
Fresh cilantro (chopped (optional, to taste))

How to Make Santa Fe Chicken Skillet

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 400F and move the rack to the middle position.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise so you have 4 thinner cutlets.
Season both sides with garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Add olive oil to an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
Once hot, add the seasoned chicken cutlets and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until lightly golden.
Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Onions

Add chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and lightly browned.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Stir in drained Ro-tel tomatoes, black beans, corn, and smoked paprika. Heat through for a couple of minutes while scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Step 6: Assemble in Skillet

Return the chicken to the skillet. Spoon some of the tomato-bean-corn mixture over each piece of chicken. Sprinkle cheese evenly on top.

Step 7: Bake Until Done

Place the skillet in the oven for 5-7 minutes or until chicken reaches 165F and cheese is melted. For an extra touch, broil briefly at the end for browning—watch closely!

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Top with fresh chopped cilantro if desired and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious Santa Fe Chicken Skillet!

How to Serve Santa Fe Chicken Skillet

The Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your meal experience. Here are some serving suggestions to consider.

With Rice

Fluffy White Rice – Serve the Santa Fe chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice for a comforting and filling meal.
Cilantro Lime Rice – Add a burst of flavor with cilantro lime rice, which complements the southwest spices beautifully.

On Tacos

Soft Tortillas – Spoon the chicken mixture into warm soft tortillas for tasty tacos. Top with fresh cilantro and avocado for extra flavor.
Crispy Taco Shells – For a crunch, use crispy taco shells filled with the chicken mixture, cheese, and your favorite toppings.

With Salads

Mixed Green Salad – Pair the skillet dish with a light mixed green salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the richness.
Corn Salad – A refreshing corn salad can add sweetness and crunch to your plate.

As a Wrap

Lettuce Wraps – Use large lettuce leaves to wrap the chicken mixture for a low-carb option that’s both healthy and delicious.

With Tortilla Chips

Cheesy Nachos – Top tortilla chips with the chicken skillet mix and additional cheese, then bake until bubbly for a fun appetizer or snack.

How to Perfect Santa Fe Chicken Skillet

To elevate your Santa Fe Chicken Skillet, consider these helpful tips for perfecting your dish every time you make it.

Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables and herbs will enhance the flavors significantly compared to canned or frozen options.
Sear the Chicken Well – Ensure you get a good golden sear on the chicken before adding other ingredients; this adds depth to the flavor.
Adjust Spice Levels – Customize the spice level by adding more chili powder or including jalapeños if you prefer heat.
Don’t Overcook Cheese – Keep an eye on melting cheese in the oven; remove it as soon as it’s melted to prevent it from becoming rubbery.
Add Extra Veggies – Feel free to include bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and color in your skillet dish.
Serve Immediately – Enjoy this dish right after cooking for the best taste and texture, as it can become soggy if left sitting too long.

Best Side Dishes for Santa Fe Chicken Skillet

Pairing your Santa Fe Chicken Skillet with complementary side dishes can make your meal even more enjoyable. Here are some fantastic options.

Spanish Rice – Flavored with tomatoes and spices, this dish adds an authentic touch.
Grilled Vegetables – Seasonal veggies grilled to perfection bring color and nutrition to your plate.
Guacamole – Creamy avocado dip enhances flavors and provides a refreshing contrast.
Refried Beans – A classic side that pairs well, adding creaminess alongside the chicken skillet.
Cornbread – Sweet cornbread offers a delightful texture that balances savory flavors nicely.
Quinoa Salad – A nutritious option loaded with veggies that brings freshness and crunch.
Baked Sweet Potatoes – Their natural sweetness complements the spices in the chicken dish beautifully.
Mexican Street Corn Salad – A vibrant salad that adds creaminess and zest, rounding out your meal perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many home cooks encounter common pitfalls when preparing Santa Fe chicken. Here are some mistakes to watch out for to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

Using unseasoned chicken: Always season your chicken before cooking. This enhances flavor and prevents blandness in your Santa Fe Chicken Skillet.
Not checking chicken doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F. Undercooked chicken can ruin the dish and pose health risks.
Skipping the browning step: Browning the chicken adds depth of flavor. Don’t skip this step, as it creates a savory base for your skillet.
Overcrowding the skillet: Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding leads to steaming rather than searing, which affects texture.
Ignoring ingredient freshness: Use fresh ingredients like cilantro and quality canned goods. Fresh items improve taste and nutritional value.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Santa Fe Chicken Skillet in an airtight container.
It can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Santa Fe Chicken Skillet

Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
Store in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Santa Fe Chicken Skillet

Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop: Heat over medium heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding the Santa Fe Chicken Skillet recipe.

Can I use frozen chicken for Santa Fe Chicken Skillet?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken; just ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking for even results.

What can I substitute for Ro-tel tomatoes?

You can use regular diced tomatoes with added green chilies or any spicy salsa of your choice as an alternative.

How do I make Santa Fe Chicken Skillet spicier?

To add more heat, include additional chili powder or diced jalapeños to the mix while cooking.

Is there a vegetarian version of Santa Fe Chicken Skillet?

Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh and increase beans and corn for protein.

Final Thoughts

The Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is a delightful blend of flavors that appeals to everyone at the table. Its versatility allows for easy customization by adding different vegetables or spices to suit your taste. Give this easy recipe a try—you’ll love how quickly it comes together!

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