Santa Fe Chicken Recipe
If you’re looking for a lively, flavor-packed dinner that comes together in less than thirty minutes, this Santa Fe Chicken Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. Imagine bite-sized pieces of juicy chicken mingling in a skillet with bright bell peppers, black beans, corn, salsa, and a glorious shower of melted cheese—each forkful delivers a riot of southwestern flavors and colors. Whether it’s a weeknight rush or a cozy meal-prep Sunday, you’ll find this dish both satisfyingly hearty and wonderfully versatile.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Santa Fe Chicken Recipe is just how approachable the grocery list is—each ingredient has a purpose, blending together to create bold flavors and delightful texture in every bite. Here’s what you’ll need and why each component matters:
- Olive oil: Adds subtle richness to the chicken while keeping it perfectly juicy.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Lean, protein-packed, and ideal for absorbing those smoky, savory spices.
- Chili powder: Infuses warmth and gentle heat, setting the southwestern tone.
- Cumin: Lends a nutty, earthy backbone that deepens the flavor of the whole dish.
- Garlic powder: Brings a kick of aromatic depth that plays beautifully with the other spices.
- Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors—don’t skip this essential step!
- Black pepper: Offers a gentle bite to balance the sweetness of the veggies and corn.
- Frozen corn (thawed): Pops of sweetness and golden color for a true Santa Fe vibe.
- Canned black beans (rinsed and drained): Adds protein, fiber, and hearty texture.
- Chunky salsa: The shortcut to instant sauciness—choose your favorite for a custom level of heat.
- Diced red bell pepper: For juicy crunch, sweetness, and a burst of color.
- Diced green bell pepper: Brings a subtle savory note and beautiful contrast to the red peppers.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melty, tangy richness to finish the dish with a creamy touch.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Smooth, wonderfully gooey, and the perfect partner for cheddar.
- Chopped fresh cilantro (optional): Adds bright, fresh flavor and a pop of green for garnish.
How to Make Santa Fe Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Sauté and Season the Chicken
Start by heating up your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat—it should shimmer but not smoke. Add your chicken pieces and sprinkle them with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. The aroma is irresistible from the get-go! Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until nicely browned on the outside and cooked through inside, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes. This quick sauté locks in the flavor and gives you the perfect starting point for our Santa Fe Chicken Recipe.
Step 2: Add the Veggies and Beans
With your chicken cooked, it’s time to stir in the thawed corn, black beans, chunky salsa, and both bell peppers. This is where that signature color and texture explosion happens! Reduce the heat to medium and let everything mingle for about 5 minutes. You’ll see the bell peppers begin to soften and the salsa gently bubble, infusing all the ingredients with its zesty goodness.
Step 3: Melt the Cheese
Now comes the best part—pile on the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Try to distribute them evenly for that irresistible melty blanket. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheeses melt for 2 to 3 minutes over low heat. You’ll end up with a bubbling, cheesy top that brings all the elements together into one glorious Santa Fe Chicken Recipe experience.
Step 4: Finish and Garnish
Once the cheese is perfectly gooey, sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro if you like a pop of green and some herbal flair. Serve it up straight away—hot and bubbling—over rice, wrapped in warm tortillas, or simply on its own. Every bite promises a satisfying mix of smoky, spicy, cheesy, and fresh flavors!
How to Serve Santa Fe Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
This dish is a joy to dress up! Bright fresh cilantro adds a gorgeous pop of color and a cool, grassy note that cuts through the richness. A squeeze of fresh lime, dollops of sour cream, or a sprinkle of extra chopped green onions are also wonderful finishing touches.
Side Dishes
Santa Fe Chicken Recipe plays nicely with all kinds of sides. It’s amazing spooned over fluffy rice or tucked into warm tortillas for a southwestern-style wrap. For something a bit different, try it alongside a simple green salad, buttery cornbread, or roasted potatoes for even more comfort.
Creative Ways to Present
You don’t have to limit yourself to the usual plate! Use this cheesy chicken mixture to fill bell pepper halves for a playful, edible “bowl.” Or scoop it onto mini tostada shells or tortilla chips for a fun party appetizer. It even makes a bold filling for stuffed baked sweet potatoes—the options are endless with the Santa Fe Chicken Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers of this vibrant dish keep exceptionally well. Simply let everything cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Santa Fe Chicken Recipe will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it an ideal candidate for meal prep or next-day lunches.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this recipe, cheesy topping and all! Portion cooled Santa Fe Chicken Recipe into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It will hold up for up to three months. Just know the veggies may soften a bit upon reheating, but the flavor stays marvelous!
Reheating
To reheat, warm thawed or refrigerated chicken gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if it looks a bit dry. Stir gently to keep that cheesy goodness evenly distributed. Enjoy as is, or use it as an easy filling for wraps and bowls.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Definitely! Chicken thighs will add a little extra juiciness and richness. Just cut them into bite-size pieces and follow the same cooking steps as you would with chicken breast in the Santa Fe Chicken Recipe.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Absolutely—swap the chicken for extra black beans, pinto beans, or even diced tofu. You’ll still get all the great flavors and textures of the classic Santa Fe Chicken Recipe, just in a plant-friendly package.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Go for it! Use hot salsa, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, or toss in some chopped jalapeños when you add the bell peppers to dial up the heat in your Santa Fe Chicken Recipe.
What’s the best way to thaw frozen corn for this recipe?
Simply place the frozen corn in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes, then drain. You can also run it under warm tap water in a colander, making your prep for the Santa Fe Chicken Recipe extra fast and easy.
How can I meal prep this dish?
Prepare the Santa Fe Chicken Recipe as directed, let it cool, then portion it into meal prep containers with rice or tortillas on the side. This way, you’ll have high-protein, flavorful meals ready to heat and eat throughout the week!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a colorful, crave-worthy dinner that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, the Santa Fe Chicken Recipe delivers every time. I can’t wait for you to dig in, try your own creative spins, and perhaps even add it to your regular dinner rotation—happy cooking!
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Santa Fe Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Santa Fe Chicken recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken with a variety of southwestern-inspired ingredients. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or meal prep, this one-pan dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Main Dish:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Add-ins:
- 1 cup frozen corn (thawed)
- 1 cup canned black beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 cup chunky salsa
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: In a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken: Add chicken pieces, season with spices, and cook until browned.
- Add remaining ingredients: Stir in corn, black beans, salsa, and bell peppers. Cook until heated through.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheeses over the top, cover, and cook until melted.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with cilantro and serve warm over rice, in tortillas, or on its own.
Notes
- For a spicier version, use hot salsa or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- This dish is great for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
