Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe

If you’re in the mood for a satisfying, flavor-packed weeknight dinner, the Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is about to become your new go-to recipe. This one-pan wonder combines juicy, golden-seared chicken with smoky spices, hearty beans, sweet corn, and bright tomatoes, all crowned with a blanket of melty Mexican cheese. Not only is it vibrant and colorful, but every bite delivers that irresistible Southwestern flair. Whether you’re serving it to friends or whipping it up for a quick family meal, the Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is guaranteed to bring some excitement to your dinner table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about the Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is that it uses simple, everyday ingredients but delivers bold, craveable flavors. Each ingredient plays a unique role, making this dish truly dynamic in taste and beautiful in presentation.

• Chicken Breasts: Slicing them into cutlets ensures quick, even cooking and plenty of surface area for that delicious sear.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a gentle, background warmth and depth without overpowering the other spices.
• Chili Powder: Provides the signature smoky, earthy kick that defines Santa Fe flavor.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for bringing out the best in every ingredient—don’t skip them!
• Olive Oil: Gives the chicken and vegetables a gorgeous golden color and locks in juiciness.
• Onion: Sautéed onion forms the aromatic backbone and adds a subtle sweetness.
• Ro-tel Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies: For a bright, zesty punch and just a hint of heat.
• Black Beans: These make the dish heartier and add a creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the spices.
• Corn: Sweet and crispy, corn adds both color and a pop of summer freshness in every bite.
• Smoked Paprika: Infuses an extra layer of smoky flavor that makes this skillet truly memorable.
• Mexican Cheese Blend: Melts perfectly to blanket everything in gooey cheesy goodness—no one can resist!
• Fresh Cilantro: Totally optional, but the herbal finish is lovely if you enjoy it.

How to Make Santa Fe Chicken Skillet

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by setting your oven to 400F and move the rack to the middle position. This preheating step is key for getting that bubbly, golden cheese topping at the very end, giving your Santa Fe Chicken Skillet the perfect finishing touch.

Step 2: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create four thinner cutlets. Season both sides with garlic powder, chili powder, and your desired amount of salt and pepper. This not only shortens cooking time but lets the seasonings really infuse every bite of chicken.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken cutlets and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, just until each piece develops a lovely golden crust. Remove the chicken and set it aside for now—you’ll finish cooking it soon.

Step 4: Sauté the Onion

Toss the chopped onion into the same skillet. Sauté for around 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and just starting to brown. Those little bits stuck to the bottom are flavor gold—don’t worry, you’ll scrape them up in a moment.

Step 5: Build the Veggie Layer

Add the drained Ro-tel tomatoes, black beans, corn, and smoked paprika to the pan. Stir everything together and let it heat through for a few minutes, using your spoon to scrape up those tasty browned bits from the bottom. The mixture should smell incredible already!

Step 6: Return Chicken and Add Cheese

Nestle the chicken pieces back into the skillet, spooning some of the tomato-bean-corn mixture on top of each cutlet. Sprinkle the Mexican cheese blend generously over the chicken and vegetables—concentrate it mostly on the chicken for major cheesy payoff.

Step 7: Bake Until Bubbly

Carefully transfer your skillet to the oven. Bake for 5 to 7 minutes, just until the chicken is fully cooked (reaching 165F internally) and the cheese is gleaming and melted. If you love an extra-browned, slightly crispy cheese layer, broil it for a couple of minutes right at the end—but keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn!

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Once out of the oven, scatter fresh chopped cilantro over the top if you wish. Serve your Santa Fe Chicken Skillet immediately for the absolute best combination of flavors and textures.

How to Serve Santa Fe Chicken Skillet

Garnishes

A final sprinkle of chopped cilantro brightens and freshens the whole dish, but don’t stop there—thinly sliced green onions, a dollop of sour cream, or a few avocado slices make fantastic toppings for your Santa Fe Chicken Skillet. Let everyone customize their plate!

Side Dishes

This skillet is undeniably hearty on its own, but it pairs beautifully with fluffy rice, warm tortillas, or a crisp green salad. If you want to make the meal extra festive, whip up some homemade guacamole or jalapeño cornbread to round things out.

Creative Ways to Present

Set up a “Santa Fe Chicken Skillet” bar by serving it straight from the sizzling pan alongside little bowls of toppings—think extra cheese, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, and lime wedges. Or, slice the chicken and tuck scoops of the mixture into warm tortilla wraps for a fun, hand-held version.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Santa Fe Chicken Skillet, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. It reheats beautifully, making it great for next-day lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

To freeze, let the skillet cool completely. Transfer portions into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, removing as much air as possible. It will keep well for up to two months—ideal for busy nights when you need a delicious meal in minutes.

Reheating

Reheat single servings in the microwave, covered, until piping hot. For larger quantities, pop the mixture back in an oven-safe skillet and warm in a 350F oven until heated through. If the cheese needs a touch-up, add a fresh sprinkle and broil briefly before serving.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are wonderful here and bring extra juiciness and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they’re cooked through—boneless, skinless thighs keep it easy.

Is there a substitute for Ro-tel tomatoes?

If you don’t have Ro-tel, just use regular diced tomatoes and add a tablespoon of green chilies or a chopped jalapeño for heat. The dish will still capture that signature Santa Fe Chicken Skillet vibe.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Of course! Swap the Mexican cheese blend for your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative, or simply omit cheese entirely. The flavors from the skillet ingredients alone are more than satisfying.

What’s the best way to keep the chicken tender?

The secret is not to overcook it. Slicing the chicken breasts into cutlets ensures they cook quickly and stay juicy, and finishing them in the oven keeps everything moist under that cheesy layer.

Can I add more vegetables?

Go for it! Bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach can be tossed in with the onion for extra nutrition and color. The Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is endlessly adaptable, so feel free to get creative.

Final Thoughts

The Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is one of those dishes you’ll want to make again and again—a stellar blend of convenience, vibrant Southwestern flavor, and pure comfort. Give it a try and see how quickly it disappears from your dinner table!

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