If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors, satisfying textures, and a hint of that smoky Southwest charm, then this Santa Fe Chicken Recipe is going to be your new weeknight superstar. It’s a colorful medley of juicy chicken, crisp bell peppers, hearty black beans, and sweet corn, all simmered to perfection with tomatoes and spices, then topped with a melty blend of cheeses. This recipe brings a fiesta of taste and warmth to your table with every single bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the foundation for nailing this Santa Fe Chicken Recipe. Each component is simple but so crucial—from the tender chicken to the fresh bell peppers, every ingredient adds its own special touch in taste, texture, and color.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps to sear the chicken beautifully while adding a subtle richness.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces): The lean protein that soaks up all the delicious spices.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Adds a smoky, mildly spicy kick that defines the dish’s Southwestern flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin: Brings earthiness and warmth to balance the chili powder.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a subtle, savory depth that complements the other spices.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds sweetness and rounds out the seasoning mix.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a gentle heat and sharpness.
- 1 red bell pepper (diced): Adds vibrant color and a sweet crunch.
- 1 green bell pepper (diced): Offers a fresh, slightly bitter contrast and brightens the dish.
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned and drained): Sweet pops of sunshine that balance the spices perfectly.
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans (drained and rinsed): Adds fiber and a hearty texture for a filling meal.
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Rotel): The saucy base with a zesty punch of heat and acidity.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey, cheesy goodness that ties everything together.
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Provides a creamy richness with a mild flavor.
- Chopped fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish: Bright, fresh notes that lift the entire dish.
How to Make Santa Fe Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the bite-sized chicken pieces and season them with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook the chicken with occasional stirring for 5 to 7 minutes until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through. This searing step locks in the juices and sets the flavorful foundation for the dish.
Step 2: Add the Bell Peppers
Next, add the diced red and green bell peppers to the skillet. Let them cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, just until they soften slightly but still keep their crispness. This step adds lovely texture contrast and vibrant color that brightens up the overall dish.
Step 3: Stir in Corn, Black Beans, and Tomatoes
Now, toss in the corn, black beans, and the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies. Stir everything together, then reduce the heat to medium. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes so all the flavors meld beautifully, creating a rich, slightly saucy filling packed with Southwest goodness.
Step 4: Melt the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the top of the skillet mixture. Cover the skillet and let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts into a luscious, bubbly blanket that unites every element of the dish.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top and offer lime wedges on the side. The fresh herbs and citrus add that final burst of brightness and zest that makes this Santa Fe Chicken Recipe truly irresistible.
How to Serve Santa Fe Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped cilantro is essential for a burst of herbal freshness that complements the spices, while a good squeeze of lime juice brightens up the creamy, cheesy mixture. If you love a little heat, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce right at the end.
Side Dishes
This Santa Fe Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with fluffy white or brown rice to soak up all the flavorful juices. Alternatively, serve it with warm corn or flour tortillas to create satisfying tacos or burritos. A simple side salad with crisp greens and a light vinaigrette also balances the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, turn the dish into a hearty bowl by layering it over quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even roasted sweet potatoes. You can also stuff it into baked potatoes or pita pockets for a portable meal that’s bursting with flavor. No matter how you serve it, this dish always shines.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Santa Fe Chicken keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to marry and develop, making for even tastier meals the next day.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well, too. Just transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to 2 months. It’s perfect for meal prep or quick dinners that need to come together in a flash.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, gently reheat the dish in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth if it seems dry to revive the saucy texture and keep that cheesy goodness melting perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and richness, giving the dish a slightly deeper flavor. Just be sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
Is this Santa Fe Chicken Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe itself is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check canned ingredients like beans and tomatoes to ensure they don’t contain any hidden gluten.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe offers a mild to medium level of spiciness thanks to the chili powder and diced tomatoes with green chilies. You can easily adjust the heat by adding jalapeños or extra chili powder to match your spice preference.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can! Simply swap the chicken for tofu, tempeh, or extra beans and veggies of your choice. Just be mindful the cooking times and seasoning might need slight tweaks.
What can I use instead of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese?
If you want to mix things up, shredded mozzarella or pepper jack cheese both work wonderfully as substitutes. They melt nicely and bring their own unique flavors to this Santa Fe Chicken Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making this Santa Fe Chicken Recipe your own. It’s straightforward, packed with wholesome ingredients, and delivers bold flavors that feel like a warm hug. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this dish promises a satisfying and colorful meal every single time. Dive in and enjoy the lively Southwest spirit from the comfort of your kitchen!
Print
Santa Fe Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southwestern
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Santa Fe Chicken recipe is a flavorful and colorful skillet dish featuring tender boneless chicken breasts cooked with a blend of southwestern spices, bell peppers, corn, black beans, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Topped with melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses and garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges, this dish brings a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors ideal for a quick and satisfying main course.
Ingredients
Protein and Spice Mix
- 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
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables and Beans
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned and drained)
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Rotel)
Cheese and Garnish
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the oil and cook chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and season with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and fully cooked.
- Add bell peppers: Add the diced red and green bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are slightly softened but still vibrant.
- Mix in corn, black beans, and tomatoes: Stir in the corn, drained black beans, and canned diced tomatoes with green chilies. Reduce the heat to medium and let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add cheese and melt: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the top of the skillet mixture. Cover the skillet and let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts completely.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the dish with freshly chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve immediately over rice, in tortillas, or as desired.
Notes
- Serve this dish over rice, in tortillas, or use it as a filling for burritos or bowls for versatile meal options.
- For added heat, incorporate jalapeños or increase the amount of chili powder to suit your taste.
- This recipe can be prepared ahead of time and reheated, making it convenient for meal prep and busy weekdays.
