Zesty Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe: Bold Southwest Flavors

Spice up your weeknight dinner with a zesty Santa Fe chicken skillet that bursts with vibrant flavors and southwestern charm.

This one-pan marvel combines tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and bold seasonings for a meal that comes together in no time.

Hearty and satisfying, the dish delivers a perfect balance of protein and fresh ingredients.

Each bite promises a delightful dance of robust spices and comforting textures.

Packed with nutrients and easy to prepare, this skillet recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal.

You’ll love how quickly it comes together, making it ideal for busy evenings when time is short but flavor is non-negotiable.

Grab a fork and get ready to savor every delicious mouthful of this southwestern-inspired culinary adventure.

Santa Fe Skillet Qualities That Steal the Show

• Create a mouthwatering meal with minimal kitchen cleanup using just one skillet, perfect for busy weeknights and hungry families.
• Pack bold southwestern flavors into a single dish that combines protein, vegetables, and cheese, delivering a satisfying and nutritious dinner in under 30 minutes.
• Easily swap ingredients like different beans, proteins, or cheese to match your taste preferences and dietary needs, making this recipe incredibly versatile and adaptable.
• Impress dinner guests or family members with a restaurant-style meal that looks sophisticated but requires minimal cooking skills and basic pantry ingredients.

Santa Fe Skillet Chicken Ingredient Checklist

• Chicken Breasts: A lean and versatile protein that serves as the star of this Santa Fe-inspired skillet dish.

• Onion, Ro-tel Tomatoes, Corn, Black Beans: A colorful and flavorful mix that adds texture, moisture, and southwestern flair to the recipe.

• Garlic Powder, Chili Powder, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Pepper, Shredded Cheese: A blend of spices that provides depth of flavor and a melty, cheesy topping.

• Cilantro: A fresh herb that adds a bright, herbal note to the finished dish.

• Oil: Used to create a non-stick surface and help achieve a golden sear on the chicken.

Tools for Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Success

• Large oven-safe skillet: Essential for cooking and baking the entire dish in one pan.
• Cutting board: Perfect for preparing chicken and chopping ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Needed to slice chicken breasts lengthwise and cut cilantro.
• Measuring spoons: Help accurately season chicken with spices.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring vegetables and scraping pan.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165F.
• Cheese grater (optional): Useful if using block cheese instead of pre-shredded.

How to Make Santa Fe Chicken Skillet for Dinner

Step 1: Slice and Season Chicken

Cut chicken breasts lengthwise to create thinner cutlets.

Generously coat each piece with garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper to infuse robust flavors.

Step 2: Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place chicken cutlets and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until a beautiful golden crust forms.

Transfer chicken to a temporary plate.

Step 3: Caramelize Onions

In the same skillet, sauté onions for 5 minutes, allowing them to soften and develop a rich, sweet caramelized color.

Step 4: Build Flavor Base

• Ro-tel tomatoes
• Black beans
• Corn kernels
• Smoked paprika

Stir and heat the mixture, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Step 5: Reunite and Layer

Return chicken to the skillet, nestling the pieces into the vegetable mixture.

Sprinkle a generous layer of cheese over the entire dish.

Step 6: Bake and Melt

Place the skillet in a preheated 400°F oven.

Bake for 5-7 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F and cheese melts beautifully.

Optional: Broil briefly for a golden, bubbly cheese topping.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro over the skillet.

Serve immediately while hot and bubbling.

Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Tips for One-Pan Wins

• Cut chicken breasts horizontally to ensure even cooking and faster preparation time.
• Brown chicken thoroughly to lock in juices and develop rich, caramelized exterior before baking.
• Adjust chili and smoked paprika amounts to match your preferred heat intensity, making the dish adaptable for mild to spicy palates.
• Select melting cheeses like monterey jack or pepper jack for optimal gooey texture and complementary southwestern flavor profile.
• Use an oven-safe skillet to minimize cleanup and maintain consistent heat distribution throughout cooking process.

Santa Fe Skillet Variations to Change It Up

• Vegetarian Southwest Skillet: Replace chicken with plant-based protein like tofu, tempeh, or black bean crumbles. Maintain the same spices and cooking method for a meat-free version that's packed with flavor.
• Low-Carb Mexican Cauliflower Skillet: Swap beans and corn with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates. Keep the spicy seasoning and cheese for a keto-friendly alternative that's just as satisfying.
• Seafood Santa Fe Style: Substitute chicken with shrimp or white fish like cod. Adjust cooking time to prevent overcooking delicate proteins while preserving the zesty southwestern sauce and melted cheese topping.
• Dairy-Free Wellness Bowl: Use dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for the topping. Keep the vegetable and protein base consistent with original recipe for those avoiding dairy products.

Serving Santa Fe Chicken Skillet with Style

• Fresh Fiesta Topping: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro, diced green onions, and a squeeze of lime juice for a bright, zesty finish that adds incredible freshness to the dish.
• Creamy Cool Companion: Dollop sour cream or Greek yogurt on top to balance the spicy flavors and create a creamy contrast with the warm skillet chicken.
• Rice and Grain Pairing: Serve over fluffy white rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa to soak up the delicious tomato and bean sauce, making the meal more filling and satisfying.
• Avocado Garnish: Slice ripe avocado and place on top or alongside the chicken for a creamy, buttery element that complements the bold Santa Fe flavors.

Keeping Santa Fe Skillet Leftovers Fresh and Tasty

• Store leftover Santa Fe Chicken Skillet in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled chicken skillet to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Will maintain quality for up to 3 months when properly sealed.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming.
• Warm leftover skillet in a pan over medium-low heat. Add splash of chicken broth or water to prevent sticking and maintain moisture. Stir gently until heated completely, about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

• What are the key spices that make this Santa Fe Chicken Skillet flavorful?

The key spices are garlic powder, chili powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. These spices create a bold, southwestern-style seasoning that gives the chicken and vegetable mixture its distinctive Santa Fe flavor profile.

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for breasts. Just ensure they are cut to similar thickness and cook to an internal temperature of 165F. Chicken thighs might actually provide more moisture and richness to the dish.

• Is this recipe considered a low-carb or gluten-free meal?

This Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is naturally gluten-free and can be considered relatively low-carb, depending on the specific beans and corn used.

Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe

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4.5 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Santa fe chicken skillet delivers a hearty southwestern-style meal packed with bold flavors. Spicy peppers, tender chicken, and melted cheese create a comforting one-pan dinner you can enjoy with family and friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 large chicken breasts
• 1 cup Mexican cheese blend

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Vegetables and Additional Ingredients:

• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 1 (10 ounces / 283 grams) can Ro-tel diced tomatoes & green chilies, drained
• 1 (14 ounces / 397 grams) can black beans, drained & rinsed
• 1 (12 ounces / 340 grams) can corn, drained
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken by slicing breasts lengthwise into 4 thin cutlets, then generously season with garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, cooking chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer chicken from the pan.
3. In the same skillet, sauté onions for 5 minutes until they become soft and develop a light caramelized color.
4. Introduce Ro-tel tomatoes, beans, corn, and smoked paprika to the skillet, stirring to combine and release any browned bits from the pan’s bottom.
5. Return chicken to the skillet, nestling the pieces into the vegetable mixture, then evenly distribute cheese across the entire dish.
6. Transfer the skillet to a preheated 400°F oven, baking for 5-7 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and cheese melts completely.
7. Optional: Activate the broiler for 1-2 minutes to create a golden, crispy cheese topping.
8. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve the skillet immediately while hot and bubbling.

Notes

• Slice chicken uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Choose a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet for deeper flavor development and perfect caramelization.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder or adding jalapeños for extra spiciness.
• Make the recipe gluten-free by using certified gluten-free beans and checking seasoning ingredients.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg