Are you ready to add a zesty twist to your dinner routine? Let me introduce you to a dish that’s sure to brighten up your table: Santa Fe Chicken. This recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a fiesta of flavors wrapped up in a cozy, comforting package. Imagine tender chicken breasts, seasoned with a blend of spices that’ll make your taste buds dance. It’s the kind of dish that brings smiles and satisfied sighs to your dining room.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe
Santa Fe Chicken Ingredients
How to Make Santa Fe Chicken
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Helpful Tips & Substitutions
Try Some of our Other Favorite Dinner Recipes

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

Simplicity is Key: This dish is incredibly easy to make. It’s all about combining the right ingredients and letting the stove do the magic. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Versatile and Pleasing: Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just cooking for your family, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. It’s hearty enough to satisfy the hungriest of eaters and has a flavor profile that appeals to both adults and kids.
Healthy and Wholesome: We’re talking lean protein from the chicken, fiber from the beans, and a whole lot of flavor. This is comfort food that you can feel good about!

Santa Fe Chicken Ingredients

Chicken Breasts
Garlic Powder
Chili Powder
Smoked Paprika
Salt
Pepper
Olive Oil
Onion
Rotel
Black Beans
Fire Roasted Corn
Fiesta Cheese
Fresh Cilantro

*Scroll to Printable Recipe Card below for detailed amounts!

How to Make Santa Fe Chicken

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Prepare the Chicken: First, slice chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create 4 smaller cutlets, rinse and pat dry then set aside. In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper then season all sides of the chicken breasts ensuring they are well coated with the spices.
Brown the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 5 – 7 minutes on each side, or until they are nicely browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Cook the Onion: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion. Sauté for a few minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
Add Tomatoes, Beans, and Corn: To the skillet, add the can of Ro-tel tomatoes and green chilies, drained and rinsed black beans, and drained corn. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
Simmer: Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Return Chicken to Skillet: Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, on top of the vegetable and bean mixture, spooning some of the mixture on top of the chicken breasts. Let everything heat together for a few more minutes.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle the Mexican cheese blend over the chicken. Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese is fully melted.
Garnish and Serve: If desired, garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

How to Store Santa Fe Chicken:

Leftovers? No problem! Santa Fe Chicken stores beautifully. Simply place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

How to Reheat Santa Fe Chicken:

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat it in the microwave or on the stove until it’s warm throughout. Just be careful not to overheat, as this can dry out the chicken.

Helpful Tips & Substitutions

Can This Be Frozen?

Absolutely! Santa Fe Chicken freezes like a charm. Cool the dish completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as suggested above. Freezing might slightly alter the texture, but the flavors remain intact, making it perfect for meal prep!

Can This Be Made Ahead of Time?

Definitely! You can prep parts of this dish in advance. Chop the onions, mix the spices, and even cut the chicken a day ahead, storing them separately in the fridge. Then, when you’re ready to cook, you’re halfway there! This makes putting together a flavorful meal on a busy night a breeze.

Substitutions & Variations

Swap chicken for tofu or shrimp for a different protein choice.
Use kidney beans instead of black beans.
Add bell peppers for extra crunch.
For a dairy-free version, skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.

Helpful Cooking Notes

Don’t rush the browning of the chicken – it adds incredible flavor.
Be generous with spices – they’re the heart of this dish.
Always taste as you go and adjust seasoning to your preference.

Try Some of our Other Favorite Dinner Recipes

Santa Fe Chicken

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Servings

Calories 300 kcal

Discover the joys of cooking with our easy and delicious Santa Fe Chicken recipe. A flavorful dish, perfect for busy weeknights!

INGREDIENTS

2 large Chicken Breasts
1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1/2 teaspoon Chili Powder
1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
Salt and Pepper to taste
2 tablespoons Olive Oil
1/2 medium Onion, chopped
1 10 ounce can Rotel, undrained
1 14 ounce can Black Beans, drained & rinsed
1 12 ounce can Fire Roasted Corn, drained
1 cup Fiesta Cheese Blend
Fresh Cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

INSTRUCTIONS

Prepare the Chicken: First, slice chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create 4 smaller cutlets, rinse and pat dry then set aside. In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper then season all sides of the chicken breasts ensuring they are well coated with the spices.
Brown the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 5 – 7 minutes on each side, or until they are nicely browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Cook the Onion: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion. Sauté for a few minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. Add Tomatoes, Beans, and Corn: To the skillet, add the can of Ro-tel tomatoes and green chilies, drained and rinsed black beans, and drained corn. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
Simmer: Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Return Chicken to Skillet: Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, on top of the vegetable and bean mixture, spooning some of the mixture on top of the chicken breasts. Let everything heat together for a few more minutes.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle the Mexican cheese blend over the chicken. Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese is fully melted.
Garnish and Serve: If desired, garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.

NOTES