Santa Fe Chicken

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

Prep Time15

Cook Time20

Total Time35

Course: Dinner

Servings:

Calories: 300kcal

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

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.

Nutrition