This Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is a colorful and tasty meal packed with tender chicken, black beans, corn, and spices. It’s quick to make, so you can enjoy it any night of the week!
Plus, the one-pan cooking means less mess to clean up—thank you, skillet! I love serving it with some warm tortillas. It always brings smiles to the dinner table! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean and cook quickly. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, you could use thighs or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Corn: Fresh corn adds great sweetness, but if it’s out of season, frozen or canned corn works well, too. I usually keep a few cans on hand for convenience.
Black Beans: Canned black beans are a great time-saver. They also boost fiber and protein. If you’re not a fan of beans, chickpeas could be a fun alternative.
Cheese: Cheddar and Monterey Jack are perfect for melting, but you could swap in pepper jack for a spicy kick, or use a dairy-free cheese if you’re lactose intolerant.
How Do I Perfectly Cook Chicken Breasts?
Cooking chicken breasts can be tricky—they can dry out if overcooked. Here’s how to get juicy results:
- Preheat your skillet and add oil before the chicken to create a nice sear.
- Cook over medium heat to avoid burning while ensuring the inside cooks through.
- Check doneness with a meat thermometer; 165°F (75°C) is the magic number.
- Let the chicken rest before slicing; this keeps it juicy!
How to Make Santa Fe Chicken Skillet?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Main Mixture:
- 1 cup corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Santa Fe Chicken Skillet will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 10 minutes on prep work and around 20 minutes cooking the chicken and veggies until they’re perfectly flavorful and ready to serve. It’s a quick and hearty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning and Cooking the Chicken:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. While the oil warms up, season the chicken breasts on both sides with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Afterward, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
2. Preparing the Vegetable Mixture:
In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, add the corn, black beans, and diced tomatoes. Stir everything together well, and let it cook for about 5 minutes until it’s all heated through. This will create a wonderful base for your chicken!
3. Combining Chicken with Vegetables:
Now, it’s time to bring the chicken back to the skillet. Place the cooked chicken breasts on top of the mixture. Next, sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top of the chicken and veggie mixture. This will add a delicious cheesy layer!
4. Melting the Cheese:
Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning. The aroma will be amazing!
5. Final Touches and Serving:
Once the cheese is all melty and delicious, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle some fresh chopped cilantro on top for a bright, fresh flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your hearty and flavorful Santa Fe Chicken Skillet!
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can use chicken thighs or even chicken tenders if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly; thighs may take a bit longer to cook through, while tenders will cook faster. Always ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
What Can I Substitute for the Black Beans?
If you don’t have black beans on hand, feel free to substitute them with pinto beans, kidney beans, or even chickpeas for a different flavor. Just make sure to rinse and drain canned beans before adding them to the skillet.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store leftover Santa Fe Chicken Skillet in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, or warm gently on the stove over low heat. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of chicken broth or water to help moisten it.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this skillet vegetarian! Simply omit the chicken and increase the amount of beans or corn for protein. You can also add bell peppers or zucchini for more veggies. Just cook the vegetables until tender before adding the cheeses!
