If you’re looking for a delicious and easy meal that packs a flavor punch, Santa Fe Chicken is the perfect choice! This vibrant dish combines juicy chicken with wholesome ingredients like black beans and corn, all topped with melted cheese. Ready in just a few simple steps, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: It takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a great option for a weeknight meal.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of these items in your pantry already.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of flavors is sure to impress your family and guests.
- Unbelievably Delicious: The smoky and slightly spicy seasoning makes each bite satisfying.
- Versatile: You can easily customize it to fit your dietary needs or preferences.
Ingredients Needed
- For the Chicken:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Veggies:
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- For the Topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheese
How to Make Santa Fe Chicken
- Heat the Skillet: Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. This will help to sear the chicken perfectly.
- Season the Chicken: Take the chicken breasts and season them with smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. This step is essential for developing flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken in the hot skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and no longer pink inside. Remove the chicken and set it aside once done.
- Prepare the Veggies: In the same skillet, add the diced bell pepper, black beans, and corn. Stir and cook everything together for about 5 minutes until heated through. This step adds a lovely, fresh taste to the dish.
- Combine Everything: Return the chicken to the skillet with the veggies and sprinkle cheese on top. Cover the pan and let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes.
- Serve Hot: Once the cheese is melted, serve the dish hot. You can garnish it with fresh herbs if desired.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serve Santa Fe Chicken hot, ideally with a side of rice or tortilla chips. For storage, keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It should stay fresh for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove over low heat.
Helpful Notes
- For extra flavor, consider topping with avocado or salsa.
- If you’re looking for a spicy kick, add jalapeños with the veggies.
- This recipe is easily made gluten-free by ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Conclusion
Santa Fe Chicken is a delightful dish that combines convenience and bold flavors. It’s quick, packed with nutrition, and sure to become a regular at your dinner table. If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating! We’d love to hear how it turned out for you. And if you experiment with any variations, let us know!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts; just make sure to defrost them completely before cooking.
How do I make this dish spicier?
You can add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the chicken seasoning for extra heat.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, Santa Fe Chicken can be frozen! Just make sure to store it in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Print
Santa Fe Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A quick and easy dish combining juicy chicken, black beans, and corn, topped with melted cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the seasoned chicken in the skillet for 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Add the diced bell pepper, black beans, and corn to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, sprinkle cheese on top, and cover to melt for 2-3 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
For extra flavor, top with avocado or salsa. To spice things up, add jalapeños with the veggies. This recipe can be made gluten-free by ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 70mg