The Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe is a vibrant, hearty dish bursting with Southwestern flavors that come together in one simple pan. Juicy, seasoned chicken meets colorful bell peppers, sweet corn, black beans, and zesty diced tomatoes with green chilies, all layered over fluffy rice and crowned with melted cheese. This recipe is a go-to for busy weeknights when you want a wholesome meal without fuss, yet crave something full of personality and warmth. Trust me, once you try this Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe, it’ll quickly become a favorite in your rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each one plays a crucial role in building the vibrant taste, texture, and appeal of this dish. From the smoky spices on the chicken to the fresh crunch of peppers and the gooey cheese topping, every element works in harmony to create a complete flavor experience.
- Olive oil: Essential for sautéing and adding a subtle richness that enhances the other ingredients.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces to ensure quick, even cooking and perfect tenderness.
- Chili powder: Brings the iconic Southwestern smoky heat that defines the dish.
- Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy depth that complements the chili powder beautifully.
- Garlic powder: Boosts savory flavor without overwhelming the other spices.
- Salt and pepper: Basic but necessary to season and elevate all the components.
- Red bell pepper: Offers sweetness and vibrant color to brighten the skillet.
- Green bell pepper: Adds a crisp, slightly bitter freshness that balances the dish.
- Red onion: Delivers a mild sharpness that softens as it cooks, enriching the flavor.
- Frozen corn: Sweet little bursts of texture that complement the beans and peppers.
- Black beans: Protein-packed and creamy, they add heartiness and a slight earthiness.
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies: Provides juiciness, a gentle tang, and just enough kick.
- Cooked white or brown rice: Acts as a comforting base that soaks up all the delicious juices.
- Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese: Melts into a luscious, cheesy topping that pulls everything together.
- Chopped cilantro and sliced green onions for garnish: Fresh finishing touches that add brightness and color.
How to Make Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in your chicken pieces and generously season them with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken until it’s beautifully browned on the outside and fully cooked inside, about 6 to 8 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside, giving yourself space to build layers of flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the chopped red and green bell peppers, red onion, and frozen corn. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables soften just enough to keep a slight crunch—this contrast will keep the dish lively and interesting with every bite.
Step 3: Combine Beans, Tomatoes, and Rice
Now it’s time to bring the hearty ingredients together. Stir in the drained black beans, the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained), and your cooked rice. Mix everything well so the flavors meld and the skillet fills with that signature Southwestern aroma.
Step 4: Return Chicken and Melt Cheese
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Evenly sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, then cover the skillet. Let it cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese melts into a gooey, irresistible topping. This final step makes the Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe feel indulgent without any extra effort.
How to Serve Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing brightens this skillet like fresh garnishes. Sprinkling chopped cilantro and sliced green onions over the melted cheese adds that fresh, herbal punch that cuts through the richness and makes every forkful pop with flavor and color.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty and complete on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, a simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some warm, fluffy tortillas are fantastic partners. Both options add textural variety and help scoop up any delicious sauce left in the pan.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe as a filling for tacos or burritos, or spoon it over a baked sweet potato for a healthy, satisfying meal. The versatility makes it perfect for family dinners or casual entertaining where you want to impress without stress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Santa Fe Chicken Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next meal just as delightful as the first.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of this skillet meal for up to 2 months. Just cool completely, package in freezer-safe containers, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Perfect for busy weeks when cooking feels impossible.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet or microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Adding a splash of water or broth can help keep the dish moist and bring back its just-cooked tenderness.
FAQs
Can I use other types of rice in the Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use white, brown, or even cauliflower rice if you want a low-carb option. Each adds its own texture but absorbs the flavors beautifully.
What can I add to make the dish spicier?
For an extra kick, toss in a diced jalapeño when sautéing your vegetables or sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper with the other spices. It’s a simple way to dial up the heat without overpowering the dish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your canned ingredients don’t contain any added gluten. Always double-check labels if you have any dietary concerns.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the chicken for extra beans, tofu, or a meat substitute like tempeh. The seasoning and veggies still shine, making for a delicious vegetarian skillet meal.
How long does this dish take to prepare and cook?
From start to finish, the Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe takes about 30 minutes, with 10 minutes prep and 20 minutes cooking time. It’s a fantastic quick dinner option without sacrificing flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a comforting but colorful meal that comes together quickly, the Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe is a winner every time. It’s packed with fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and that perfect melt of cheese on top that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Give it a try and watch how easily it becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen.
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Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southwestern
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is a flavorful, one-pan meal perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner. Tender chicken pieces are seasoned with chili powder, cumin, and garlic, then cooked with colorful bell peppers, onions, corn, black beans, and spicy diced tomatoes. Combined with rice and topped with melted cheese, this dish offers a delicious Southwestern flair that’s both hearty and gluten-free.
Ingredients
Protein and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Vegetables and Beans
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small red onion, chopped
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- Chopped cilantro, for garnish
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and season them with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped red and green bell peppers, red onion, and frozen corn. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the drained black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies (including juices), and cooked rice to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Return Chicken and Melt Cheese: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, mixing it gently into the vegetable and rice mixture. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top, cover the skillet, and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese has melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the dish with chopped cilantro and sliced green onions. Serve warm as a complete, flavorful meal.
Notes
- Substitute rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
- Add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- This recipe reheats well and can be used as a filling for tacos or burritos.
