Name: Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Southwestern
Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; Salt & pepper, to taste; 1/2 medium onion, chopped; 1 (10 ounce) can Ro-tel diced tomatoes & green chilies, drained; 1 (14 ounce) can black beans, drained & rinsed; 1 (12 ounce) can corn, drained; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 cup Mexican cheese blend; Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, to taste)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a vibrant, flavorful, and downright comforting meal, this Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is going to become your new go-to. Packed with zesty spices, tender chicken, and a colorful medley of beans, corn, and tomatoes, it brings together those bold southwestern flavors in one easy-to-make skillet. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a casual weekend feast, the Santa Fe Chicken Skillet delivers both simplicity and excitement with every bite.

Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making the Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is a breeze thanks to simple ingredients that each add their own unique punch. From the smoky spices to the fresh veggies and melty cheese, every component works together to create a dish that’s bursting with color, texture, and flavor.

2 large chicken breasts: The star protein, sliced into thinner cutlets for quick cooking and juiciness.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a subtle, savory depth to the chicken’s seasoning.
1/2 teaspoon chili powder: Adds a mild heat and classic southwestern flair.
Salt & pepper (to taste): Enhances all the natural flavors and balances the spice.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Perfect for browning the chicken and sautéing veggies with a silky finish.
1/2 medium onion (chopped): Gives a sweet, caramelized base that contrasts beautifully with the spices.
1 (10 ounce) can Ro-tel diced tomatoes & green chilies (drained): Adds juicy, mildly spicy brightness and a pop of color.
1 (14 ounce) can black beans (drained & rinsed): Provides hearty texture and subtle earthiness.
1 (12 ounce) can corn (drained): Sweet bursts of corn add texture and balance the heat.
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Infuses a smoky richness that elevates the flavor profile.
1 cup Mexican cheese blend: Melts gorgeously over the skillet for creamy, gooey indulgence.
Fresh cilantro (chopped, optional): A fresh green note that brightens the entire dish.

How to Make Santa Fe Chicken Skillet

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and positioning the rack in the middle. Next, slice those chicken breasts in half lengthwise so you end up with four thinner pieces. This helps them cook quickly while staying juicy. Season both sides generously with garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper—this will be the flavor foundation for your Santa Fe Chicken Skillet.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, lay the chicken pieces carefully in the pan. Cook them for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they have a nice golden sear. This step locks in flavor and gives a wonderful texture. After browning, remove the chicken temporarily to make room for the veggies.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion

Into the same skillet, toss in the chopped onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the onion feels soft and starts turning golden brown. This not only adds sweetness but also helps lift up those tasty browned bits stuck to the pan, which are absolute flavor treasure for your Santa Fe Chicken Skillet.

Step 4: Stir in the Veggies and Spices

Now, add in the drained Ro-tel tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, corn, and smoked paprika. Stir everything gently and let it heat through for a couple of minutes. Be sure to scrub the bottom of the pan with your spoon to collect all those caramelized flavors. This colorful mix is what makes the dish visually appealing and delicious.

Step 5: Combine and Top with Cheese

Return the browned chicken pieces to the skillet, nestling them right into the veggie mixture. Spoon some of those vibrant tomatoes, beans, and corn over the chicken for extra flavor in every bite. Next, sprinkle a generous cup of the Mexican cheese blend all over—the cheese will melt and marry the dish together beautifully.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pop your skillet into the preheated oven and bake for 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you like a bit of crispiness on top, switch to broil for a couple of minutes—just watch closely so it doesn’t burn!

Step 7: Add Fresh Cilantro and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the top if you’re using it. This final touch brings a fresh vibrancy that balances the smoky, spicy richness. Serve your Santa Fe Chicken Skillet piping hot for the ultimate comfort and flavor experience.

How to Serve Santa Fe Chicken Skillet

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes make the Santa Fe Chicken Skillet pop even more. Cilantro is a classic choice—its fresh, citrusy flavor adds brightness. For a creamy contrast, dollop some sour cream or Greek yogurt on top. You can also squeeze a little lime over the dish for a lively kick that complements the southwest spices perfectly.

Side Dishes

This skillet is hearty, but pairing it with some simple sides creates an even more satisfying meal. Consider serving it alongside fluffy white rice or warm corn tortillas to soak up all the delicious juices. A crisp green salad or sautéed greens can add a refreshing balance to the bold and hearty skillet.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress friends or family? Present the Santa Fe Chicken Skillet family-style right in its baking pan for a rustic, inviting look. Alternatively, serve it in individual small skillets or shallow bowls garnished with avocado slices, chopped green onions, or even some diced jalapeños if you like extra heat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Santa Fe Chicken Skillet keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to build and mingle, making the leftovers just as tasty as the fresh meal.

Freezing

This dish also freezes well if you want to save portions for later. Store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing to maintain the best texture and freshness when reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm your leftovers in the oven at 350°F until heated through, usually about 15-20 minutes. This method keeps the chicken tender and cheese melty without drying it out. You can also microwave individual portions, but keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs would make the dish even juicier and add a little extra richness. Just adjust cooking time slightly because thighs can take a bit longer to cook through.

Is this dish spicy?

Santa Fe Chicken Skillet has a gentle heat from the chili powder and Ro-tel tomatoes with green chilies, but it’s far from overwhelming. You can easily control the spice level by adjusting or omitting those ingredients to your taste.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you check that your canned ingredients and cheese blend don’t contain any hidden gluten. It’s a great option for anyone avoiding gluten without sacrificing flavor.

What can I substitute for the Mexican cheese blend?

Feel free to use a combination of cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella if you don’t have a pre-made blend. These cheeses melt beautifully and will give you a similar creamy, flavorful topping.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap out the chicken for extra beans, diced bell peppers, or even cubed tofu for a satisfying vegetarian version that still captures the vibrant flavors of the Santa Fe Chicken Skillet.

Final Thoughts

This Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is truly a winner in my book — it’s quick, comforting, and packed full of those lively southwestern flavors that make every meal feel like a celebration. I hope you give it a try soon and discover how effortlessly it can become a staple in your dinner rotation, bringing warmth and joy with every bite.

Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 20 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is a vibrant, flavorful one-pan meal packed with tender chicken breasts, zesty Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, corn, and a smoky blend of spices. Topped with melty Mexican cheese and fresh cilantro, it’s a quick and easy dish perfect for busy weeknights that delivers bold Southwestern flavors in every bite.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and position the rack in the middle.
Prepare Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create 4 thin cutlets. Season both sides with garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until lightly golden. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté Onion: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, until softened and lightly browned.
Add Vegetables & Spices: Stir in the drained Rotel tomatoes, black beans, corn, and smoked paprika. Cook for a couple minutes until heated through, scraping up any browned bits from the pan bottom for extra flavor.
Combine Chicken & Topping: Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon some of the vegetable mixture over each piece. Sprinkle the Mexican cheese blend evenly on top, focusing it more on the chicken.
Bake & Melt Cheese: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F and the cheese is melted. For a browned cheese topping, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Garnish & Serve: Remove from oven, top with fresh chopped cilantro if desired, and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Use an oven-safe skillet such as cast iron to seamlessly transfer from stovetop to oven.
Adjust chili powder and paprika amounts based on desired spice level for milder or spicier flavors.
Drain canned ingredients thoroughly to prevent excess moisture diluting the dish.
For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat cheese and less olive oil.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Searing, Baking
Cuisine: Southwestern