Santa Fe Chicken combines the bold and spicy flavors of the Southwest with a comforting, cheesy finish. The dish is a beautiful medley of tender chicken, vibrant tomatoes, hearty black beans, and sweet corn, all crowned with melted cheese for that perfect bite. It’s a meal that satisfies both flavor and texture lovers. Perfect for a weeknight meal, this dish is also versatile and can be paired with rice, tacos, or a simple salad. The combination of wholesome ingredients, a quick preparation time, and delicious results make it a favorite for busy families and anyone craving a hearty, spicy, and comforting dinner.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes & green chilies, drained
- 1 (14-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (12-ounce) can corn, drained
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup Mexican cheese blend
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, to taste)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and move the rack to the middle position.
- Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise, creating 4 thinner cutlets. Season both sides with garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until lightly golden. Remove the chicken from the skillet.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes or until softened and lightly browned.
- Stir in the Rotel tomatoes, black beans, corn, and smoked paprika. Heat through for a couple of minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning some of the tomato-bean mixture over each piece. Sprinkle the cheese over everything, concentrating on the chicken.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature) and the cheese has melted. Optionally, broil for a few minutes to brown the cheese.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Flavorful Southwest-Inspired Dish for Your Dinner Table
When it comes to vibrant, hearty, and flavorful dishes, few regions rival the bold, exciting culinary traditions of the American Southwest. One standout recipe that encapsulates the warmth and richness of this cuisine is Santa Fe Chicken. Combining tender chicken, black beans, corn, and fiery tomatoes with green chilies, this dish bursts with both flavor and nutrition. Topped with melted cheese and seasoned with classic Southwestern spices, Santa Fe Chicken is more than just a meal—it’s a culinary journey that brings the essence of Santa Fe right to your dinner table.
The Origins of Santa Fe Chicken
Santa Fe Chicken, as the name suggests, is inspired by the ingredients and cooking methods popular in the Southwestern United States, particularly in New Mexico, where the culinary heritage is influenced by Native American, Mexican, and Spanish flavors. The dish reflects the hallmark traits of this region’s cuisine, including the use of beans, corn, chilies, and tomatoes—staples that have been integral to local cooking for centuries.
While Santa Fe Chicken isn’t an ancient dish, its components have deep roots. The combination of chicken, black beans, corn, and tomatoes speaks to the fusion of Native American and Mexican food traditions that characterize much of Southwestern cooking. This is a cuisine that values bold flavors, vibrant colors, and ingredients that are both delicious and nutritious. The incorporation of cheese and smoky spices, such as paprika and chili powder, adds a modern twist that elevates the dish, making it a crowd-pleaser for both family dinners and casual gatherings.
Why Santa Fe Chicken is the Perfect Weeknight Meal
One of the standout features of Santa Fe Chicken is how quick and easy it is to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights. With a total cooking time of just around 30 minutes, it’s a dish that delivers robust flavors without requiring hours of effort in the kitchen. This makes it a go-to recipe for families looking to get dinner on the table fast, without sacrificing taste or nutrition.
Using readily available pantry staples like canned beans, corn, and tomatoes means there’s no need for elaborate grocery shopping. This accessibility is part of what makes Santa Fe Chicken so appealing. The ingredients can be easily swapped or adjusted to fit what you already have on hand, making it both versatile and practical.
The chicken is cooked to golden perfection in a single oven-safe skillet, which minimizes cleanup. Additionally, the inclusion of black beans and corn not only adds texture and flavor but also makes this a well-rounded, nutritionally dense meal that’s both hearty and satisfying. It’s also filling enough to stand on its own, although many enjoy it with a side of rice, tortillas, or even in tacos for a different twist.
Nutritional Benefits of Santa Fe Chicken
Santa Fe Chicken is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Here’s a closer look at the health benefits of the key ingredients:
- Chicken: As a lean source of protein, chicken helps with muscle building and repair. It’s also lower in fat compared to other meats, making it a great choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet.
- Black Beans: These legumes are high in both protein and fiber, which help promote fullness and support digestive health. Black beans are also a good source of iron, potassium, and folate, nutrients that are essential for energy production and heart health.
- Corn: Corn is rich in fiber and antioxidants, particularly lutein and zeaxanthin, which support eye health. It’s also a good source of essential vitamins like vitamin C and several B vitamins.
- Tomatoes: Rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, tomatoes help protect against cell damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. They’re also an excellent source of vitamin C and potassium.
- Cheese: While cheese is often viewed as indulgent, in moderation it provides valuable calcium and protein. The Mexican cheese blend used in Santa Fe Chicken adds creaminess and depth to the dish, complementing the bold spices.
The combination of these ingredients creates a dish that is not only satisfying to the taste buds but also balanced in terms of macronutrients, offering a good mix of protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
Customizing Santa Fe Chicken to Suit Your Tastes
One of the great things about Santa Fe Chicken is its adaptability. It’s easy to customize this dish to suit your preferences or dietary restrictions. Here are a few ideas for tweaking the recipe:
- Make it Spicier: If you love heat, consider adding a chopped jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper to the dish. You can also use a spicier variety of Rotel tomatoes or increase the amount of chili powder for an extra kick.
- Milder Version: For those who prefer less spice, opt for mild Rotel tomatoes or simply use regular diced tomatoes. You can also cut back on the chili powder and substitute a sweeter paprika instead of smoked paprika for a milder flavor profile.
- Vegetarian Option: Want to make it vegetarian? Simply skip the chicken and add more beans or even some hearty vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to the mix. You can also throw in some diced tofu or use plant-based chicken alternatives to maintain the dish’s protein content.
- Low-Carb Alternative: If you’re watching your carb intake, you can serve this dish over cauliflower rice or on a bed of mixed greens instead of traditional rice or tortillas.
- Cheese Substitutes: For those who are lactose intolerant or following a dairy-free diet, there are plenty of plant-based cheese alternatives that melt well and provide a similar creamy texture.
Pairing Santa Fe Chicken with Sides and Add-Ons
While Santa Fe Chicken is filling on its own, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides to round out your meal. Some popular options include:
- Rice: A side of fluffy white or brown rice works perfectly to soak up the flavors of the chicken, beans, and corn. For a healthier option, try quinoa or cauliflower rice.
- Tortillas: Serve the chicken alongside warm flour or corn tortillas to make soft tacos. You can add sour cream, avocado, shredded lettuce, and salsa for a delicious DIY taco experience.
- Salads: A fresh side salad, like an avocado corn salad or a simple green salad with lime vinaigrette, adds a refreshing contrast to the rich and cheesy flavors of the Santa Fe Chicken.
- Guacamole: Creamy guacamole or sliced avocados add a cooling element to the dish, complementing the spiciness of the chili and tomatoes.
- Chips and Salsa: For a more casual serving style, offer a bowl of tortilla chips with your favorite salsa or pico de gallo as a crunchy side to complement the dish.
Conclusion:
Santa Fe Chicken is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to explore the flavors of the Southwest. With its combination of tender chicken, hearty black beans, sweet corn, and a fiery kick from Rotel tomatoes, this dish is perfect for those who crave bold, comforting meals with minimal prep and cleanup. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or looking for a dish to impress friends, Santa Fe Chicken hits the mark every time.
Its adaptability makes it a great choice for a wide variety of palates, and with so many ways to customize the dish, you’ll never get bored. Plus, the nutritional benefits from the combination of protein, fiber, and healthy fats ensure that you’re not only eating something delicious but also something good for you.
So, the next time you’re short on time but craving something satisfying and flavorful, give Santa Fe Chicken a try. With its quick preparation, bold flavors, and hearty ingredients, it’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Santa Fe Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
Santa Fe Chicken combines the bold and spicy flavors of the Southwest with a comforting, cheesy finish. The dish is a beautiful medley of tender chicken, vibrant tomatoes, hearty black beans, and sweet corn, all crowned with melted cheese for that perfect bite. It’s a meal that satisfies both flavor and texture lovers. Perfect for a weeknight meal, this dish is also versatile and can be paired with rice, tacos, or a simple salad. The combination of wholesome ingredients, a quick preparation time, and delicious results make it a favorite for busy families and anyone craving a hearty, spicy, and comforting dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes & green chilies, drained
- 1 (14-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (12-ounce) can corn, drained
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup Mexican cheese blend
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and move the rack to the middle position.
- Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise, creating 4 thinner cutlets. Season both sides with garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until lightly golden. Remove the chicken from the skillet.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes or until softened and lightly browned.
- Stir in the Rotel tomatoes, black beans, corn, and smoked paprika. Heat through for a couple of minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning some of the tomato-bean mixture over each piece. Sprinkle the cheese over everything, concentrating on the chicken.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature) and the cheese has melted. Optionally, broil for a few minutes to brown the cheese.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450 kcal
