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
Units
Scale
- 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