As the crisp breeze of fall rolls in and golden leaves blanket the yard, there’s nothing better than cozying up with a warm, hearty dinner that fills the kitchen with comforting aromas. That’s where Santa Fe Chicken comes in—a vibrant, satisfying dish that brings together tender chicken, bold Tex-Mex spices, colorful veggies, and melty cheese all in one skillet or casserole dish. It’s the kind of recipe that makes everyone gather around the table, asking for seconds (and maybe thirds).
Whether you’re looking for a weeknight winner or prepping meals for the week ahead, Santa Fe Chicken checks all the boxes: easy, filling, and packed with flavor. Let’s dig into why this dish has become a favorite among home cooks and how you can make it with pantry-friendly ingredients—no stress, no fuss.
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Santa Fe Chicken
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A bold and colorful one-skillet meal packed with juicy chicken, Tex-Mex spices, vibrant veggies, and melted cheese—Santa Fe Chicken is a comforting, easy weeknight favorite everyone loves.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks or strips
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup frozen or canned corn, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Tex-Mex blend)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken pieces and season with cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for 6–8 minutes, until chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed and sauté diced bell peppers for about 5 minutes.
- Stir in corn, black beans, and diced tomatoes (with juice).
- Return chicken to the skillet and stir everything together.
- Sprinkle cheese evenly over the top of the mixture.
- Cover with a lid and let it melt over low heat for about 5 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot over rice or in tortillas.
Notes
For extra creaminess, stir in 1/4 cup cream cheese before topping with shredded cheese. Easily adapted for gluten-free diets. Store leftovers in the fridge or freezer and reheat with a splash of broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients for Santa Fe Chicken
You’ll love how approachable and flexible this ingredient list is. Most items are probably already in your kitchen!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks or strips
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup frozen or canned corn, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Tex-Mex blend)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice, for serving (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
This one-pan wonder is ideal for busy weeknights. Here’s how to pull it together in under 40 minutes:
1. Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken pieces and season with cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for 6–8 minutes, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
2. Cook the Veggies
- In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed.
- Sauté diced bell peppers for about 5 minutes until slightly softened.
3. Add the Flavor Layers
- Stir in corn, black beans, and diced tomatoes (with their juice).
- Return the chicken to the skillet and stir everything together.
4. Melt the Cheese
- Sprinkle cheese evenly over the top of the mixture.
- Cover with a lid and let it melt over low heat for about 5 minutes.
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish with chopped cilantro.
- Serve over rice, in taco shells, or even as a filling for burritos.
Tips for Santa Fe Chicken Success
To make your dish truly unforgettable, keep these helpful tips in mind:
- Use fresh chicken: While frozen works in a pinch, fresh chicken cooks faster and holds flavor better.
- Drain canned items well: Especially the black beans and corn—excess liquid can make the dish too watery.
- Adjust spice levels: Want it hotter? Add a diced jalapeño or more chili powder. Milder? Reduce the spices or use sweet peppers only.
- Let the cheese melt gently: Avoid high heat once the cheese is added; low and slow gives you that gooey, perfect finish.
Variations to Try
This Santa Fe Chicken is already a knockout, but here are a few creative spins if you’re feeling adventurous—or cooking for dietary needs:
🌾 Gluten-Free Option
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just be sure to use certified gluten-free canned items and spices.
🧀 Add a Cheesy Topping
- Mix 1/4 cup cream cheese into the skillet before adding shredded cheese on top for extra creaminess.
🥦 Make it Veggie-Packed
- Add zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to increase the veggie content.
🥘 Oven-Baked Casserole Version
- After combining everything in the skillet (except cheese), transfer to a baking dish. Top with cheese and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until bubbly.
🥑 Serve Bowl-Style
- Build rice or quinoa bowls with the chicken mixture, avocado slices, lime wedges, and tortilla strips.
How to Store and Reheat Santa Fe Chicken
This dish is meal-prep gold. It stores and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for busy weeks.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Cool completely and freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave or a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if it looks dry.
Final Thoughts
Santa Fe Chicken brings cozy vibes, bold flavor, and hearty satisfaction to your dinner table—no complicated steps, no specialty ingredients. It’s one of those recipes you’ll return to again and again, especially during the cooler months when comfort food takes center stage. Whether you serve it skillet-style, casserole-style, or wrapped up in warm tortillas, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit.
Now it’s your turn—grab your skillet and give Santa Fe Chicken a try. You’re just 30 minutes away from a colorful, crave-worthy meal your whole family will love.