Get ready to fall in love with this Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe—a one-pan wonder that brings together bold Southwestern flavors, heaps of vegetables, and tender chicken for a meal that’s as easy to make as it is to devour. Bright bell peppers, hearty black beans, sweet corn, and a gentle blend of spices are all finished with melty cheddar cheese and a hit of fresh lime juice, bringing lively color and irresistible aroma to your kitchen. Perfect for a busy weeknight or whenever you crave something comforting and vibrant, this dish is guaranteed to become a go-to favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in the simplicity of its ingredients—each one plays a vital role in the flavor, texture, and even the joyful color palette in the skillet. Here’s why you’ll love what goes into this Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe:
- Chicken breasts: Lean and tender, they soak up the spices and form the protein-packed base of the dish.
- Olive oil: Adds depth and helps all those spices grab onto every chicken piece.
- Chili powder: Brings a smoky warmth and unmistakable Southwestern character.
- Cumin: Adds earthiness and a touch of complexity.
- Paprika: Offers gentle sweetness and a rich amber hue.
- Garlic powder: Delivers savory backbone without any peeling or chopping.
- Salt: Essential for dialing up all the other flavors.
- Black pepper: Gives a subtle kick and rounds out the spices.
- Red bell pepper: Sweet and vibrant, it brings beautiful color.
- Green bell pepper: Balances the sweetness of red pepper with grassy freshness.
- Red onion: Adds crunch, color, and a gentle bite that lifts the whole skillet.
- Black beans: Filling and fiber-rich, they bring creaminess and heartiness.
- Corn: Adds pops of sweetness and sunny color.
- Cooked rice: Soaks up all the juices, making every bite extra satisfying.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts to a gooey finish that ties everything together.
- Fresh cilantro: Gives a refreshing herbal note on top.
- Lime juice: Wakes up all the spices with a zesty, tangy hit right at the end.
How to Make Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Season and Brown the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in your bite-sized chicken pieces, then sprinkle over the chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together so the chicken gets coated with all those glorious spices. Let it cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are nicely browned and cooked through. Your kitchen should already smell amazing!
Step 2: Sauté the Peppers and Onion
As soon as the chicken is cooked, add your diced red and green bell peppers plus chopped red onion straight into the skillet. Continue to sauté for about 4–5 minutes—just enough to soften the veggies a bit while keeping their color and crunch intact. The whole skillet will become a riot of colors at this stage.
Step 3: Stir in the Beans, Corn, and Rice
Time to bring some extra heartiness into the mix! Drain and rinse your black beans and corn, then add them into the skillet along with your cooked rice. Stir well so everything melds together, and let it cook for another 2–3 minutes, just until everything is heated through and the flavors can mingle.
Step 4: Melt the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese all over the top of your skillet. Cover the pan and let the cheese melt for 1–2 minutes—this creates a gooey, irresistible layer that hugs every bite of the Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe.
Step 5: Finish and Garnish
Once the cheese is melty and gorgeous, remove the skillet from the heat. Squeeze the juice of a fresh lime over everything, and shower with chopped cilantro for a burst of color and citrusy freshness. Your one-pan masterpiece is ready to serve!
How to Serve Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
A shower of freshly chopped cilantro and a big squeeze of lime juice are traditional and amp up the Southwest vibes. You can also sprinkle on sliced jalapeños for heat, a dollop of sour cream for cool creaminess, or add some chopped avocado for richness. These little finishing touches make the Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe restaurant-worthy right at your own table.
Side Dishes
This skillet is definitely a full meal on its own, but if you want to go the extra mile, serve it with crunchy tortilla chips on the side (perfect for scooping up all the cheesy goodness!). A simple side salad with crisp lettuce and a tangy vinaigrette or some steamed vegetables also work beautifully to lighten things up.
Creative Ways to Present
Try spooning the Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe over warm tortillas for tacos or wrapping it up in burritos for a grab-and-go meal. You can even stuff the skillet mix into bell pepper halves, top with cheese, and bake for a fun twist. If there are any leftovers, pile them into a bowl and top with a runny egg for an unbeatable southwest breakfast!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftovers into an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. The flavors meld even more overnight, making the next day’s lunch a real treat! Leftovers will keep well for up to three days, so you can enjoy the Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe all week long.
Freezing
This recipe holds up beautifully in the freezer. Just portion it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results—especially if you want to maintain the integrity of the veggies and rice.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the skillet mixture over medium heat, stirring often until hot. If the mixture thickens up too much, a splash of chicken broth or water helps bring back the original sauciness. Of course, a quick zap in the microwave works too—just add a sprinkle of extra cheese on top for bonus points!
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit juicier and work perfectly in this recipe. Just be sure to trim any excess fat and cut them into bite-sized pieces as you would with breasts.
Is it okay to use brown rice or a different grain?
Of course! Brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice all make wonderful substitutions and add a unique texture and flavor. Adjust the cooking time if your grain needs a little more time to heat through.
How can I make the Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe spicier?
For extra heat, toss in diced jalapeños when you sauté the onions and peppers, or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes into the spice mix. Hot sauce at the table is never a bad idea either!
What kind of cheese works if I don’t have cheddar?
You can swap in Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a Mexican cheese blend. Each will melt beautifully and give the dish its signature cheesy finish.
Can this recipe be made dairy free?
Definitely! Simply leave out the cheese or use your favorite dairy-free shredded cheese alternative. The dish is still colorful, hearty, and bursting with flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing, fuss-free dinner that packs in bold, feel-good flavors, look no further than the Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe. It’s quick, nourishing, and guaranteed to brighten up any weeknight table. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this skillet superstar!
Print
Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Santa Fe Chicken Skillet recipe is a delicious and easy one-pan dinner that’s full of Tex-Mex flavors. Tender chicken, black beans, corn, and peppers come together with melted cheese and fresh cilantro for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables and Others:
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 green bell pepper (diced)
- 1 small red onion (chopped)
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 (15 oz) can corn (drained)
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- juice of 1 lime
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cook chicken with spices until browned and cooked through.
- Add Vegetables: Sauté bell peppers and onion until slightly softened.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in beans, corn, and rice; cook until heated through.
- Melt Cheese: Sprinkle cheddar over the top, cover, and let melt.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle with lime juice, top with cilantro, and serve.
Notes
- You can use leftover rice or a microwave rice pouch for convenience.
- For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Great served with tortilla chips, avocado slices, or sour cream on the side.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 435
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
