This Easy Recipes Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is your go-to dish for any night of the week! With its bold flavors and one-pan convenience, it’s perfect for busy families or anyone looking for a quick meal. You can enjoy this savory dish whether it’s a weekday dinner or a special gathering. The combination of chicken, beans, corn, and melted cheese creates a mouthwatering experience that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for any busy weeknight.
- One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes mean less cleanup. Everything cooks in one skillet!
- Bold Flavors: The mix of spices and ingredients delivers a delicious punch that satisfies.
- Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand for personalized variations.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe serves four, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
Tools and Preparation
To make this Easy Recipes Santa Fe Chicken Skillet, you’ll need a few essential tools that will help streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Cast iron skillet
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Cast iron skillet: Provides even heat distribution and is oven-safe, perfect for this one-pan meal.
- Sharp knife: Ensures safe and easy slicing of chicken and chopping of vegetables.
- Cutting board: Keeps your workspace clean and organized while prepping ingredients.
Ingredients
This Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is packed with bold flavors and is an easy one-pan meal! A perfect combination of chicken, beans, corn, and melted cheese makes for a quick and delicious dinner.
For the Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Skillet Mix
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 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
For Topping
- 1 cup Mexican cheese blend
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
How to Make Easy Recipes
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and move the rack to the middle position.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create four thinner cutlets.
- Season both sides generously with garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once hot, add the seasoned chicken cutlets.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until lightly golden brown.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 4: Sauté Onions
Add chopped onion to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and lightly browned.
Step 5: Add Beans and Corn
Stir in the drained Ro-tel tomatoes, black beans, corn, and smoked paprika. Heat through for a few minutes while scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Step 6: Combine Ingredients
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Spoon some of the tomato-bean-corn mixture over each piece of chicken. Sprinkle cheese evenly across all ingredients.
Step 7: Bake in Oven
Place the skillet in your preheated oven for about 5-7 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and cheese is melted. Broil briefly if you desire a golden-brown topping.
Step 8: Serve It Up!
Top with freshly chopped cilantro if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Easy Recipes Santa Fe Chicken Skillet!
How to Serve Easy Recipes
Serving your Santa Fe Chicken Skillet can elevate the dining experience. Here are some delicious suggestions to enhance your meal.
With Toppings
- Sour Cream: A dollop adds creaminess and balances the spices.
- Guacamole: Fresh avocado brings a smooth texture and rich flavor.
- Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime brightens the dish and adds freshness.
On a Bed of Greens
- Mixed Greens: Serve the chicken skillet over a bed of mixed greens for added crunch.
- Cilantro Lime Rice: This pairs well with the flavors, offering a zesty complement.
As a Wrap
- Tortillas: Use flour or corn tortillas to create wraps filled with chicken and toppings.
- Lettuce Leaves: For a low-carb option, wrap the chicken in large lettuce leaves.
How to Perfect Easy Recipes
Perfecting your easy recipes can turn a good meal into a great one. Here are some tips to ensure success.
- Bold flavors: Enhance seasonings according to your taste preferences to make the dish pop.
- Quality ingredients: Use fresh produce and high-quality chicken for the best flavor.
- One-pan technique: Keep everything in one skillet for easier cleanup and infused flavors.
- Temperature check: Always check that chicken reaches 165°F to ensure it’s safe to eat.
- Cheese options: Experiment with different cheese blends for varied taste profiles.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Recipes
Pairing side dishes with your Santa Fe Chicken Skillet can create a complete meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with spices complements the dish well.
- Refried Beans: Creamy beans add richness and protein, making them a hearty side.
- Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with salsa bring a fun texture contrast.
- Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies add color and nutrition; grill alongside the chicken if possible.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread pairs nicely with savory dishes, offering a delightful contrast.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw can brighten up the meal while adding freshness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When cooking this Santa Fe Chicken Skillet, avoiding common pitfalls can make a big difference in flavor and texture. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Overcooking the chicken: If you cook the chicken for too long, it can become dry. Aim for 3-4 minutes per side and check for doneness at 165°F.
- Skipping the seasoning: Neglecting to season your chicken and other ingredients can lead to bland results. Use garlic powder, chili powder, and salt generously to enhance flavors.
- Not scraping the pan: Failing to scrape up the browned bits from the skillet means missing out on great flavor. Make sure to incorporate these bits when adding the tomatoes and beans.
- Using a non-oven-safe skillet: If your skillet can’t handle oven heat, you’ll need to transfer everything to another dish. Check if your pan is oven-safe before cooking.
- Ignoring ingredient drainage: Not draining canned ingredients like beans and corn can make your dish watery. Always drain them well before adding to the skillet.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Easy Recipes
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage.
- This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Easy Recipes
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Place portions in a microwave-safe bowl and cover. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
- Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or broth and stir until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are easy recipes like this one?
Easy recipes are straightforward dishes that require minimal preparation and cooking time, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
Can I customize this easy recipe?
Yes! You can add different vegetables or swap chicken for another protein like turkey or tofu based on your preferences.
How do I ensure my easy recipes are flavorful?
Proper seasoning is key. Don’t skip spices like garlic powder and chili powder; they boost overall taste significantly.
Can I make this Santa Fe Chicken Skillet ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer as detailed above.
Final Thoughts
This Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is not only quick and easy but also bursting with flavor, making it a fantastic choice for any weeknight dinner. With its versatility, you can easily customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins. Give this easy recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!
SEO Information
Easy Santa Fe Chicken Skillet
This Easy Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is the perfect weeknight meal, combining bold flavors and effortless preparation. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this savory dish that features tender chicken, hearty black beans, sweet corn, and gooey melted cheese, all cooked in one skillet for minimal cleanup. Ideal for busy families or casual gatherings, this recipe is versatile enough to accommodate different ingredients based on what you have on hand. Serve it topped with fresh cilantro and your favorite sides for a deliciously satisfying dinner that will please everyone at the table.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1 (10 oz) can Ro-tel diced tomatoes & green chilies
- 1 (14 oz) can black beans
- 1 (12 oz) can corn
- 1 cup Mexican cheese blend
- Olive oil
- Onion
- Garlic powder
- Chili powder
- Smoked paprika
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut chicken breasts in half lengthwise; season with garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat; cook chicken cutlets for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove chicken; sauté chopped onion in the same skillet for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in drained Ro-tel tomatoes, black beans, corn, and smoked paprika; heat through.
- Return chicken to the skillet; top with tomato-bean-corn mixture and sprinkle cheese evenly.
- Bake in preheated oven for 5-7 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and cheese is melted. Broil if desired for a golden topping.
- Serve immediately topped with fresh cilantro.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider incorporating other spices like cumin or adding bell peppers. This dish pairs beautifully with sour cream or guacamole for extra creaminess.
