This Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is a warm and colorful dish packed with chicken, bell peppers, and black beans. It’s quick to make and perfect for a busy evening!
I love how everything cooks in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, the flavors remind me of a sunny fiesta—who doesn’t want that? 🌞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are an easy choice for this dish. If you want a lighter option, use turkey breast instead or try tofu for a vegetarian take!
Corn: Fresh corn off the cob is the sweetest option, but frozen or canned corn works just as well. If you don’t have corn, you can substitute with diced bell peppers or zucchini.
Black Beans: These beans add great protein and fiber. If you prefer, you can swap them for kidney beans or chickpeas. Both are tasty alternatives!
Diced Tomatoes: Fire-roasted tomatoes lend a smoky flavor that brightens the dish. Regular diced tomatoes work fine too, but if you want extra heat, add some diced green chilies.
Cheeses: Cheddar and Monterey Jack create a creamy topping. If you’re avoiding dairy, try using vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
A big challenge with chicken is not overcooking it. To start, make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken. This helps to sear the outside, keeping it juicy inside. Here’s how to master it:
- Season the chicken well. This adds flavor right through the meat!
- Cook about 5-7 minutes on each side, checking that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
- Let it rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps keep the juices locked in.
How to Make Santa Fe Chicken Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (preferably fire-roasted)
For the Cheesy Topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
For Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
To make this delicious Santa Fe Chicken Skillet, you will need about 30 minutes in total. This includes around 10 minutes for prepping and cooking the chicken, and an additional 10-15 minutes for combining all the ingredients and letting them cook together. Quick and yummy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. While the oil heats, season both sides of the chicken breasts with the ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to add a burst of flavor. Once the skillet is hot, carefully add the seasoned chicken. Sear it for about 5-7 minutes on each side until it’s cooked through and has a nice golden brown color. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
2. Prepare the Vegetable Mixture:
In the same skillet, it’s time to add some delicious veggies! Add the corn, black beans, and diced tomatoes to the skillet, stirring everything together to combine well. Let this cook for about 3-5 minutes until everything is heated through and starting to bubble a little.
3. Combine and Melt the Cheese:
Now, return the cooked chicken back to the skillet and place it right on top of the corn and bean mixture. Next, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese all over the chicken and veggies. Cover the skillet with a lid to help the cheese melt nicely. Lower the heat and let it cook for another 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is melted, gooey, and bubbly. Oh, it’s going to smell amazing!
4. Garnish and Serve:
Once the cheese is fully melted, turn off the heat and sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the top for a pop of color and freshness. Your Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is now ready to serve! Dish it out onto plates and enjoy your tasty meal!
Enjoy your delicious Santa Fe Chicken Skillet!
Can I Substitute Chicken with Another Protein?
Absolutely! You can use turkey breasts, boneless pork chops, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Just adjust the cooking time slightly based on the thickness of the protein you choose, ensuring it’s fully cooked through.
What Can I Use Instead of Canned Black Beans?
If you don’t have black beans on hand, you can substitute them with kidney beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas. Just make sure to drain and rinse them if they’re canned, for best results.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
