Santa Fe Chicken Skillet: Easy Recipe for a Delicious Weeknight Meal

Santa Fe Chicken Skillet: Just imagine sinking your fork into a vibrant, one-pan wonder bursting with Southwestern flavors! This isn’t just dinner; it’s a fiesta in a skillet, ready in under 30 minutes. Forget complicated recipes and endless cleanup – this dish is your weeknight savior.

While not steeped in centuries of tradition, the Santa Fe flavor profile draws heavily on the rich culinary heritage of New Mexico. Think smoky chiles, earthy spices, and the satisfying combination of chicken, beans, and corn – all staples of Southwestern cuisine. It’s a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something truly special.

What makes this Santa Fe Chicken Skillet so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of textures and tastes. Tender chicken, sweet corn, creamy black beans, and a hint of spice create a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! Serve it as is, over rice, or even stuff it into tortillas for delicious tacos or burritos. People love it because it’s quick, easy, healthy-ish, and undeniably delicious. Get ready to add this to your regular rotation!

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Vegetables:
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 orange bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
• For the Sauce:
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• For Serving (Optional):
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Guacamole
• Tortilla chips or warm tortillas

Preparing the Chicken

Okay, let’s get started! First, we’re going to prep our chicken. This is super easy and really infuses the chicken with tons of flavor.

1. In a medium bowl, combine the cubed chicken breasts, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices. I like to use my hands for this to really get in there, but a spoon works just fine too!
2. Give it a good toss to ensure every piece of chicken is nicely coated. The spices are what give this dish that authentic Santa Fe flavor, so don’t skimp!
3. Let the chicken sit for about 10-15 minutes while you prep the veggies. This allows the flavors to meld together even more. You can even prep the chicken ahead of time and let it marinate in the fridge for a few hours for an even deeper flavor. Just cover it tightly!

Sautéing the Vegetables

Now, let’s move on to the veggies! This is where the color and texture of our Santa Fe Chicken Skillet really come to life.

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet (cast iron is great if you have one, but any large skillet will do) over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is nice and hot before adding the vegetables.
2. Add the chopped onion and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent and the bell peppers are slightly softened, about 5-7 minutes. You want them to have a little bit of a bite still, so don’t overcook them.
3. Add the drained black beans and corn to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through. This helps to bring out the natural sweetness of the corn and beans.
4. Stir in the can of diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel). Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. The tomatoes and chilies add a nice bit of heat and acidity to the dish.
5. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside in a bowl. We’ll add them back in later.

Cooking the Chicken

Time to cook the chicken! We want to get a nice sear on it to lock in the juices and add some extra flavor.

1. In the same skillet (no need to clean it!), add the marinated chicken. Spread the chicken out in a single layer as much as possible. This will help it to brown evenly.
2. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until it is cooked through and no longer pink inside. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. You want the chicken to be nicely browned on all sides.
3. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This is the best way to ensure it’s cooked safely.

Combining and Simmering

Now for the grand finale! We’re going to bring everything together and let the flavors meld into a delicious, cohesive dish.

1. Add the cooked vegetables back to the skillet with the chicken. Stir to combine everything.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly. The chicken broth helps to create a flavorful sauce that coats all the ingredients.
3. If you’re using heavy cream, stir it in now. This will make the sauce extra creamy and rich. If you’re not using heavy cream, you can skip this step.
4. Stir in the chopped fresh cilantro and lime juice. The cilantro adds a fresh, herbaceous note, and the lime juice adds a bright, tangy flavor that really elevates the dish.
5. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or chili powder depending on your preference.

Serving Suggestions

Finally, it’s time to serve and enjoy your delicious Santa Fe Chicken Skillet! Here are a few ideas for serving:

• As is: Serve the skillet as is, straight from the pan. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal on its own.
• With toppings: Top with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and guacamole. These toppings add extra flavor and texture.
• With tortilla chips: Serve with tortilla chips for dipping. This is a great option for a casual meal or appetizer.
• In tortillas: Serve in warm tortillas for a delicious and easy taco night. This is a great way to use up any leftovers too!
• Over rice or quinoa: Serve over rice or quinoa for a more substantial meal. This is a great option if you want to add some extra carbs.

No matter how you choose to serve it, I’m sure you’ll love this Santa Fe Chicken Skillet! It’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for a weeknight meal. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

This Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is more than just a meal; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen in your kitchen! I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying dinner. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and that smoky, Southwestern-inspired sauce creates a symphony of tastes that will have you coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). It’s the kind of dish that brightens up even the busiest weeknight.

But what really sets this skillet apart is its versatility. While I’ve shared my go-to version, feel free to get creative and make it your own! Looking for a lighter option? Swap out the sour cream for Greek yogurt. Want to kick up the heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few chopped jalapeños. You could even throw in some black beans or corn for extra texture and flavor. The possibilities are endless!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Serve it over rice or quinoa for a complete and balanced meal.
* Stuff it into tortillas for delicious and easy-to-eat tacos or burritos.
* Top it with a dollop of guacamole and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for extra freshness.
* Use it as a filling for bell peppers for a healthy and colorful twist.
* Add a side of cornbread for a truly comforting Southwestern feast.
* For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with black beans or tofu.

I know that once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your dinner rotation. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or even a simple weekend meal. The best part is that it’s so easy to customize to your own preferences and dietary needs.

Don’t just take my word for it, though. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this Santa Fe Chicken Skillet a try. I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. And once you’ve made it, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What did you serve it with? What did your family think?

Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I’m always eager to see how you’ve made the recipe your own. Cooking is all about sharing and inspiring each other, so let’s create a community of deliciousness! I can’t wait to hear what you think and see your culinary creations. Happy cooking! And remember, don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun in the kitchen. That’s where the real magic happens! I’m sure you’ll find that this recipe is a winner.