Sizzling Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe: A Zesty Family Favorite

Whipping up a santa fe chicken skillet promises an adventure in flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance.

My kitchen often comes alive with this vibrant dish that combines southwestern zest and comfort.

Peppers, spices, and tender chicken create a magical blend of textures and aromas.

Fresh ingredients merge seamlessly to craft a meal bursting with robust character.

Weeknight dinners demand something quick yet extraordinary, and this recipe delivers precisely that excitement.

Each bite tells a story of bold southwestern culinary traditions.

Dive into this delectable journey and watch magic unfold on your dinner plate.

Tips for Getting the Most from Santa Fe Chicken Skillet

• Spice It Right: Use fresh spices for maximum flavor impact, ensuring each bite of chicken is packed with robust Santa Fe-style seasoning.
• Quick Protein Swap: Replace chicken with tofu, shredded beef, or black beans for vegetarian or alternative protein options that maintain the dish's delicious profile.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Allow cheese to melt slowly and evenly by using low heat and covering the skillet, creating a smooth, gooey texture without burning.
• Meal Prep Magic: Cook extra chicken and veggie mixture to store in refrigerator for 3-4 days, making quick lunches or dinner shortcuts throughout the week.
• Heat Control Technique: Adjust chili powder quantity to manage spice level, allowing family members with different heat tolerances to enjoy the meal comfortably.

Reheating Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Without Drying

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the chicken skillet fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled skillet to a freezer-safe container, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months to preserve flavor and texture.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out.
• Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until thoroughly warmed.

Sides That Go Well with Santa Fe Chicken Skillet

• Pair this zesty Santa Fe Chicken Skillet with a crisp Mexican lager like Modelo Especial, cutting through the dish's rich spices and complementing its bold southwestern profile.
• Mix a refreshing margarita using fresh lime juice, tequila, and a touch of agave, matching the skillet's bright cilantro and lime garnish while enhancing the meal's vibrant Mexican-inspired essence.
• Serve a dollop of smooth sour cream or creamy guacamole alongside the skillet, tempering the chili and cumin heat while adding a luxurious texture contrast to the protein-packed chicken.
• Create a light avocado and cucumber salad dressed with lime vinaigrette, providing a cool, crisp counterpoint to the warm, spicy skillet and adding freshness to the overall dining experience.

Variations of Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Meals

• Vegetarian Southwest Skillet: Replace chicken with firm tofu or black bean crumbles, maintaining the same spice blend for a plant-based protein option.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Swap rice or tortilla chips with cauliflower rice or roasted cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the zesty flavors.
• Dairy-Free Cheese Alternative: Use nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese shreds for those avoiding traditional cheese, ensuring the same melty texture and savory profile.
• Spicy Jalapeño Version: Add diced fresh jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce during cooking to increase heat intensity for spice lovers, creating a more intense southwestern experience.

Santa Fe Chicken Skillet FAQs Answered

• What spices give Santa Fe Chicken Skillet its distinctive flavor?

The combination of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder creates a bold Southwestern-style seasoning that brings deep, authentic taste to the chicken.

• Can I use different types of protein in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can swap chicken for ground turkey, shredded beef, or even make it vegetarian by using tofu or additional beans as the protein source.

• Is this recipe considered a one-pan meal?

Yes, this Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is a classic one-pan dish where all ingredients are cooked and combined in the same skillet, making preparation and cleanup super easy.

• How can I make this recipe spicier or milder?

Adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili powder. For extra spice, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. For a milder version, reduce the chili powder or omit it completely.

Santa Fe Chicken Skillet That’s Big on Flavor

• A one-pan meal that transforms ordinary chicken into a zesty Santa Fe-inspired feast in just 15 minutes.
• Minimal cooking skills required- simply toss ingredients into a skillet and let the magic happen, making it perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious yet simple dinner solutions.
• Packed with kid-approved ingredients like cheese, beans, and corn, this dish offers something for everyone while sneaking in nutritious protein and vegetables.
• Enjoy as a hearty skillet meal, stuff into tacos, serve over rice, or pair with tortilla chips- providing flexible meal adaptations to suit any family's taste preferences.

What You’ll Need for Santa Fe Chicken Skillet

• Chicken: Tender protein base for the skillet, choose boneless and skinless for easy cooking.

• Salt, Pepper, Chili Powder, Cumin, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Blend of spices to create bold Santa Fe flavor profile, freshly ground spices recommended for best taste.

• Black Beans, Corn, Diced Tomatoes: Hearty vegetables that add texture and southwestern style, use canned or fresh options.

• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and deepens overall flavor of the dish.

• Cheese: Melty topping that brings richness, shredded Mexican blend works best.
• Green Onions, Cilantro: Fresh herbs that provide bright, zesty finish.
• Lime: Adds tangy citrus note for balanced flavor.

• Olive Oil: Provides cooking fat and helps prevent sticking, extra virgin recommended.

• Rice, Tortilla Chips, Tacos: Versatile base or accompaniment for the skillet meal.

How to Cook a Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Dinner

Step 1: Sizzle the Chicken

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder

Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 2: Introduce Vibrant Companions

• Black beans
• Corn kernels
• Diced tomatoes
• Chicken broth

Allow the mixture to simmer and dance together, blending their delicious personalities for about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Create Cheesy Magic

Generously shower the skillet with shredded cheese. Cover the pan and let the cheese melt into a creamy blanket, transforming the dish into pure comfort.

Step 4: Final Flavor Explosion

• Chopped green onions
• Fresh cilantro

Squeeze a burst of lime juice for a zesty kick.

Step 5: Serve with Flair

Plate over fluffy rice, stuff into warm tortillas, or pair with crispy tortilla chips. Your Santa Fe Chicken Fiesta Skillet is ready to steal the show!

Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy santa fe chicken skillet delivers a bold southwestern flavor explosion straight from New Mexico’s culinary heart. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a quick and satisfying meal that brings zesty comfort to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced

Vegetables and Beans:

• 1 cup canned black beans, drained & rinsed
• 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 (10 ounces / 280 grams) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Seasonings and Other Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
• Lime wedges, for serving

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Instructions

1. Warm a spacious skillet with olive oil over medium-high temperature, creating an ideal searing environment for the chicken.
2. Introduce diced chicken to the hot surface, generously coating with a vibrant blend of spices including chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder for a robust flavor profile.
3. Sauté the chicken pieces until they develop a golden-brown exterior and reach full cooking temperature, approximately 5-6 minutes.
4. Incorporate black beans, sweet corn kernels, and diced tomatoes into the skillet, creating a colorful and textured mixture.
5. Pour chicken broth over the ingredients, allowing the liquid to gently simmer and infuse the dish with additional depth and moisture.
6. Let the combination cook for 5 minutes, enabling the flavors to harmonize and intensify.
7. Liberally sprinkle shredded cheese across the skillet’s surface, creating a melting blanket of richness.
8. Cover the skillet and allow the cheese to transform into a smooth, molten layer for approximately 2 minutes.
9. Finish the dish by scattering freshly chopped green onions and cilantro across the top for a burst of fresh herbaceous flavor.
10. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the skillet to brighten the entire preparation.
11. Serve the skillet’s contents over fluffy rice, nestled in warm tortillas, or accompanied by crispy tortilla chips for a versatile meal.

Notes

• Customize the spice level by adjusting chili powder for mild or extra-hot preferences.
• Swap chicken with tofu or black beans for a vegetarian version that maintains the same bold Santa Fe flavors.
• Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to cut down cooking time and add a quick weeknight meal option.
• Quickly elevate the dish’s nutritional profile by adding extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach during the simmering stage.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg