Ah, Santa Fe Chicken! This delightful dish brings the spirit of the Southwest right into your kitchen. With its vibrant flavors and hearty ingredients, it’s perfect for a busy weeknight family dinner or a cozy gathering with friends. The warm and slightly spicy taco seasoning gives the chicken a nice zing, while the combination of beans, corn, and tomatoes adds a wonderful texture and taste that everyone will enjoy.
Moreover, this recipe is incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of sides. You can pair it with fluffy rice or soft tortillas, making it a splendid choice for those who love to wrap their meals. And let’s not forget, it’s a one-pan dish! This means fewer dishes to wash after dinner, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal and less time cleaning up.
Lastly, this Santa Fe Chicken recipe is not only tasty but also packed with nutrition. With lean chicken breasts, fiber-rich beans, and fresh vegetables, it’s a wholesome meal that is sure to satisfy. So gather your ingredients and get ready to whip up a dish that will become a family favorite!
How to Make Santa Fe Chicken
Ingredients :
1-1 1/2 pound chicken breasts
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
2 tablespoons oil, divided
1/2 onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup corn kernels
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can petite diced tomatoes
1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
Fresh cilantro, optional garnish
Directions :
Season both sides of the chicken breasts with taco seasoning.
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until browned and mostly cooked through. Remove from the pan, cover, and keep warm.
Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining oil to the skillet. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Stir in the black beans, corn kernels, diced tomatoes, and diced green chiles. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the black bean mixture. Simmer for 6-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F).
Once the chicken is cooked through, sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for a few minutes until the cheese is melted.
To serve, garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Enjoy this delicious Santa Fe Chicken with rice, tortillas, or your favorite side dish.
How to Serve Santa Fe Chicken
Serving Santa Fe Chicken is as delightful as making it. You can present it in the skillet for a rustic feel or transfer it to a colorful serving dish. The melted cheese glistening on top is always an eye-catcher!
Pair this vibrant dish with sides like fluffy white rice or warm tortillas for a delightful experience. Each person can scoop a bit of chicken and the bean mixture onto their plate and make their meal just how they like it. If you have additional toppings, such as diced avocado or sour cream, set them out for a fun mix-and-match meal.
Don’t forget the fresh cilantro – a sprinkle of this lovely green herb adds a bright touch that enhances the overall flavor. Serve it alongside a light salad or some tortilla chips for added crunch, and you’ll have a well-rounded meal that everyone will love.
Additional Tips:
For a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or extra diced green chiles to the mixture.
You can use frozen corn if fresh corn isn’t available; just add it while cooking to allow it to warm up.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully in the microwave.
Nutrition Facts:
Serving Size: 1/4 of the dish
Calories: 360
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 8g
FAQ Section
Can I use other meats instead of chicken?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with turkey or even lean pork. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly.
What do I do if I don’t have taco seasoning?
You can make your own by mixing chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika, or simply use your favorite spices for seasoning.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Omit the chicken and add extra beans, such as kidney beans or chickpeas, and perhaps some diced zucchini for added texture.
Enjoy making this wonderful Santa Fe Chicken! Happy cooking!
Print Santa Fe Chicken
Ingredients
1–1 1/2 pound chicken breasts
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
2 tablespoons oil, divided
1/2 onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup corn kernels
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can petite diced tomatoes
1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
Fresh cilantro, optional garnish
Instructions
Season both sides of the chicken breasts with taco seasoning.
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until browned and mostly cooked through. Remove from the pan, cover, and keep warm.
Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining oil to the skillet. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Stir in the black beans, corn kernels, diced tomatoes, and diced green chiles. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the black bean mixture. Simmer for 6-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F).
Once the chicken is cooked through, sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for a few minutes until the cheese is melted.
To serve, garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Enjoy this delicious Santa Fe Chicken with rice, tortillas, or your favorite side dish.
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