This colorful Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is a fun and tasty meal! With juicy chicken, black beans, corn, and bell peppers all cooked together, it’s packed with flavor.
Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, making clean-up a breeze! I love to serve it with some warm tortillas, so everyone can scoop up the deliciousness. Yum! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe. If you prefer, substitute with thighs for extra moisture, or even use tofu if you’re looking for a vegetarian twist.
Corn: You can use fresh, frozen, or canned corn. Fresh corn is sweet and crunchy, but frozen is convenient and just as tasty. If you’re out of corn, diced bell peppers can also work great!
Black Beans: These add fiber and protein, making the dish hearty. If you don’t have black beans, try kidney beans or pinto beans instead. Canned versions save time and are equally nutritious.
Taco Seasoning: This brings all the flavors together. If you don’t have a packet, you can create your own mix with cumin, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder. It’s also fun to customize based on what you like!
How Do I Ensure the Chicken is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking chicken can be tricky, but a few tips will help you nail it every time. To make sure your chicken is juicy and cooked well:
- Heat the skillet properly before adding the chicken; it helps with browning.
- Cook on medium heat, flipping once, to avoid drying out the meat.
- Use a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach 165°F in the center to be safe and delicious.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. It seals in the juices!
How to Make Santa Fe Chicken Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes (with green chiles if preferred)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Santa Fe Chicken Skillet will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 10 minutes getting everything ready, then cook the chicken and vegetable mixture, with some time for the cheese to melt. A quick and fulfilling meal for any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Chicken:
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. While it’s heating, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add each chicken breast to the skillet. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are fully cooked and no longer pink on the inside. When done, take the chicken out of the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
2. Mixing the Vegetables:
In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, add in the corn, black beans, and diced tomatoes (including their juice). Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and stir everything together well. Let this mixture cook for about 3-4 minutes until it is all heated through. The flavors will blend nicely!
3. Combining Everything:
Now, return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Nestle them into the vegetable mixture, making sure to spoon some of the mix over the top of the chicken. This will help the chicken absorb the delicious flavors.
4. Adding the Cheese:
Next, sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the chicken and vegetable mix. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This is the best part—watch that cheese melt!
5. Garnishing and Serving:
Once the cheese is all melted and gooey, it’s time to serve! Garnish the skillet with the fresh chopped cilantro for a touch of color and added flavor. It looks great served right from the pan—so rustic and inviting!
Enjoy your delicious Santa Fe Chicken Skillet with family and friends!
Can I Substitute Another Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! If you don’t have cheddar or Monterey Jack, you can use mozzarella or pepper jack for a little heat. Just keep in mind that the flavor will vary slightly, but it will still be delicious!
What Can I Use Instead of Taco Seasoning?
If you don’t have taco seasoning, you can create your own mix using equal parts chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. Adjust the spices to taste for a personalized flavor!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through. You can add a splash of water or broth if it seems dry!
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to add bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach for extra nutrition. Just chop them into small pieces and sauté them along with the corn and beans for a few minutes before adding the chicken back in.
