This Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is a colorful and tasty one-pan meal! It features juicy chicken, zesty black beans, sweet corn, and crispy bell peppers, all cooked together for a delicious harmony.
It’s super easy to make—just toss everything in a skillet, stir, and let it cook while you relax. Perfect for busy nights when you want something yummy without the fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish. If you want a quicker option, you can use chicken thighs or even leftover rotisserie chicken.
Black Beans: Canned black beans work well for this recipe. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute with pinto beans or chickpeas.
Corn: Fresh corn is delicious, but frozen corn is a great substitute and cooks well. Canned corn is another option, just be sure to drain it properly.
Cheese: Cheddar cheese delivers a nice flavor. If you want extra creaminess, opt for a Mexican blend. For a lighter option, consider using a reduced-fat cheese.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brightens up the dish. If you’re not a fan, try parsley or even green onions for a different flavor.
How Do You Ensure the Chicken Is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking chicken perfectly can be a bit tricky, but following some simple steps makes it easier. Start by cooking the chicken at medium-high heat to brown the outside nicely, then reduce to medium-low to cook it through without drying it out.
- Season your chicken well before cooking. This enhances its flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F (74°C) internally.
- Don’t rush! Let it simmer in the sauce for at least 15-20 minutes.
How to Make Santa Fe Chicken Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skillet:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
For the Topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a Mexican blend)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Santa Fe Chicken Skillet will take you about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20-25 minutes to cook. So, in total, you’ll need about 35 minutes to get this hearty dish on the table. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Skillet:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot before moving to the next step!
2. Season the Chicken:
While the skillet is heating, take the chicken breasts and season them with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure to coat the chicken well for maximum flavor!
3. Cook the Chicken:
Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet. Cook the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side, until it’s lightly browned. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
4. Prepare the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the drained black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Give it a good stir to combine all the ingredients. This is where the magic starts to happen!
5. Simmer the Chicken:
Next, return the cooked chicken to the skillet, placing it into the vegetable mixture. Bring everything to a simmer. This will allow the chicken to soak up the tasty flavors.
6. Cover and Cook:
Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Broil with Cheese:
Once the chicken is cooked, you’ll want to make it extra yummy by sprinkling the shredded cheese over the entire skillet. Preheat your oven broiler and carefully place the skillet under it for about 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to prevent any burning!
8. Garnish and Serve:
When the cheese is done, remove the skillet from the oven and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful Santa Fe Chicken Skillet!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s important to thaw it first! Defrost the chicken in the fridge overnight or use the quick method by sealing it in a plastic bag and submerging it in cold water. Once thawed, pat it dry before seasoning and cooking for the best results.
What Can I Substitute for Black Beans?
If you don’t have black beans, you can easily substitute them with pinto beans or kidney beans! Both will work well and maintain the hearty texture of the dish. Just be sure to drain and rinse them if using canned beans.
How to Store Leftovers
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or warm it on the stovetop over low heat until heated through.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make this skillet vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and replace it with additional beans (like black or chickpeas) or use diced tofu. You may want to increase the amount of broth or add some vegetable broth to enhance the flavor.
