Name: Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Southwestern
Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; Salt & pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 medium onion, chopped; 1 (10 ounce) can Ro-tel diced tomatoes & green chilies, drained; 1 (14 ounce) can black beans, drained & rinsed; 1 (12 ounce) can corn, drained; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 cup Mexican cheese blend; Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, to taste)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 4 reviews

If you’re craving a vibrant, flavorful one-pan meal that feels like a fiesta on your plate, this Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with smoky southwest spices, tender chicken, hearty black beans, sweet corn, and a melty blanket of Mexican cheese, it’s a satisfying dish that comes together in just 30 minutes. Every bite delivers a perfect balance of textures and bold flavors that will have you coming back for seconds and impressing everyone at your dinner table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

In the first part of the image, four pieces of seasoned cooked chicken sit in a black cast iron pan, each piece showing a golden brown color with some charred spots on a white marbled surface below. In the second part, the same pan contains small diced white onion pieces scattered over a dark, oily base with some browned bits from the chicken, all resting on the same white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t underestimate how simple ingredients can create something truly spectacular in this Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe. Each item plays a vital role in layering the smoky, zesty, and creamy elements that make this dish so special.

Chicken breasts: The star protein that becomes tender and juicy when cooked just right in the skillet.
Garlic powder: Adds subtle depth and warmth without overpowering the other spices.
Chili powder: Brings that classic Santa Fe boldness and a gentle kick of heat.
Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every ingredient’s natural flavor.
Olive oil: Helps sear the chicken perfectly and prevents sticking, adding a light richness to the dish.
Onion: Builds a sweet and savory base with its caramelized notes after sautéing.
Ro-tel diced tomatoes & green chilies: Infuse the skillet with juicy acidity and gentle spice, elevating every spoonful.
Black beans: Provide hearty texture and a boost of earthy flavor that complements the chicken beautifully.
Corn: Adds pops of sweetness and bright color that balance the spices perfectly.
Smoked paprika: Brings irresistible smokiness that ties all the southwest flavors together.
Mexican cheese blend: Melts over the top, creating a gooey, luscious finish that’s simply irresistible.
Fresh cilantro (optional): Offers a fresh, herbal brightness that lifts the dish just before serving.

How to Make Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Begin by cutting the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets that cook quickly and evenly. Season both sides generously with garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper to build the foundation of Southwestern flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken cutlets and cook each side for about 3 to 4 minutes until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust. This step locks in juiciness and adds a depth of flavor before the oven finish. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion

In the same skillet, add chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, letting it soften and turn slightly caramelized. This layer adds subtle sweetness that balances the smoky and spicy notes.

Step 4: Combine and Heat the Veggies

Stir in the drained Ro-tel tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, corn, and smoked paprika. Let the mixture heat for a few minutes, scraping up any delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. This melds all those vibrant flavors together beautifully.

Step 5: Layer Chicken and Cheese

Nestle the chicken cutlets back into the skillet, spooning plenty of the tomato and bean mixture over each piece. Generously sprinkle the Mexican cheese blend over the top, focusing on covering the chicken to ensure a perfectly cheesy finish.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the skillet to a 400°F oven placed on the middle rack and bake for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the cheese is melted to ooey-gooey perfection. For an extra touch, switch to broil for a couple of minutes to brown the cheese slightly—just watch carefully to prevent burning.

How to Serve Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe

A white plate on a white marbled surface holds a colorful dish with two main parts. On the left is a thick piece of cooked chicken covered in a layer of melted white cheese mixed with yellow corn, black beans, and small bits of red tomato, topped with fresh green cilantro leaves. On the right side, there is a mound of white rice topped with a mix of corn, black beans, onions, and diced red tomatoes, garnished with green cilantro pieces. The dish shows a mix of creamy, soft, and fresh textures, with bright yellow, black, red, and green colors standing out against the white plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Finish with a handful of freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of green freshness that cuts through the rich, smoky flavors. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime juice if you want to brighten every bite even more.

Side Dishes

This skillet shines on its own, but if you’re looking to round out the meal, consider serving it with warm tortillas for scooping, Mexican rice for an extra layer of texture, or a crisp green salad to add a refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual gathering, serve directly from the skillet placed in the center of the table for everyone to serve themselves. Alternatively, plate individual portions topped with sliced avocado and a drizzle of your favorite salsa for an elevated look that will impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftover Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.

Freezing

If you want to make this dish ahead in larger quantities, it freezes beautifully. Store in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 3 months. Label it with the date and ingredients so you can easily pull it out when needed.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave, covered loosely to retain moisture. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and stay extra juicy, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Just cook until the internal temperature hits 165°F to be safe.

Is this recipe spicy?

This Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe has a mild to moderate heat level thanks to chili powder and green chilies in the Rotel tomatoes. You can easily dial it up or down by adjusting the chili powder or adding fresh jalapeños if you like more spice.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply swap the chicken for extra beans, diced bell peppers, or tofu. The southwest spices and melty cheese will still deliver that delicious Santa Fe flair.

What type of cheese is best for melting?

A Mexican cheese blend works perfectly because it melts smoothly and combines flavors like cheddar, Monterey Jack, and queso quesadilla. If you can’t find a blend, Monterrey Jack alone is a great substitute.

Why use smoked paprika?

Smoked paprika adds a wonderful depth of smoky flavor without needing a grill or smoker. It complements the chili powder and gives the dish that authentic Santa Fe taste we love.

Final Thoughts

Cooking this Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe is like inviting a burst of Southwest sunshine right into your kitchen. It’s effortless, hearty, and brimming with so many wonderful flavors and colorful ingredients that it feels like a celebration every time you serve it. Trust me, once you make it, this recipe will become your go-to favorite for a quick, satisfying weeknight dinner or casual get-together. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!