Description
A flavorful and hearty Santa Fe Chicken Skillet featuring tender chicken breasts cooked with smoky spices, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes, topped with melty Mexican cheese and fresh cilantro. Perfect for a quick, satisfying weeknight dinner with a Southwestern flair.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Vegetables and Beans
- 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
Toppings
- 1 cup Mexican cheese blend
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and position the oven rack in the middle.
- Prepare Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts lengthwise to create 4 thinner cutlets. Season both sides evenly with garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add chicken cutlets and cook about 3-4 minutes per side, until lightly golden. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Onion: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened and lightly browned.
- Add Vegetables and Spices: Stir in drained Ro-tel tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, corn, and smoked paprika. Heat through for 2 minutes, scraping any browned bits off the skillet bottom to enhance flavor.
- Combine Chicken and Toppings: Return chicken to skillet, spoon some of the vegetable mixture atop each piece. Sprinkle Mexican cheese blend evenly over the entire skillet, concentrating on the chicken.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and cheese is melted. For a browned cheese finish, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, top with fresh chopped cilantro if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use an oven-safe skillet such as cast iron to easily transfer from stovetop to oven.
- Adjust chili powder and smoked paprika quantities to control spice level.
- Broil cheese topping for a more golden, crispy texture if preferred.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- Optional fresh cilantro adds a bright, fresh flavor complementing the dish.
