Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is a vibrant and flavorful one-pan meal that brings together the taste of the Southwest with tender chicken, black beans, corn, and zesty spices. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick, satisfying dinner without a lot of fuss. The chicken is seasoned and seared to perfection, then simmered with a medley of vegetables and topped with gooey melted cheese. It’s a delicious and healthy meal that can be served on its own, over rice, or wrapped in tortillas for a hearty burrito. Packed with protein and full of fresh flavors, Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
- Season the Chicken:
- In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the salsa, black beans, corn, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Simmer with the Chicken:
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the vegetable mixture. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is heated through and the vegetables are tender.
- Add the Cheese:
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Cover the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Garnish the Santa Fe Chicken Skillet with fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor.
Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is a quick and delicious meal that’s bursting with flavor. Its combination of seasoned chicken, colorful vegetables, and melted cheese makes it a wholesome and satisfying dish perfect for any night of the week.
