Get ready to meet your new weeknight hero: the Santa Fe Chicken Skillet! This stunning one-pan wonder is loaded with juicy chicken, crisp-tender peppers, sweet corn, hearty black beans, and a tumble of gooey melted cheese that hugs every bite. Bursting with bold Southwestern flavors and finished with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, it brings zesty color and crowd-pleasing joy to your table in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or just want a fast and fabulous dinner, the Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is pure comfort in every forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Part of what makes this Santa Fe Chicken Skillet so irresistible (and easy!) is the simplicity of its ingredients. Each component brings something special, from smoky spices to pops of fresh crunch, building layers of flavor and beautiful color in every bite.
- Olive oil: Sets the foundation for sautéing, adding a silky, rich taste and helping the chicken brown beautifully.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Lean protein that soaks up the bold seasonings and cooks up juicy, never dry.
- Chili powder: Adds a warm, Southwestern kick and deep color.
- Cumin: Earthy and slightly smoky, cumin is key for that signature Santa Fe flair.
- Garlic powder: Infuses delicious garlicky goodness without having to mince a thing.
- Salt and pepper: Simple, classic seasonings that wake up all the other flavors.
- Red bell pepper: Lends a sweet crunch and vibrant color that pops in the skillet.
- Green bell pepper: Balances the red pepper with a fresh, subtly grassy taste.
- Red onion: Gives mild sweetness and a boost of color throughout the dish.
- Frozen corn: Sweet, juicy kernels that make every bite a little brighter and more fun.
- Black beans: Deliver heartiness and extra fiber, plus that lovely Southwestern authenticity.
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies: The saucy, mildly spicy backbone that brings everything together.
- Cooked white or brown rice: The ultimate comfort base, perfect for soaking up every flavor-packed bite.
- Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese: Melts into a dreamy, bubbly layer, making the whole dish ooey-gooey irresistible.
- Chopped cilantro and sliced green onions: The finishing touches that add freshness, color, and a hint of zippy bite.
How to Make Santa Fe Chicken Skillet
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add your bite-sized chicken pieces and season them generously with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let them cook undisturbed for a minute or two to get some golden-brown color, then stir occasionally. After about 6 to 8 minutes, your chicken should be perfectly browned and fully cooked through. Remove it from the skillet and set aside—this helps keep the chicken extra juicy and lets you build layers of flavor in the pan.
Step 2: Cook the Veggies
In the same skillet (no need to clean it; those delicious chicken bits are flavor gold!), toss in the chopped red and green bell peppers, red onion, and frozen corn. Sauté everything together for 4 to 5 minutes until the veggies are just softened and starting to get tender. You want them to retain a bit of crunch for lovely texture and vibrant color in your Santa Fe Chicken Skillet.
Step 3: Add Beans, Tomatoes, and Rice
Now it’s time to add more heartiness and classic Southwest flavor. Stir in your drained black beans, the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (including all those tasty juices), and the cooked rice. Fold everything together gently until the beans are evenly distributed and the rice absorbs that saucy, chili-spiked tomato goodness.
Step 4: Bring Back the Chicken and Melt the Cheese
Slide your cooked chicken pieces back into the skillet, nestling them right into the veggie and rice mixture. Reduce the heat to medium-low, then sprinkle your shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet and let everything cook for 3 to 5 minutes—you’re looking for cheese that’s totally melted and irresistibly gooey.
Step 5: Add Fresh Garnishes
To finish, uncover your Santa Fe Chicken Skillet and sprinkle generously with chopped cilantro and sliced green onions right before serving. This adds a gorgeous burst of color and fresh herb flavor, making the dish sing with Southwestern vibrance.
How to Serve Santa Fe Chicken Skillet
Garnishes
The finishing touches are everything! Go big with a generous sprinkle of chopped cilantro and sliced green onions for that fresh, herbal kick. A few dollops of sour cream or sliced avocado also work wonders for creamy coolness, and a little squeeze of lime over the top brings all the flavors to life.
Side Dishes
Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is loaded with goodness, but it’s fabulous alongside simple sides. Pair it with a crisp green salad, some warm flour or corn tortillas, or even a platter of tortilla chips for scooping up all that cheesy, savory goodness. For a lighter touch, roasted veggies or a citrusy slaw can balance the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t be afraid to switch it up! Spoon your Santa Fe Chicken Skillet into taco shells or burrito wraps for handheld fun, or serve it bowl-style over baby greens for a wholesome, hearty salad. Individual ramekins make for an eye-catching, comfort-food presentation at parties or potlucks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Santa Fe Chicken Skillet are pure gold. Let the dish cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch even more irresistible.
Freezing
Planning for future busy nights? Santa Fe Chicken Skillet freezes like a dream. Spoon cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags—just leave a little room for expansion. Freeze for up to three months. For best texture, hold the fresh garnishes until just before serving.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave individual servings in 30-second bursts, stirring between each to ensure the cheese heats evenly. For larger portions, pop everything back into a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed until steamy and melty. Don’t forget to re-garnish with fresh cilantro and green onions!
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit juicier and add rich, savory depth to the Santa Fe Chicken Skillet. Simply cut them into bite-sized pieces and follow the recipe as written.
How can I make this dish spicier?
For extra heat, toss in a chopped jalapeño with the peppers, add a pinch of cayenne, or use hot diced tomatoes with chilies. You can also serve with spicy salsa or hot sauce on the side for more customizable spice.
Is there a way to make this low-carb?
Definitely! Swap the rice for cooked cauliflower rice or quinoa for a lower-carb take. You’ll still get all the flavors and heartiness you love from Santa Fe Chicken Skillet, with fewer carbs per serving.
Can I make Santa Fe Chicken Skillet vegetarian?
You sure can! Just leave out the chicken and add extra beans or some sautéed mushrooms for a plant-based version that’s every bit as flavorful and satisfying.
What’s the best way to meal prep this skillet?
Make a big batch at the beginning of the week, let it cool, then divide it into meal prep containers. It holds up well in the fridge and heats up perfectly for quick lunches or dinners—and you can even add fresh garnishes right before serving for maximum flavor.
Final Thoughts
Ready for something bold, colorful, and astonishingly easy? The Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is your ticket to a no-fuss, flavor-packed meal that’s bound to impress friends, families, and even picky eaters. Give it a try—your taste buds (and your sanity) will thank you!
