Easy One-Pan Santa Fe Chicken: Your Go-To Weeknight Tex-Mex Skillet Dinner
Get this Santa Fe Chicken Recipe on the table in no time! Imagine succulent taco-seasoned chicken breasts, perfectly seared and then simmered with a vibrant medley of black beans, sweet corn, juicy diced tomatoes, and mild green chiles, all crowned with a generous layer of gooey, melted Mexican cheese. This easy one-pan dish is bursting with authentic Tex-Mex flavor and is guaranteed to become a family favorite for busy weeknights.
In today’s fast-paced world, finding delicious and healthy dinner recipes that don’t demand hours in the kitchen is a real game-changer. That’s where our Quick Santa Fe Chicken comes in. This incredible meal is designed to be on your table in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal solution for any night of the week when time is precious. It’s not just fast; it’s a flavorful chicken dinner packed with wholesome vegetables and, of course, that irresistible blanket of melty cheese that makes everyone, especially the kids, eager to dig in. Experience the robust and zesty flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine without the fuss, all from a single skillet!
Why You’ll Adore This Easy Santa Fe Chicken Skillet
This Santa Fe Chicken isn’t just another meal; it’s a culinary triumph for busy households, offering convenience, flavor, and versatility in one delicious package. Here’s why it deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation:
- Effortlessly Easy – Don’t let the ingredient list intimidate you! This is truly a dump-and-go recipe once your chicken is seared. It primarily involves opening a few cans and stirring ingredients together. The most “intensive” prep is a bit of chopping for the onion and garlic, making it incredibly beginner-friendly and quick to assemble. It’s a fantastic one-pan chicken dinner that minimizes cleanup, leaving you more time to enjoy your evening.
- Incredibly Versatile – One of the best aspects of this Santa Fe Chicken recipe is its adaptability. Feel free to customize the vegetables to suit your family’s preferences or whatever you have on hand. Adjust the spice level from mild to fiery, or experiment with different cheese varieties. While the recipe calls for chicken breasts, succulent chicken thighs or even quicker-cooking tenders work just as beautifully. Swap black beans for pinto, add diced bell peppers, or stir in some fresh jalapeño for an extra kick – the possibilities are endless to make it uniquely yours!
- Deliciously Cheesy – Let’s be honest, everything tastes better with melted cheese! A generous topping of gooey, bubbling cheese not only adds a layer of rich flavor and creamy texture but also acts as a fantastic disguise for those extra veggies, encouraging even the pickiest eaters to enjoy a wholesome meal without complaint. It’s pure comfort food perfection that adds an undeniable appeal.
- Explosive Flavor Profile – The secret to this dish’s irresistible taste lies in the savory taco seasoning, which perfectly coats the chicken. When combined with the natural sweetness of corn, the earthy depth of black beans, the bright tang of tomatoes, and the subtle warmth of green chiles, every bite delivers a harmonious blend of classic Tex-Mex flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. It’s a fiesta of flavors in every spoonful!
- Quick Weeknight Solution – With a total time of just 35 minutes, including prep and cook time, this delicious skillet chicken is a lifesaver on evenings when you’re short on time but still want a homemade, hearty meal. It’s significantly faster than ordering takeout and undeniably healthier too!
- Healthy & Wholesome – Packed with lean protein from the chicken and fiber-rich beans and corn, this Santa Fe Chicken offers a balanced and nourishing meal. The addition of tomatoes and green chiles provides essential vitamins and antioxidants, making it a nutritious choice that you can feel good about serving to your family.
Essential Ingredients for Your Santa Fe Chicken Skillet
For precise measurements and detailed instructions, remember to scroll to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card.
- Chicken Breasts – You’ll need about 1 to 1½ pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, a crucial tip for quick and even cooking is to butterfly them (slicing them horizontally almost all the way through, then opening them like a book) or simply cut them in half lengthwise. This ensures they cook thoroughly and quickly.
- Taco Seasoning – This is the flavor backbone of the dish, infusing the chicken with savory, smoky, and slightly spicy notes. You can use your favorite store-bought brand, or for better control over sodium levels and specific spice intensity, consider making your own Homemade Taco Seasoning. It’s surprisingly simple and elevates the overall taste profile.
- Oil – A neutral cooking oil with a high smoke point, such as olive oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil, works perfectly for searing the chicken to a golden-brown perfection and sautéing the aromatics.
- Onion – Half a finely chopped yellow or white onion provides a foundational aromatic sweetness and depth of flavor that greatly enhances the Tex-Mex mixture. It’s a key component for building rich taste.
- Garlic – Three cloves of freshly minced garlic add an indispensable pungent aroma and robust flavor to the vegetable base. Don’t skip this – it truly makes a difference!
- Black Beans – One 15 oz can of black beans adds heartiness, fiber, and a lovely creamy texture to the dish. Remember to drain and rinse them thoroughly to remove excess sodium and starchy liquid for a cleaner taste.
- Corn Kernels – One cup of corn kernels adds a burst of sweet flavor and vibrant color. Frozen corn kernels are incredibly convenient as they are quick to thaw and cook. Canned corn (drained) or fresh corn cut from the cob can also be used. I always keep a bag of frozen corn in the freezer to make recipes easy and colorful.
- Diced Tomatoes – A 15 oz can of petite diced tomatoes brings essential acidity, moisture, and a subtle sweetness to the dish, balancing the other robust flavors. Their smaller size integrates well into the mixture.
- Green Chiles – One 4 oz can of diced green chiles (typically mild) adds a distinctive smoky, earthy flavor that is characteristic of Santa Fe cuisine, without adding significant heat, making the dish enjoyable for all palates.
- Mexican Cheese Blend – About 1½ cups of shredded Mexican Cheese Blend, usually a mix of Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Asadero, and Queso Blanco, melts beautifully to create that classic Tex-Mex gooeyness. For the best melting and flavor, consider shredding your own cheese from a block.
Clever Shortcut for Busy Cooks: For an even faster preparation, you can easily use two 10 oz cans of Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chiles) in place of the separate cans of diced tomatoes and green chiles. This handy swap consolidates two ingredients into one, significantly streamlining your cooking process without sacrificing flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your Delicious Santa Fe Chicken Skillet
Creating this flavorful and hearty Santa Fe Chicken is incredibly straightforward, making it perfect for any level of home cook. Follow these simple steps for a perfect Tex-Mex meal:
- Prepare and Sear the Chicken. Begin by thoroughly seasoning both sides of your chicken breasts with the taco seasoning, ensuring an even and generous coat for maximum flavor. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large, heavy-bottomed (preferably oven-safe) skillet over high heat until shimmering. Carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts to the hot pan and sear for approximately 4-5 minutes per side. The goal is to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust, which locks in flavor, and for the chicken to be mostly cooked through. Once seared, remove the chicken from the pan, cover it loosely with foil, and set aside to keep warm while you prepare the vibrant vegetable mixture.
- Sauté the Aromatic Veggies. After removing the chicken, reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the same skillet. It’s beneficial to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan at this stage; these “fond” bits are packed with flavor and will be incorporated into your vegetables. Add the finely chopped onions to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and become translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for just another minute until you can distinctly smell its fragrant aroma – be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter quickly.
- Combine the Tex-Mex Mixture. Now, it’s time to build the heart of your Santa Fe Chicken. Pour in the drained and rinsed black beans, corn kernels, diced tomatoes (undrained or with their juices for added moisture and flavor), and the diced green chiles. Stir all these ingredients together well, ensuring they are evenly combined and coated. Let the vegetable mixture simmer gently for approximately 5 minutes, allowing all the wonderful Tex-Mex flavors to meld beautifully and deepen.
- Finish Cooking the Chicken. Gently return the seared chicken breasts to the pan, nestling them directly into the simmering black bean and corn mixture. This allows the chicken to absorb all the wonderful, zesty Tex-Mex flavors as it finishes cooking. Depending on the thickness of your chicken and your preference, you have two excellent options:
- Stovetop Method: If your chicken breasts are thinner, or you want to keep it a strictly stovetop meal, cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer on the stovetop for another 6-7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Oven Method (Recommended for Thicker Cuts): For thicker chicken breasts or if you prefer a more hands-off approach, transfer the entire skillet to a preheated oven (around 375°F / 190°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165º F (74°C). This ensures even cooking without drying out the chicken.
- Melt the Cheesy Topping. Once the chicken has reached its safe internal temperature of 165º F (74°C), generously sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend evenly over the top of the chicken and the vibrant vegetable mixture.
- Stovetop: Place a lid back on the skillet and let it cook for a few minutes over low heat until the cheese is beautifully melted, gooey, and bubbling.
- Oven: If using the oven, simply return the skillet to the oven for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and luscious.
- Serve and Garnish. Your incredible Santa Fe Chicken is ready to be enjoyed! For an added touch of freshness and color, I highly recommend garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro or green onions before serving.
Expert Tips & Creative Variations for Your Santa Fe Chicken
Make this Santa Fe Chicken skillet truly your own with these helpful tips and delicious variations, ensuring every meal is a success and tailored to your tastes:
- Ensuring Perfectly Cooked Chicken: The biggest secret to succulent, juicy chicken is avoiding overcooking. Depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts, finishing them in the oven (after an initial sear) can provide more even cooking and prevent burning on the bottom, compared to constant stovetop monitoring. If you’re using thinner chicken breasts or tenders, stovetop cooking will be quick and efficient. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165º F (74°C). This guarantees it’s perfectly safe to eat without being dry or overdone. Many people tend to overcook chicken out of caution, but a thermometer ensures optimal texture and safety.
- Adjusting the Spice Level: This recipe, as written, is mild and family-friendly, relying on the subtle flavor of green chiles. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding a finely diced fresh jalapeño or serrano pepper along with the garlic in the sautéing step. For an even more fiery punch, a dash of cayenne pepper, a pinch of chili powder, or a swirl of your favorite hot sauce at the end can elevate the heat to your liking. To keep it mild, simply stick to the canned green chiles.
- Unleash Your Veggie Creativity: The beauty of this dish is how easily you can incorporate more vegetables, making it even healthier and more satisfying. Think beyond the basic corn and beans! Chopped zucchini, colorful bell peppers (any color), diced sweet potatoes, or even a handful of fresh spinach (stirred in at the very end to wilt) are fantastic additions. Experiment with what your family loves and what’s in season for endless variations.
- Exploring Bean and Cheese Swaps: Don’t limit yourself to black beans! Pinto beans or kidney beans can be excellent substitutes, offering a slightly different texture and flavor profile that still complements the Tex-Mex theme. For the cheese, while a Mexican blend is ideal for its melting properties, Monterey Jack, sharp cheddar, or even a spicy Pepper Jack can be used for delicious results and a touch of individuality.
- Rotel Shortcut Reinforcement: As mentioned, using two 10 oz cans of Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chiles) is a brilliant shortcut if you don’t have separate cans of diced tomatoes and green chiles. This simplifies your pantry list and shaves precious minutes off your prep time, making dinner even quicker.
Meal Prep and Leftover Brilliance
This Santa Fe Chicken is not just great for dinner; it also makes for fantastic meal prep and incredibly versatile leftovers, simplifying your week even further!
- Make Ahead Magic: To speed things up on cooking day, you can chop your onion and mince your garlic a day in advance. You can also combine your black beans (drained and rinsed), corn, diced tomatoes, and green chiles in a bowl and keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to cook. This pre-prep shaves off precious minutes and makes assembly a breeze.
- Savory Leftovers Storage: If you happen to have any delicious leftovers (which is a big “if” for this dish!), transfer them to an airtight container once they’ve cooled to room temperature. They will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making them perfect for future quick meals.
- Reheating Perfection: For reheating, you have a couple of convenient options. For a single serving, the microwave is your fastest friend – heat in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly warm. For larger quantities or to prevent drying out, gently reheat in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to maintain moisture. You can also reheat it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warm, covering it with foil to prevent drying.
- Creative Leftover Ideas: Don’t just reheat and eat! Leftover Santa Fe Chicken is incredibly versatile. I love to chop up the chicken and mix it with the veggie sauce to create amazing Air Fryer Chicken Nachos the very next day. It’s also perfect as a hearty filling for quick quesadillas, burritos, or enchiladas. Alternatively, serve it as a flavorful topping for a baked potato or a fresh green salad for a lighter meal.
What to Serve Alongside Your Hearty Santa Fe Chicken
This Tex-Mex chicken skillet is incredibly flavorful and packed with vegetables, making it a complete and satisfying meal all on its own. However, if you’re looking to round out your dinner or add some extra flair, here are a few fantastic side dishes that complement the vibrant flavors perfectly:
- Instant Pot Spanish Rice: A quick and flavorful rice dish that perfectly soaks up all the delicious juices from the chicken and vegetable mixture.
- Homemade Tortilla Chips: Serve them on the side for scooping up the savory mixture, or crush them over the top for a satisfying crunch and added texture.
- Classic Mexican Rice: Another excellent rice option that pairs beautifully with the Tex-Mex flavor profile, offering a warm and comforting accompaniment.
- Refreshing Mexican Coleslaw: A light and tangy coleslaw provides a wonderful crisp contrast to the rich and savory chicken, adding a refreshing element to your meal.
- Fresh Avocado Slices or Creamy Guacamole: Creamy avocado adds a cooling element, healthy fats, and a luxurious texture that beautifully complements the zesty flavors.
- Warm Flour or Corn Tortillas: Offer these as a soft and pliable base for building delicious Santa Fe Chicken tacos, burritos, or fajitas.
- A Simple Green Salad: A light side salad with a zesty lime vinaigrette can cut through the richness and add a burst of freshness, rounding out the meal perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Santa Fe Chicken
No, traditionally, this Santa Fe Chicken recipe is designed to be mild and family-friendly. The inclusion of 4 oz of diced green chiles provides a wonderful earthy and slightly smoky flavor without bringing significant heat. Green chiles are generally a very mild pepper and add depth rather than spice. If you desire a spicier dish, we highly recommend adding a finely diced fresh jalapeño or serrano pepper to the skillet when you sauté the garlic, or include a pinch of cayenne pepper with the taco seasoning. You can also offer hot sauce at the table for individual customization, allowing everyone to adjust the heat to their personal preference.
The precise cooking time for chicken can vary significantly based on several factors, including the cut of chicken (breasts vs. thighs), its thickness, and the heat of your cooking surface. The most reliable way to ensure chicken is perfectly cooked, safe, and juicy (not dry!) is to use a meat thermometer. Chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165º F (74°C) in the thickest part of the meat. For thin pieces of chicken (like butterflied breasts or tenders), this might only take 10-15 minutes total between searing and simmering, while very thick breasts could require 20-25 minutes or more. Searing first and then finishing in the sauce, either on the stovetop or in the oven, helps achieve this ideal temperature and locks in moisture.
Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly adaptable, making it easy to swap proteins based on your preference or what you have on hand. You can easily substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for breasts; they tend to be more forgiving and stay incredibly juicy. If you’re looking for an even quicker option, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can be shredded and stirred into the vegetable mixture at the very end to simply heat through. Ground chicken or ground turkey would also work wonderfully; just brown it with the onion and garlic, breaking it up as it cooks, before adding the other vegetables.
Yes, this Santa Fe Chicken recipe is naturally gluten-free, provided you use a gluten-free taco seasoning. Most commercially available taco seasonings are gluten-free, but it’s always a good practice to double-check the label to ensure no hidden gluten-containing ingredients. If you’re making your own taco seasoning from scratch, you have complete control over the ingredients, ensuring it meets any dietary needs.
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can certainly do some prep work in advance to make cooking even faster. You can chop your onion and garlic a day or two before. The black bean and corn mixture can also be prepared (beans rinsed, corn thawed, tomatoes and chiles opened) and stored together in an airtight container in the fridge. This way, when it’s time for dinner, you just need to sear the chicken and combine everything, cutting down on active cooking time.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Santa Fe Chicken
Having leftovers of this delicious Santa Fe Chicken is a fantastic bonus, making for easy lunches or another quick dinner. Here’s how to handle them to maintain freshness and flavor:
- Proper Storage: Once the dish has cooled to room temperature, transfer any leftover Santa Fe Chicken to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, allowing you to enjoy flavorful meals throughout the week.
- Reheating Instructions: You have a couple of convenient options for reheating. For a single serving, the microwave is your fastest friend – heat in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly warm. For larger quantities or to prevent drying out, gently reheat in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Adding a tablespoon or two of chicken broth or water can help maintain moisture and prevent sticking. You can also reheat it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warm, covering it with foil to prevent drying.
- Transforming Leftovers: Don’t just reheat and eat! Leftover Santa Fe Chicken is incredibly versatile and can be transformed into new meals. I love to chop up the chicken and mix it with the veggie sauce to create amazing Air Fryer Chicken Nachos the very next day. It’s also perfect as a hearty filling for quick quesadillas, burritos, or enchiladas. Alternatively, serve it as a flavorful topping for a baked potato or sweet potato, or mix it into a fresh green salad for a lighter, yet satisfying, lunch.
More Easy and Flavorful Chicken Dinner Recipes
If you loved this quick and satisfying Santa Fe Chicken, you’re in for a treat! Our extensive collection of easy chicken dinner recipes is designed to inspire and simplify your weeknight cooking, offering a variety of flavors and styles. Here are a few more favorites to add to your rotation, ensuring dinner is always delicious and stress-free:
- Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla: Spicy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying – a perfect party appetizer or quick and flavorful meal that everyone will crave.
- Hearty Chicken Chilaquiles: A delicious and comforting Mexican breakfast or dinner dish featuring tender tortillas simmered in a savory salsa with succulent chicken.
- Spinach & Artichoke Chicken Skillet: Creamy, savory, and incredibly comforting, this one-pan meal combines classic dip flavors with tender chicken for an impressive yet easy dinner.
- Sweet & Savory Hawaiian Chicken: A delightful taste of the tropics featuring tender chicken coated in a luscious pineapple and soy glaze – perfect for a summery meal.
- Crockpot Fiesta Chicken: An effortless slow-cooker meal bursting with festive Tex-Mex flavors, requiring minimal effort for maximum taste.
- Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo: Creamy, rich, and incredibly fast – a classic Italian-American comfort food made simple and quick thanks to your pressure cooker.
- Classic Baked BBQ Chicken: A crowd-pleasing, juicy baked chicken coated in your favorite tangy BBQ sauce, perfect for a fuss-free family dinner.
Santa Fe Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 – 1 1/2 pound chicken breasts
- 2 Tablespoons taco seasoning
- 2 Tablespoons oil, divided
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 15 oz can petite diced tomatoes
- 1 4 oz can diced green chiles
- 1 1 /2 cups shredded Mexican Cheese Blend
- Fresh cilantro, optional garnish
Instructions
- Season both sides of the chicken with taco seasoning.
- Heat 1 Tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet over a high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, until it is browned and mostly cooked through. Remove from the pan, cover and keep warm.
- After you remove the chicken, reduce the heat to medium, add the rest of the oil to the skillet. Add the onions and cook for about 5 minutes until the onions are soft. Add the garlic and cook for just about 1 minute, you want to just start to smell it.
- Pour in the black beans, corn, tomatoes, and green chiles. Stir everything together and cook for about 5 minutes.
- Add the chicken back to the pan, nestling in with the black bean mixture. Simmer the chicken for 6-7 minutes, until it is cooked through (internal temperature 165º F.
- Once the chicken is cooked through top with the cheese, put a lid on the skillet and cook for a few minutes until the cheese is melted.
- To serve top with fresh cilantro if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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