Irresistible Santa Fe Chicken Recipe – A Flavor-Packed One-Pan Wonder

 Irresistible Santa Fe Chicken Recipe – A Flavor-Packed One-Pan Wonder

Looking for a quick, crowd-pleasing dinner that explodes with bold Southwest flavors? This Santa Fe Chicken recipe is your answer. With juicy, spice-rubbed chicken breasts nestled in a vibrant medley of black beans, sweet corn, diced tomatoes, and green chiles, all topped with gooey Colby Jack cheese, this dish delivers on taste, texture, and ease. The best part? It all comes together in one skillet—making cleanup just as effortless as cooking.

Whether you're feeding a hungry family on a weeknight or entertaining guests, this Santa Fe Chicken skillet is a guaranteed hit. It's colorful, comforting, and loaded with protein and fiber to keep you full and satisfied. A final squeeze of fresh lime juice and sprinkle of chopped cilantro bring everything to life with a bright, zesty finish.

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⭐ Why You'll Love This Santa Fe Chicken

One-pan meal – minimal dishes, maximum flavor

Southwest-inspired spices that awaken the taste buds

Perfectly melty cheese that ties everything together

Customizable with your favorite toppings

Meal-prep friendly and great for leftovers

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🛒 Ingredients & Their Roles

🔥 For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – The protein-packed centerpiece of the dish. Lean, hearty, and perfect for soaking up bold flavors.

1 teaspoon smoked paprika – Adds a deep, smoky warmth that enhances the chicken's flavor profile.

1 teaspoon garlic powder – A staple that infuses the chicken with savory depth.

1/2 teaspoon onion powder – Delivers subtle sweetness and rounds out the dry rub.

1 teaspoon chili powder – Offers Southwest heat and rich color.

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin – Introduces an earthy, nutty note that’s essential for that authentic Tex-Mex taste.

Salt & black pepper, to taste – Brings all the spices into harmony.

🥘 For the Skillet Mixture & Toppings:

1 tablespoon olive oil – Used for sautéing and adding healthy fat.

1 cup diced onion – Builds a flavorful base and adds slight sweetness as it cooks.

5 cloves garlic, minced – Provides a fragrant punch that enhances every bite.

1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed – Adds fiber, texture, and a creamy bite.

1 (4.5 oz) can green chiles – Introduces mild heat and authentic Southwest flair.

1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes – Juicy and tangy, they keep the dish moist and flavorful.

1 ½ cups fresh or frozen corn – Adds natural sweetness and a pop of color.

2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese – Melts beautifully for a rich, creamy topping.

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice – Brightens up the dish and balances the spices.

Chopped fresh cilantro – For garnish, adding freshness and a burst of green.

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🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken & Spice Rub

In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.

Pat the chicken breasts dry and rub the spice mix evenly on all sides.

2. Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat.

Add the chicken breasts and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown. (They don’t need to be fully cooked yet.) Remove and set aside.

3. Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

4. Build the Skillet Base

Add the black beans, green chiles, diced tomatoes, and corn. Stir to combine and let everything simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the mixture to heat through.

5. Finish with Cheese & Simmer

Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into the vegetable mixture.

Sprinkle Colby Jack cheese evenly over each chicken breast.

Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid or foil, and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

6. Garnish & Serve

Drizzle with fresh lime juice and top with chopped cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy every cheesy, flavorful bite!

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🧑‍🍳 Pro Tips for Perfect Santa Fe Chicken

Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked without drying it out.

Fresh corn adds unbeatable sweetness and crunch if it's in season.

Swap Colby Jack with pepper jack for extra heat, or cheddar for sharper flavor.

Make it spicier by adding sliced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the spice rub.

This dish is great for meal prep—store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Pair your Santa Fe Chicken with:

Cilantro lime rice or quinoa for a filling, balanced plate

Tortilla chips or warm flour tortillas to scoop up every bite

A side of guacamole or avocado slices for creamy richness

A simple green salad with lime vinaigrette for contrast and crunch

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🏆 Why This Santa Fe Chicken Recipe is a Must-Try

This Santa Fe Chicken recipe is the ultimate combination of convenience and crave-worthy flavor. It's hearty yet healthy, bold yet balanced. Whether you're a busy parent or a home cook looking for something new, this dish checks every box—easy prep, minimal cleanup, and serious wow factor.

Make it once, and it’s bound to become a weeknight staple.

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✅ In Summary: One-Pan, All Flavor

This Santa Fe Chicken isn’t just a recipe—it’s a weeknight lifesaver. Packed with Southwest spice, juicy chicken, fresh veggies, and melty cheese, it’s everything you want in a one-pan meal. Quick to make, endlessly customizable, and downright delicious, it’s a dish that’ll outrank boring dinners and earn a permanent place in your recipe rotation.

🔥 Try it tonight—and taste why Santa F

e Chicken is the star of the skillet.

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Looking for more easy one-pan recipes? Stay tuned for more weeknight winners bursting with bold flavor.