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Santa Fe Chicken Recipe Onions slowly caramelizing in a pan, turning golden brown and releasing their sweet, savory aroma. Perfect for adding depth to sauces, soups, or as a topping for your favorite dishes.

Santa Fe Chicken Recipe

A delicious one-skillet Santa Fe Chicken dinner that’s easy to make and perfect for family weeknights!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 484

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large chicken breasts cut in half lengthwise (or 4 chicken breast cutlets)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder adds aromatic flavor
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder adds depth of flavor
  • 1 teaspoon ancho chili powder for a smoky, mild heat
  • 1 teaspoon salt enhances flavor
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper for seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil divided (for searing and sautéing)
  • 1 tablespoon butter for cooking the chicken
  • 1 large onion diced (adds sweetness)
  • 5 cloves garlic minced (adds fragrance and flavor)
  • 1 15 ounce can diced tomatoes (provides juicy base)
  • 1 15 ounce can corn, drained (adds sweetness and texture)
  • 1 15 ounce can black beans, drained (adds protein and fiber)
  • 1 4.5 ounce can green chilies (adds a mild kick)
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin adds earthy flavor
  • ½ lime juiced (adds a tangy, fresh note)
  • cups Mexican cheese mix shredded (for a cheesy topping)
  • Fresh cilantro to garnish (adds freshness and color)

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and slice them in half lengthwise to create four thinner chicken cutlets. prep
  2. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, ancho chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Season both sides of each chicken breast cutlet generously with the seasoning mixture. prep
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the butter in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear each side for about 3-5 minutes, or until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside on a clean plate. prep
  4. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 6-8 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant. prep
  5. Stir in the diced tomatoes, drained corn, black beans, green chilies, ground cumin, lime juice, and any leftover seasoning mixture from the chicken. Stir to combine and cook for about 5 minutes until everything is heated through. mix
  6. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning some of the vegetable mixture over the top of each chicken breast. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the chicken breasts. assemble
  7. Cover the skillet and continue cooking over medium-low heat until the cheese is melted and the chicken is fully cooked (an internal temperature of 165°F). Alternatively, place the skillet in a preheated 350°F oven to finish cooking. bake
  8. Serve the chicken garnished with fresh chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. finish

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 484kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 31gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 81mgSodium: 1155mgPotassium: 603mgFiber: 9gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 589IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 345mgIron: 1mg

Notes

This hearty dish brings the flavors of Santa Fe straight to your table! It’s a flavorful, satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights, topped with melted cheese and fresh cilantro.

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