Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe
Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is a flavorful and satisfying one-pan meal that combines tender chicken breast with vibrant vegetables and bold spices. In this article, we’ll explore how to make this delicious dish that’s perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
1. Introduction to Santa Fe Chicken Skillet
Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is inspired by the bold flavors of Southwestern cuisine, with its combination of tender chicken breast, bell peppers, onions, corn, black beans, and spices like chili powder and cumin. This dish is hearty, nutritious, and bursting with flavor, making it a family favorite.
2. Ingredients Needed
To make Santa Fe Chicken Skillet, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Chicken Breast
- Bell Peppers
- Onion
- Corn
- Black Beans
- Diced Tomatoes
- Chili Powder
- Cumin
- Garlic Powder
- Salt and Pepper
3. Preparing the Ingredients
Start by slicing the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and seasoning them with salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin. Chop the bell peppers and onion into similarly sized pieces, and drain and rinse the black beans and corn.
4. Cooking Instructions
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of oil. Add the seasoned chicken breast pieces and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté the bell peppers and onion until they begin to soften. Add the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, garlic powder, and additional chili powder and cumin to the skillet. Stir to combine.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to incorporate all the ingredients. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors have melded together.
5. Serving Suggestions
Once the Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is ready, garnish it with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor. Serve the skillet dish with rice or warmed tortillas for a complete meal.
6. Variations and Customizations
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences. You can add shredded cheese or sliced avocado to the skillet for extra creaminess and flavor. You can also experiment with using different proteins, such as shrimp or tofu, in place of the chicken for a variation on the dish. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and add extra vegetables or a meat alternative.
7. Tips for Success
To ensure that your Santa Fe Chicken Skillet turns out perfectly every time, follow these tips:
- Sear the chicken pieces in the skillet before adding the vegetables for extra flavor.
- Adjust the amount of chili powder and cumin to suit your taste preferences.
- Allow the ingredients to simmer together in the skillet for at least 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to develop fully.
8. Health Benefits of Santa Fe Chicken Skillet
Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is not only delicious but also nutritious. It’s packed with lean protein from the chicken breast, fiber from the vegetables and beans, and essential vitamins and minerals from the spices. This dish is also low in fat and calories, making it a healthy choice for a balanced meal.
9. Conclusion
In conclusion, Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is a flavorful and versatile dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. With its bold Southwestern flavors and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your meal rotation. Whether you serve it with rice, tortillas, or your favorite side dish, Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Source: saltandlavender.com
Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe
Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is a flavorful and satisfying one-pan meal that combines tender chicken breast with vibrant vegetables and bold spices. In this article, we'll explore how to make this delicious dish that's perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion chopped
- 1 10 ounce can Ro-tel diced tomatoes & green chilies drained
- 1 14 ounce can black beans drained & rinsed
- 1 12 ounce can corn drained
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup Mexican cheese blend
- Fresh cilantro chopped (optional, to taste)
- Preheat the oven to 400F and move the rack to the middle position.
- Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise so you have 4 thinner cutlets. Season both sides with the garlic powder, chili powder, and salt & pepper.
- Add the oil to an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once it's hot, add the chicken and cook for about 3-4 minutes/side until lightly golden. Take the chicken out of the pan.
- Add the onion to the skillet and sauté for 5 minutes or until it's softened and lightly browned.
- Stir in the Rotel tomatoes, beans, corn, and smoked paprika. Let it heat through for a couple of minutes, and be sure to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add the chicken back in and spoon some of the tomatoes/beans/corn onto the chicken. Sprinkle the cheese over top of everything (I concentrate it on the chicken).
- Place the skillet in the oven for 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (165F) and the cheese is nice and melty. You can broil the cheese for a few minutes at the end if you want it to be browned (watch it doesn't burn!).
- Top with fresh chopped cilantro if using, and serve immediately.