Description
This Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is a bold and hearty Tex-Mex dinner made in one pan with juicy chicken, black beans, corn, Rotel tomatoes, and melted cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a quick and flavorful weeknight meal.
Ingredients
2 large chicken breasts, cut into 4 thinner cutlets
0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
0.5 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
0.5 medium onion, chopped
1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
1 can (14 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (12 oz) corn, drained
0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 cup Mexican cheese blend, shredded
Fresh cilantro, optional for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and place the rack in the middle position.
- Slice chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create 4 cutlets. Season both sides with garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 3–4 minutes per side until lightly golden. Remove and set aside.
- Add chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and slightly browned.
- Stir in Rotel tomatoes, black beans, corn, and smoked paprika. Cook 2–3 minutes, scraping up browned bits.
- Return chicken to the skillet, nestling into the mixture, and spoon some of the tomato mixture over it.
- Sprinkle cheese over the top and transfer skillet to oven. Bake 5–7 minutes, until chicken reaches 165°F and cheese is melted.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
Swap chicken for ground turkey or beef for variety.
Add jalapeños or cayenne for extra heat.
Use reduced-fat cheese or top with avocado for a lighter version.
Serve with rice, quinoa, tortillas, or tortilla chips.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze up to 2 months.
Use chicken thighs for a juicier result.
Substitute fresh corn for canned if desired.
Make it vegetarian by replacing chicken with extra beans or grilled vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet + Oven-Baked
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
