Name: Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Southwestern / Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (2 large); 1 tsp chili powder; ½ tsp cumin; ½ tsp garlic powder; Salt & pepper to taste; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 green bell pepper, sliced; 1 cup frozen corn (or canned, drained); 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained & rinsed; 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (e.g., Rotel); 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese; 2 tbsp chopped cilantro (for garnish); Lime wedges, for serving

Jump to Recipe·5.2 from 13 reviews

If you’re craving bold Southwestern flavors without hours in the kitchen, the Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is about to be your new weeknight hero. Imagine a sizzling skillet packed with tender, spice-rubbed chicken breasts nestled among sweet, colorful peppers, hearty black beans, juicy tomatoes with green chiles, and a golden melt of cheese—all cooked up in just one pan. The best part? This Santa Fe Chicken Skillet comes together in only 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy days or fun family dinners that need a little extra flair.

Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is how its simple ingredients come together to create something truly spectacular. Every component plays a unique part, from the deep warmth of the spices to the colorful vegetables and rich cheese pull.

Olive Oil: Adds flavor and helps achieve that perfect golden sear on your chicken.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: The hearty protein base that soaks up all the Tex-Mex goodness.
Chili Powder: Key for building that signature Southwestern depth.
Cumin: Warm, earthy, and slightly smoky—cumin is a total flavor booster.
Garlic Powder: Gives a subtle, savory kick without overpowering the dish.
Salt & Pepper: Don’t skip these—seasoning is everything for every bite!
Red Bell Pepper: Brings sweetness and vibrant color to your skillet.
Green Bell Pepper: Balances the sweetness with a mild, earthy note and more color pop.
Corn (frozen or canned): Delivers little bursts of sweetness and texture.
Black Beans: Add hearty creaminess and a satisfying, fiber-rich bite.
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles: Tangy, juicy, and just spicy enough to make things interesting.
Shredded Monterey Jack or Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully for that irresistible cheesy finish.
Chopped Cilantro: Sprinkled at the end for unbeatable freshness and herby brightness.
Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime right before serving pulls all the flavors together.

How to Make Santa Fe Chicken Skillet

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry—this little move helps the spices stick. Rub both sides with your chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. This is where the foundational flavors of your Santa Fe Chicken Skillet are built, so don’t be shy!

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in your largest skillet over medium-high heat. Once it shimmers, lay in the seasoned chicken. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side, aiming for that irresistible golden crust. Don’t worry if it’s not fully cooked at this stage—it’ll finish later. Transfer chicken to a plate and keep it handy.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

With your skillet still hot and full of tasty little bits, toss in the sliced red and green bell peppers. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring now and then, until they soften and pick up some color. Now add the corn, black beans, and entire can of diced tomatoes with green chiles. Stir everything together so the flavors start to mingle.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Nestle your seared chicken right back into the pan on top of the veggie mixture. Spoon some of those colorful veggies over the chicken so every piece gets coated in flavor. Cover the skillet and let everything gently simmer for about 5 minutes. The chicken will finish cooking and all those Tex-Mex flavors will meld into the most mouthwatering skillet dinner.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over the chicken and veggies. Cover the pan again and let the cheese melt—this usually takes just 1 to 2 minutes. As the cheese bubbles and gets gooey, that’s your sign it’s almost time to dig in.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish your Santa Fe Chicken Skillet with a scattering of fresh cilantro and a generous squeeze of lime over each serving. This final touch brightens up every bite and makes the whole dish pop with freshness.

How to Serve Santa Fe Chicken Skillet

Garnishes

Pile on the extra cilantro if you’re a fan, and don’t forget those lime wedges on the side for tableside squeezing. You can even sprinkle sliced green onions or a few jalapeño rounds for a little extra punch. Avocado slices are always a welcome guest when it comes to Santa Fe Chicken Skillet—creamy and cooling!

Side Dishes

This dish plays nicely with fluffy rice, quick-cooking cauliflower rice, or a simple stack of warm tortillas. Need something extra-filling? Serve with a side of black bean salad or a crisp green salad drizzled with ranch or a citrusy vinaigrette. The versatile flavors mean you can pair with just about anything your tastebuds crave.

Creative Ways to Present

Try spooning the Santa Fe Chicken Skillet filling into taco shells or even tucking it into burritos for a fun spin. Stuff leftovers into baked sweet potatoes or top a bed of greens for a Southwest salad sensation. Layer over nachos and pop under the broiler for the ultimate game day treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, pop them into an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors of the Santa Fe Chicken Skillet actually deepen overnight, making for an irresistibly tasty lunch or quick dinner the next day. Enjoy within 3 days for best results.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked Santa Fe Chicken Skillet components! Simply cool everything completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container (or portion into zip-top bags), and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the freshest taste and texture.

Reheating

For best results, reheat your Santa Fe Chicken Skillet gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the mixture if needed. The microwave works too, just be sure to heat in short bursts and stir well so everything gets evenly warm and bubbly.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring even more juiciness and flavor to the Santa Fe Chicken Skillet. Just adjust the cook time as needed since thighs can take a touch longer to cook through.

What if I want it spicier?

Easy fix—add some sliced jalapeños when sautéing the peppers or sprinkle in a dash of chipotle chili powder. You can also choose “hot” diced tomatoes with green chiles to dial up the heat.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, every ingredient in the Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and flavorful option for gluten-sensitive or celiac-friendly meals. Just double-check all packaged ingredients if needed.

How can I make this dairy-free?

Just leave off the cheese or swap in your favorite dairy-free melt! Add extra avocado at the end for richness if you’re skipping the cheese altogether.

Can I make the dish ahead of time?

You sure can. Prepare everything through the step before the cheese, cool and refrigerate, then simply reheat, top with cheese, and let it melt right before dinnertime. Great for meal prep!

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a quick, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s as colorful as it is crave-worthy, give the Santa Fe Chicken Skillet a try. It’s my go-to for busy weeknights and casual entertaining, and I have a feeling it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too! Grab your skillet and dive in—you’ll thank yourself.