Print

Santa Fe Chicken Skillet

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is a bold, cheesy, one-pan dinner packed with southwest flavor. Made with tender chicken, Ro-tel tomatoes, black beans, corn, and melted Mexican cheese, this easy 30-minute meal is perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it over rice, with chips, or inside tacos for a family favorite that’s full of flavor.

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into 4 thinner cutlets)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 sweet onion (such as Vidalia), diced
  • 1 can Ro-tel tomatoes (with green chilies)
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can corn, drained
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 to 1½ cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
  • Optional garnishes: fresh cilantro, lime wedges, sliced avocado

Instructions

  1. Season chicken cutlets with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chili powder.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed and sauté diced onion until softened.
  5. Stir in Ro-tel tomatoes, black beans, corn, and smoked paprika. Simmer for a few minutes.
  6. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon some of the mixture over the top.
  7. Sprinkle cheese generously over everything.
  8. Cover the skillet to melt the cheese or broil for 1–2 minutes for a golden top.
  9. Serve hot with your favorite garnishes.

Notes

  • Add bell peppers or jalapeños for extra veggies or heat.
  • Swap in rotisserie chicken to save time.
  • Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra moisture.
  • For a low-carb version, skip the beans and corn, and use diced zucchini or cauliflower rice.
  • Pepper jack cheese adds a spicy kick.
  • Serve over rice, with chips, or as a taco/burrito filling.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookedbymaya.com/santa-fe-chicken-skillet/