Santa Fe Chicken Recipe
If you’re searching for a vibrant, flavor-packed dinner that brings a little Southwestern sunshine to your table, this Santa Fe Chicken Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine juicy, spice-rubbed chicken breasts, blanketed with a colorful medley of black beans, corn, zesty tomatoes, and melty cheese, all baked to perfection. This recipe is not only stunning to look at, but it’s also simple to prepare, family-friendly, and absolutely bursting with bold, fresh flavors. Whether you want to impress dinner guests or just add a little excitement to your weeknight routine, this Santa Fe Chicken Recipe is always a winner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Santa Fe Chicken Recipe is that it relies on straightforward ingredients, each bringing something crucial to the dish’s flavor, texture, or color. From the earthy spices to the creamy cheese and sweet corn, every component works together to create that irresistible Southwestern flair.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, and lean, they soak up all the spices and stay juicy when baked.
- Olive oil: Helps the spice rub stick and keeps the chicken moist and flavorful.
- Chili powder: Delivers that signature warmth and smokiness—don’t skip it!
- Cumin: Adds an earthy, savory note that ties the whole dish together.
- Paprika: Gives a subtle sweet heat and a gorgeous red hue.
- Garlic powder: For that deep, aromatic background flavor.
- Onion powder: Brings a gentle savoriness that balances out the spices.
- Salt: Essential for drawing out all the other flavors in the mix.
- Black pepper: Adds just a touch of sharpness to round out the spice blend.
- Black beans: Hearty and protein-rich, they make the dish extra satisfying.
- Corn kernels: Sweet bursts of color and crunch—use fresh, canned, or frozen.
- Diced tomatoes: Juicy, tangy, and bright; they help keep the chicken tender.
- Green onions: Offer a pop of freshness and gentle onion flavor.
- Fresh cilantro: Brings everything to life with its zesty, herbal brightness.
- Mexican blend cheese: Melts beautifully for that gooey, golden topping.
- Lime juice: Adds a welcome tang and ties all the flavors together.
How to Make Santa Fe Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Spices
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, grab a small bowl and mix together your chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub each chicken breast with olive oil, then generously coat them with your homemade spice mix. This step ensures every bite is packed with flavor and sets the stage for that classic Santa Fe Chicken Recipe taste.
Step 2: Arrange the Chicken
Place your seasoned chicken breasts in a lightly greased baking dish. Make sure they’re snug but not overlapping, so they cook evenly. This will also help all those gorgeous toppings nestle down into the nooks and crannies of the chicken.
Step 3: Mix the Veggie Topping
In a separate bowl, stir together the drained and rinsed black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, green onions, and a splash of lime juice. This colorful combination brings texture, sweetness, and tang to your Santa Fe Chicken Recipe. Once mixed, spoon the veggie mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, making sure each piece gets a generous helping.
Step 4: Bake
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The foil traps in moisture, so your chicken cooks up tender and juicy. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This step makes the kitchen smell absolutely incredible!
Step 5: Add the Cheese and Finish Baking
Carefully remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese evenly over the top. Pop the dish back in the oven, uncovered, for another 5 to 7 minutes, or until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbling. The cheese not only adds creaminess but also brings all the flavors together in true Santa Fe Chicken Recipe style.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish by scattering the chopped fresh cilantro over the melted cheese. The green pop and fresh aroma make this dish as beautiful as it is delicious. Now, you’re ready to serve your Santa Fe Chicken Recipe hot and fresh!
How to Serve Santa Fe Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro is a must for that final burst of color and flavor. You can also top each plate with extra green onions, a few lime wedges, or even some sliced jalapeños if you love a little extra heat. For a creamy twist, dollop on a spoonful of sour cream or a few slices of ripe avocado right before serving.
Side Dishes
Santa Fe Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with fluffy white rice, nutty quinoa, or warm tortillas. For a complete Southwestern feast, add a side of sautéed peppers and onions, a simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette, or crisp tortilla chips for scooping up any extra beans and corn. The possibilities are endless and oh-so-delicious!
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t be afraid to have fun with your presentation! Try slicing the chicken and serving it over a big bed of greens for a vibrant Santa Fe salad. Or, shred the chicken and tuck it into tacos, burritos, or lettuce wraps for a fresh take on Tex-Mex night. You can even layer the chicken and toppings into a casserole with extra cheese for a crowd-pleasing potluck dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Santa Fe Chicken Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let the chicken cool completely before storing, and be sure to spoon plenty of the veggie and cheese topping over each piece so everything stays moist and flavorful.
Freezing
If you want to make a batch ahead of time, this dish freezes beautifully. Simply allow the cooked chicken and toppings to cool, then wrap portions tightly in foil or place them in freezer-safe containers. The Santa Fe Chicken Recipe can be frozen for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish and cover with foil. Warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave single servings in 1-minute bursts, but the oven will keep the texture of the cheese and chicken at their best. Add a fresh sprinkle of cilantro before serving to revive those vibrant flavors.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work just as well and tend to be even juicier. Just adjust the cooking time if needed, as thighs may take a few minutes longer to reach 165°F.
How can I make this Santa Fe Chicken Recipe spicier?
For extra heat, mix in chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper with the veggies. You can also top the finished dish with your favorite hot sauce or spicy salsa for an extra punch.
What kind of cheese is best if I can’t find Mexican blend?
Feel free to swap in cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack cheese for a little kick. Any cheese that melts well and complements the Southwestern flavors will be delicious.
Is this Santa Fe Chicken Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as written, this recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check that your spices and cheese don’t have any hidden gluten-containing ingredients if you’re especially sensitive.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Assemble everything in your slow cooker, cover, and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours. Add the cheese in the last 15 minutes so it melts perfectly without getting rubbery.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to add a burst of color and flavor to your dinner table, give this Santa Fe Chicken Recipe a try. It’s easy, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser—perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. Don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes a regular in your kitchen lineup!
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Santa Fe Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Santa Fe Chicken recipe features tender baked chicken breasts seasoned with a smoky blend of chili powder, cumin, and paprika, topped with a vibrant mix of black beans, corn, and tomatoes, then finished with melted Mexican blend cheese and fresh cilantro. A flavorful, healthy, and hearty meal perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetable Topping
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Finishing Touches
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub the olive oil evenly over the chicken breasts, then coat them thoroughly with the spice mixture. Place the seasoned chicken in a greased baking dish.
- Prepare Vegetable Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix together the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, and lime juice until well combined.
- Assemble and Bake: Spoon the vegetable mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the baking dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to seal in moisture and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is fully cooked.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese evenly over the top of the chicken and vegetables. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the top for a fresh finishing touch. Serve immediately, optionally with rice, quinoa, or warmed tortillas for a complete meal.
Notes
- Serve with rice, quinoa, or in tortillas for a hearty and complete meal.
- For extra spice, add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the vegetable mixture.
- This recipe can be adapted for slow cooker use; cook on low for 4–5 hours until chicken is tender.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with topping
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
