By This Santa Fe Chicken balances hearty flavor with a straightforward process, so you get a reliable, delicious result every time.
Santa Fe Chicken captures the essence of meals|chicken while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Santa Fe Chicken becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
1-1 1/2 pound chicken breasts
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
2 tablespoons oil, divided
1/2 onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup corn kernels
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can petite diced tomatoes
1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
Fresh cilantro, optional garnish
PREPARATION STEPS
Season both sides of the chicken breasts with taco seasoning.
2
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over high heat
Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until browned and mostly cooked through
Remove from the pan, cover, and keep warm.
3
Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining oil to the skillet
Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until soft
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Stir in the black beans, corn kernels, diced tomatoes, and diced green chiles. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the black bean mixture
Simmer for 6-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F).
Once the chicken is cooked through, sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for a few minutes until the cheese is melted.
To serve, garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Enjoy this delicious Santa Fe Chicken with rice, tortillas, or your favorite side dish!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
ORIGIN STORY
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 35 min | Servings: 4 | Calories: ~350 kcal | Difficulty: Easy
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRING
Green salad; Roasted vegetables; Rice or bread
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
