Name: Unbelievable Santa Fe Chicken Skillet in Just 30 Min
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Southwestern
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color); 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained; 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro

Jump to Recipe

Okay, let’s be real – weeknights are CRAZY, right? Between work, school, and trying to remember if you actually showered that morning, who has time to cook?! That’s where this Santa Fe Chicken Skillet comes in, my friends. It’s a total lifesaver. Seriously, it’s a one-pan wonder that’s ready faster than you can say “takeout.” I actually stumbled upon this recipe years ago when I was staring into a fridge full of… well, not much. But I had chicken, some beans, and a can of diced tomatoes. And BOOM! Santa Fe Chicken skillet magic was born!

Why You’ll Love This Santa Fe Chicken Skillet

Listen, there are a million chicken skillet recipes out there, but trust me, this one’s a winner! Here’s why you’re gonna be obsessed:

Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal

Seriously, from fridge to table in, like, 30 minutes. Minimal chopping, minimal fuss!

Delicious Southwestern Flavors

That chili powder and cumin combo? *Chef’s kiss!* It’s like a fiesta in your mouth!

One-Pan Convenience

Hallelujah! One pan = easy cooking and even easier cleanup. I’m all about less dishes. Aren’t you?

Customizable to Your Taste

Load it up with your fave toppings! Cheese, sour cream, avocado… the possibilities are endless!

Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Ingredients

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need for this Santa Fe Chicken Skillet. Don’t worry, it’s mostly stuff you probably already have! You’ll need about a pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces. Grab an onion and a bell pepper (any color!) and give ’em a good chop. We’re also gonna use a 15-ounce can of black beans (make sure they’re rinsed and drained!), a 15-ounce can of corn (drained, of course!), and a 10-ounce can of diced tomatoes and green chilies – don’t drain this one! And finally, some chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Now, listen up, because this is where you can get creative! Feel free to swap out the black beans for pinto beans, or even kidney beans if that’s what you’ve got. Not a fan of bell peppers? Use poblano peppers for a little extra kick! I usually use canned corn, but if you have fresh or frozen, go for it! Oh, and if you like things spicy, a pinch of cayenne pepper will do the trick. Just sayin’!

How to Make Santa Fe Chicken Skillet

Okay, are you ready to get cooking? This Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is so simple, I swear you can practically make it with your eyes closed (but, uh, please don’t!). Just follow these easy steps, and dinner will be on the table in no time!

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

First things first, let’s get that skillet HOT! I like to preheat my skillet over medium-high heat for a minute or two before adding a tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering (careful, it splatters!), add your bite-sized chicken pieces. Now, here’s the key: don’t overcrowd the pan! You want the chicken to brown nicely, not just steam. Cook the chicken until it’s browned and cooked through – about 5-7 minutes, depending on the size of your pieces. Set the chicken aside in a bowl for now; we’ll add it back in later.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

Now it’s veggie time! Add your chopped onion and bell pepper to the same skillet (don’t worry about wiping it out first; those chicken bits add flavor!). Cook them until they’re softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir them occasionally so they don’t burn.

Step 3: Simmer and Serve Your Santa Fe Chicken Skillet

Alright, almost there! Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the veggies. Then, stir in your black beans, corn, and that can of diced tomatoes and green chilies (remember, don’t drain it!). Now, sprinkle in your chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer (that just means it’s bubbling gently), then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes. This is where the magic happens! Simmering lets all those delicious flavors meld together. And that’s it! Serve your Santa Fe Chicken Skillet with your favorite toppings and get ready to dig in!

Tips for the Perfect Santa Fe Chicken Skillet

Want to take your Santa Fe Chicken Skillet from “good” to “OMG AMAZING?” Here are a few little secrets I’ve learned along the way!

Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet

Seriously, this is HUGE! If you cram too much chicken in at once, it’ll steam instead of brown. And browned chicken = flavor town! Work in batches if you need to.

Adjust Seasonings to Your Liking

Taste, taste, TASTE! Everyone’s taste buds are different, so don’t be afraid to add a little more chili powder or cumin if you think it needs it. That’s what I always do!

Use a Good Quality Skillet

A good skillet is worth its weight in gold! You want something that heats evenly, so you don’t end up with some chicken that’s burnt and some that’s still raw. Cast iron or a heavy-bottomed skillet works best, in my opinion.

Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Variations

Okay, so you’ve mastered the basic Santa Fe Chicken Skillet? Awesome! Now, let’s get a little crazy and try some fun variations! This recipe is super versatile, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!

Make it Vegetarian

Ditch the chicken and use some plant-based protein instead! Tofu, tempeh, or even just extra beans work great. Just make sure to season them well!

Add Different Vegetables

Feeling adventurous? Throw in some zucchini, squash, or any other seasonal veggies you have on hand! It’s a great way to use up what’s in your fridge and add some extra nutrients.

Spice it Up

Okay, spice lovers, this one’s for you! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to really kick things up a notch. You can even throw in some chopped jalapeños for extra heat!

Serving Suggestions for Your Santa Fe Chicken Skillet

Alright, you’ve got your Santa Fe Chicken Skillet all cooked up and smelling amazing! Now, what should you serve it with? Here are a few of my go-to ideas that’ll make your meal complete!

Serve with Rice or Quinoa

A bed of fluffy rice or quinoa is always a good choice! It soaks up all those yummy skillet juices and makes it extra filling. Plus, it’s a great way to add some extra fiber to your meal!

Enjoy in Tacos or Burritos

Want to switch things up? Grab some tortillas and make tacos or burritos! It’s a fun and easy way to get the whole family involved. Just load ’em up with the Santa Fe Chicken Skillet and your favorite toppings!

Top with Your Favorite Fixings

Speaking of toppings… don’t be shy! Shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, some creamy avocado slices, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro are all AMAZING on this Santa Fe Chicken Skillet. Seriously, the more toppings, the better!

Storing and Reheating Your Santa Fe Chicken Skillet

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is just as delicious the next day. Here’s the lowdown on how to keep it fresh and reheat it like a pro!

Storing Leftovers

Pop your leftover Santa Fe Chicken Skillet into an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. Just make sure it cools down a bit before you refrigerate it, okay?

Reheating Instructions

Wanna reheat it? You’ve got options! You can warm it up in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. Or, if you’re in a hurry, just microwave it for a minute or two. Easy peasy!

Santa Fe Chicken Skillet FAQs

Got questions about this Santa Fe Chicken Skillet? I got answers! Here are a few of the most common things people ask me. Hopefully, this clears everything up, but if not, just drop me a comment!

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this Santa Fe Chicken Skillet?

Yep, absolutely! Chicken thighs are super flavorful and stay nice and juicy. Just keep in mind that they might take a little longer to cook than chicken breasts, so keep an eye on them!

Is this Santa Fe Chicken Skillet recipe gluten-free?

Good news! As written, this recipe *is* gluten-free! Just double-check your spice labels to make sure there’s no sneaky gluten hiding in there. But yeah, you’re good to go!

Can I freeze this Santa Fe Chicken Skillet for later?

You sure can! It’s great for meal prepping! Just let it cool completely before popping it into a freezer-safe container. When you thaw it out, the texture might be a *little* different (sometimes the veggies get a bit softer), but it’ll still taste amazing!

Nutritional Information for Santa Fe Chicken Skillet

Okay, so here’s the deal: nutritional info can vary *a lot* depending on the exact ingredients (and brands!) you use. So, the numbers below are just an estimate, okay? Don’t take ’em as gospel!

Enjoy Your Santa Fe Chicken Skillet!

Alright, that’s it! I hope you give this Santa Fe Chicken Skillet a try – you seriously won’t regret it! And hey, if you do make it, leave a comment and let me know what you think! Or even better, give it a star rating! Happy cooking!