Description
This Santa Fe Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts seasoned with a blend of garlic, onion, and ancho chili powders, then seared and simmered in a savory mixture of tomatoes, corn, black beans, and green chilies. Topped with melted Mexican cheese and garnished with fresh cilantro and lime, this dish offers a delicious, vibrant taste of the Southwest that’s perfect for a hearty family dinner.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise (or 4 chicken breast cutlets)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ancho chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 large onion, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained (not rinsed)
- 1 (4.5 ounce) can green chilies
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 lime, juiced
- 1 1/2 cups Mexican cheese mix, shredded
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Pat each chicken breast dry using paper towels and slice them in half lengthwise to create four thinner chicken cutlets. This ensures even cooking and faster searing.
- Season Chicken: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, ancho chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Generously season both sides of each chicken breast cutlet with this mixture for flavorful meat.
- Sear Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the butter in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear each side for 3-5 minutes until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside on a clean plate.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and reduce heat to medium. Add diced onions and sauté for 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Beans and Spices: Stir in diced tomatoes, corn, black beans, green chilies, ground cumin, lime juice, and any leftover seasoning mixture. Mix well and cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.
- Combine Chicken and Mixture: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the bean and vegetable mixture on top of each piece. Sprinkle shredded Mexican cheese evenly over each chicken breast.
- Melt Cheese and Finish Cooking: Cover the skillet and cook over medium-low heat until the cheese melts and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F). Alternatively, transfer the skillet to a preheated 350°F oven and bake until cheese is melted and chicken is cooked through.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and an extra squeeze of lime juice. Serve warm and enjoy a delicious Santa Fe inspired meal.
Notes
- Store-bought taco seasoning can be used as a substitute for the homemade spice blend.
- The spice mixture is mild; to add heat, include ½ to 1 teaspoon cayenne powder.
- If finishing the chicken in the oven, ensure that your skillet is oven-safe to prevent damage.