Enjoy a taste of the Southwest with this flavorful Santa Fe Chicken recipe. Tender chicken breasts are seasoned and baked with black beans, corn, and zesty salsa, then topped with melted cheese. Serve it over rice or in warm tortillas for a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
1 cup salsa (choose your favorite!)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
1 tsp chili powder
Fresh cilantro for garnish
1 tsp cumin
Optional toppings: Sour cream, avocado slices, lime wedges
Serving options: Tortillas or rice
Directions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned but not fully cooked. Transfer the seared chicken to the prepared baking dish.
Mix the Veggies:
In a separate bowl, combine the black beans, corn, and salsa. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the baking dish.
Bake:
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
Add the Cheese:
After the chicken is cooked, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheese over the chicken. Bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve and Enjoy!
Garnish your Santa Fe Chicken with fresh cilantro and serve with sour cream, avocado slices, lime wedges, and your choice of tortillas or rice for a complete meal.
Serving Tips:
Garnishes: Enhance the presentation by garnishing with fresh cilantro, sliced avocados, and lime wedges. A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the spices.
Serving Options: Serve Santa Fe Chicken over a bed of fluffy rice, quinoa, or inside warm tortillas for a delightful wrap. You can also serve it alongside a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Sides: Pair with side dishes like Mexican street corn, roasted vegetables, or a simple avocado salad to round out the meal.
Make it a Bowl: Create a Santa Fe Chicken bowl by layering rice, the chicken and veggie mixture, and toppings like cheese, sour cream, and salsa for a customizable dish.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Allow leftover Santa Fe Chicken to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the chicken in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm in the oven or microwave.
Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of water or chicken broth to keep the chicken moist. Cover the dish with foil to prevent it from drying out, and heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Portioning: Consider portioning leftovers into single servings for easy lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
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FAQs:
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for Santa Fe Chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even cooking. You can thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. If using frozen chicken, increase the baking time slightly to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What type of salsa works best for this recipe?
The best type of salsa for Santa Fe Chicken depends on your personal preference! You can use mild, medium, or spicy salsa. A chunky salsa can add texture, while a smoother salsa can meld into the dish more. Feel free to experiment with different flavors, such as corn salsa or tomatillo salsa, to find your favorite combination.
Can I add other vegetables to the dish?
Absolutely! Santa Fe Chicken is versatile, and you can add a variety of vegetables to enhance the dish. Consider adding diced bell peppers, zucchini, or diced tomatoes to the black bean and corn mixture. You can also top it with sautéed onions or fresh spinach before baking for added nutrition and flavor.
How can I make Santa Fe Chicken spicier?
If you like your food with a kick, there are several ways to make Santa Fe Chicken spicier. You can increase the amount of chili powder and cumin, or add a dash of cayenne pepper. For an extra layer of heat, mix in some chopped jalapeños or use a spicy salsa. Serving it with hot sauce on the side is another great option for those who like to customize their spice level!
Conclusion:
Santa Fe Chicken is a delightful dish that encapsulates the flavors of the Southwest, making it a favorite for family dinners or gatherings with friends. With its easy preparation and wholesome ingredients, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and savor the deliciousness of homemade Santa Fe Chicken!
📖 Recipe:
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Santa Fe Chicken
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Looking for a delicious and hearty dish that brings the taste of the Southwest to your dinner table? Look no further than Santa Fe Chicken! This flavorful recipe combines tender chicken breasts with black beans, corn, and zesty salsa, topped off with melted cheese. It’s an ideal meal for any night of the week, whether you’re feeding the family or hosting friends.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp olive oil
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
1 cup salsa (your favorite kind)
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish
Optional: Sour cream, avocado slices, lime wedges, tortillas or rice for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin. Sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned but not fully cooked. Transfer to the baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix together the black beans, corn, and salsa. Pour the mixture over the chicken in the baking dish.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 75°C).
- Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the chicken, and bake uncovered for another 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with sour cream, avocado slices, lime wedges, and tortillas or rice.
Notes
For a spicier dish, use hot salsa or add chopped jalapeños.
Feel free to add additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for more nutrition.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southwest / Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 350 kcal per serving
Keywords: Santa Fe Chicken, Southwest chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, chicken with black beans, baked chicken recipe, healthy dinner ideas, Mexican cuisine, quick chicken recipes
