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    Home » Chicken & Poultry

    Santa Fe Chicken Skillet

    Published: Jul 2, 2020 / Updated: May 19, 2023 / 81 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my affiliate disclosure for more details.

    Jump to Recipe

    This Santa Fe Chicken recipe is loaded with black beans, corn, Ro-tel tomatoes, southwest spices, and melty cheese. It's ready in 30 minutes and great for hungry families!

    You may also enjoy this flavorful Creamy Southwest Chicken recipe next.

    Santa Fe Chicken in a skillet

    This skillet recipe comes together quickly, and the beans and cheese make it hearty and filling. 

    I wanted this recipe to be fuss-free and use simple everyday ingredients. You start by pan-frying the chicken, take it out of the pan briefly to make the sauce, and then add it back in, top with cheese, and finish it up in the oven. So easy!

    close-up of Santa Fe Chicken on a beige plate

    Recipe notes & tips:

    • Original Rotel is fairly spicy, so use the mild version if that's an issue for you.
    • If you don't have Rotel diced tomatoes, you can use regular ones, but I suggest adding a can of green chilies as well (the 4 ounce size would work great. You can get mild or hot ones). If you can't access those, try adding a chopped jalapeno pepper if you want some heat, or a poblano pepper or two for more mild spice.
    • I love oven-proof skillets because they're so versatile and I use them in many of my recipes. This is the skillet I used for this recipe. Any fairly deep oven-proof skillet will work just fine.
    • If the chicken is sticking during the pan-frying step (this can happen sometimes, especially if you use a stainless steel pan and don't get it hot enough), let it cook a little longer so it naturally releases.
    • If you're ever unsure if chicken is cooked, you can get an inexpensive instant read digital meat thermometer - they're super easy to use and you won't have to worry about over or under-cooked chicken again.

    What to serve with Santa Fe Chicken?

    The dish is quite filling on its own, but rice goes very well with it. Or serve it with a side salad to keep things lighter. You could even cut the chicken up and serve it in tacos with some sour cream and other taco fixings.

    Other delicious chicken recipes to try:

    • Skillet Salsa Chicken
    • Mozzarella Mushroom White Wine Chicken
    • Creamy White Chicken Chili
    • Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup

    close-up of Santa Fe Chicken

    I hope you will like this Santa Fe chicken!

    Questions? Let me know in the comments below.

    Santa Fe Chicken in a skillet

    Santa Fe Chicken Skillet

    This Santa Fe Chicken recipe is loaded with black beans, corn, Ro-tel tomatoes, southwest spices, and melty Tex-Mex cheese. It's ready in 30 minutes and great for hungry families! 
    4.86 from 35 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 20 minutes mins
    Total Time 30 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 448 kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients
     

    • 2 large chicken breasts
    • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
    • Salt & pepper to taste
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1/2 medium onion chopped
    • 1 (10 fluid ounce) can Ro-tel diced tomatoes & green chilies drained
    • 1 (14 fluid ounce) can black beans drained & rinsed
    • 1 (12 fluid ounce) can corn drained
    • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • 1 cup Mexican cheese blend
    • Fresh cilantro chopped (optional, to taste)

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the oven to 400F and move the rack to the middle position.
    • Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise so you have 4 thinner cutlets. Season both sides with the garlic powder, chili powder, and salt & pepper.
    • Add the oil to a skillet over medium-high heat. Once it's hot, add the chicken and cook for about 3-4 minutes/side until lightly golden. Take the chicken out of the pan.
    • Add the onion to the skillet and sauté for 5 minutes or until it's softened and lightly browned.
    • Stir in the Rotel tomatoes, beans, corn, and smoked paprika. Let it heat through for a couple of minutes, and be sure to scrape up the brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
    • Add the chicken back in and spoon some of the tomatoes/beans/corn onto the chicken. Sprinkle the cheese over top of everything (I concentrate it on the chicken).
    • Place the skillet in the oven for 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (165F) and the cheese is nice and melty. You can broil the cheese for a few minutes at the end if you want it to be browned.
    • Top with fresh chopped cilantro and serve immediately.

    Notes

    • This is the Le Creuset skillet pictured.
    • If your skillet isn't oven-proof, for step 6 you can either transfer the skillet contents to a baking dish or simply keep cooking the chicken in the skillet (cover it with a lid so the cheese melts).
    • Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Salt & Lavender makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 448kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 39gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 94mgSodium: 839mgPotassium: 997mgFiber: 8gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 503IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 207mgIron: 3mg
    Keyword Santa Fe Chicken
    Author Natasha Bull
    « The Best Fourth of July Recipes
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    1. Alyson says

      May 18, 2023 at 4:44 PM

      5 stars
      Delicious! I made small baked potatoes as a side for this dish with sour cream on the sidevand another side of fresh green beans. It made a very yummy meal!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        May 18, 2023 at 5:53 PM

        Love that!! Thank you!!

        Reply
    2. Beth W says

      May 9, 2023 at 6:02 PM

      I would like to make this a day ahead and have hubby pop in the oven. How would I go about this? I would be using a casserole dish.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        May 9, 2023 at 7:04 PM

        Hi! I've only tested it as written. I'd make it as instructed then transfer to a casserole dish and then reheat at 275F until it's hot. Is he going to need to reheat it all at once? Otherwise, I'd just store it in individual portions and he can microwave it as he would any other dish. Hope it's a hit!

        Reply
    3. Shelly says

      March 24, 2023 at 6:09 PM

      5 stars
      Thanks for the recipe! I made a minor change, instead of cayenne, I used Goya Sazon. Oh my goodness!! It was so delicious!! We will have this one again!!

      Reply
      • Shelly says

        March 24, 2023 at 6:10 PM

        I meant instead of paprika, not cayenne. I used Goya Sazon.

        Reply
      • Natasha says

        March 24, 2023 at 11:02 PM

        You're very welcome! 🙂

        Reply
    4. Kristen Claiborn says

      March 22, 2023 at 3:55 PM

      5 stars
      I really over seasoned my chicken and used leftover pinto beans instead of black beans and it was fantastic!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        March 22, 2023 at 7:28 PM

        Wonderful!

        Reply
    5. Tammy says

      March 9, 2023 at 6:07 PM

      5 stars
      Made this tonight…it was delicious!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        March 9, 2023 at 6:29 PM

        Thank you, Tammy! Glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    6. Julie says

      February 10, 2023 at 8:23 PM

      2 stars
      Not much taste to it.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        February 11, 2023 at 10:41 AM

        Strange... this is a very highly rated recipe. Wonder what went wrong in your kitchen!

        Reply
    7. Pam says

      February 2, 2023 at 12:32 PM

      5 stars
      I love this recipe! I have made it twice in the last couple of weeks. I will be making it again in a couple of days for my daughter and her husband. I cut the chicken up into bite size pieces and used coby jack cheese because that's what I had on hand. I will be making this again and again. It is also healthy and easy to prepare. Thank you for sharing this recipe.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        February 2, 2023 at 9:54 PM

        Awesome!! 🙂 You're welcome!

        Reply
    8. Pam says

      February 2, 2023 at 12:28 PM

      5 stars
      I'm sorry, I forgot to leave a 5 star review.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        February 2, 2023 at 9:55 PM

        Appreciate it, Pam! 🙂

        Reply
    9. Pam says

      February 2, 2023 at 12:25 PM

      Love this recipe! I have made it twice and will make it again in a couple of days for my daughter. I cut the chicken in bite size pieces and used coby jack cheese, that's what I had on hand. I didn't put it in the oven, just melted the cheese in the skillet. I will be making this over and over again. I like that it is healthy, too. Thank you so much for sharing.

      Reply
    10. Jess says

      January 18, 2023 at 7:39 AM

      4 stars
      I made this last night with one tweak. I cooked the chicken in the air fryer and while they were cooking I made everything else in a skillet. I followed the directions otherwise and it came out great! My husbands only suggestion was to put tortilla strips on top to give it a crunch.

      Reply
      • Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says

        January 18, 2023 at 12:50 PM

        Tortilla strips are a great addition! Glad you enjoyed it, Jess.

        Reply
    11. Diana says

      December 12, 2022 at 5:56 PM

      5 stars
      Delish and super easy. Your instructions were awesome. Thanks for a simple supper with great flavor.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 12, 2022 at 10:00 PM

        Thank you so much!! I'm so glad you found the instructions easy to follow. That is definitely what I am going for. Really appreciate your 5-star review!

        Reply
      • Gaye says

        December 16, 2022 at 1:20 PM

        5 stars
        I tried this recipe last week, and my husband and I loved it. It is very easy to make and it really tastes good. In fact, I am making it again today. My husband told me it would be great with cornbread. So that's what I'm doing today.

        Reply
    12. Amy says

      November 17, 2022 at 7:01 PM

      Can I substitute cumin for the chili powder?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 18, 2022 at 10:18 AM

        You could, but it may overpower the other flavors as chili powder is a blend. I'd probably use less than 1/2 teaspoon if using just ground cumin.

        Reply
    13. Kristina says

      November 13, 2022 at 5:28 AM

      5 stars
      Easy, delicious, and different. I am always trying to find new ways to cook chicken breasts and this was great (although I can't cut a chicken breast in half to save my life and ended up with tenders). I added spinach and served it with brown rice. I will definitely make this again. Thanks for another great recipe.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 13, 2022 at 12:49 PM

        I'm so happy you enjoyed it!! 🙂

        Reply
    14. Denise Kunz says

      October 20, 2022 at 3:45 AM

      5 stars
      Made this last evening for dinner, and this will be going in to the rotation of good, quick, easy meals. I’m always looking for different and easy things to make. This was very flavorful and I served it over rice. Looking forward to trying another recipe this evening. Thank you for sharing your quick, tasty meals.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        October 20, 2022 at 9:54 AM

        I'm so happy you enjoyed it, Denise! I appreciate your review. 🙂 Let me know what else you make!

        Reply
    15. Linda Henderson says

      September 22, 2022 at 5:43 AM

      5 stars
      Fixed this and it was delicious
      Will make again and again
      I forgot the cilantro so I was stuck using dried cilantro so next time I will add it to it as instructed!!!!’ Cannot wait to fix again ❤️

      Reply
      • Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says

        September 22, 2022 at 8:29 AM

        Yay! Glad it was a hit despite forgetting the cilantro, Linda!

        Reply
    16. Alice says

      September 15, 2022 at 3:07 PM

      5 stars
      Wow this was absolutely delicious just made it cannot wait to make it again

      Reply
      • Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says

        September 15, 2022 at 4:02 PM

        That's so nice to hear, Alice! Thanks!

        Reply
    17. KathyD says

      August 14, 2022 at 8:45 AM

      5 stars
      Yum! This was easy and quick to prepare and yielded big flavor. Thank you for this winner!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        August 14, 2022 at 12:02 PM

        Fantastic!! You're very welcome, Kathy!

        Reply
    18. TeresaS says

      August 7, 2022 at 1:15 PM

      5 stars
      What a delicious and easy recipe to prepare...I cut the recipe in half and I'm going to use the leftover 1/2 cans for a tortilla chip dip...I used the stove top only option because it's been so hot I didn't want to add to the heat in the house...we loved the spice flavors this had...very nice presentation...thanks for sharing your recipe...

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        August 7, 2022 at 4:20 PM

        I'm so happy you enjoyed it!! 🙂 You're very welcome, Teresa!

        Reply
    19. Debbie says

      August 2, 2022 at 3:43 PM

      5 stars
      This recipe is so delicious!!!! I made some jasmine rice and put the chicken and vegetables on top. Another keeper!!!!! I have a binder with internet recipes. I now just need one exclusively for Salt and Lavender recipes!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        August 2, 2022 at 4:43 PM

        Aww that's so sweet of you!! I'm so happy you enjoyed this one too. 😀

        Reply
    20. sburke says

      June 27, 2022 at 2:16 PM

      5 stars
      I had a rotisserie chicken and I used the breast for it. I cut it in chunks and added the chicken sprinkled with the spice in with the canned food. After the 5-7 minutes it was hot in the oven and very good.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        June 28, 2022 at 5:21 PM

        Awesome!! That's a great idea.

        Reply
    21. AngelaML says

      June 6, 2022 at 5:52 AM

      5 stars
      Hi Natasha - I've had this on my "to make" list for far too long - and finally made it last night. It was so easy to make and so delicious! Loved the flavors.

      I can't do spicy so put the red pepper flakes on the table and substituted crushed tomatoes because it was what I had on hand. Served it over basmati rice. Can't wait for the leftovers tonight!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        June 6, 2022 at 1:28 PM

        Yay! I'm so glad it was a hit!

        Reply
    22. Victoria Spencer says

      January 17, 2022 at 8:09 PM

      5 stars
      I made this tonight! So easy and yummy. I used low fat cheddar to lighten it just a little. This was my fourth of your recipes I have made in the last 4 weeks and every one has been so yummy!! I like to cook and the hubby likes to eat so we are both happy 🙂

      Reply
      • Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says

        January 17, 2022 at 8:28 PM

        Aw that's wonderful to hear! Thrilled you're both enjoying the recipes, Victoria 🙂

        Reply
    23. Rosemary says

      January 12, 2022 at 5:47 PM

      5 stars
      Great recipe! Easy, quick and delicious. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 12, 2022 at 8:08 PM

        You're very welcome!

        Reply
    24. Sheri says

      January 10, 2022 at 4:35 PM

      5 stars
      It was super easy and amazing. It was voted to have again by the family!!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 10, 2022 at 5:15 PM

        That's what I like to hear! 😀

        Reply
    25. Nate S says

      January 8, 2022 at 4:08 PM

      4 stars
      You have to be very careful when broiling because you raise the temp too high and risk pushing all of the water out of the corn and beans… you’ll wind up with a soupy mess. Otherwise, it tastes great!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 8, 2022 at 4:23 PM

        Glad you enjoyed it, Nate! Yup, it's just a quick broil so I haven't had any complaints on that happening, but thanks for the tip.

        Reply
    26. Krista says

      November 13, 2021 at 4:08 PM

      This the second recipe that I’ve made of yours this week. We loved the flavour of this dish. I served it with basmati rice. It was so easy and quick to make using minimal ingredients with great taste! I will be making this regularly!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 13, 2021 at 4:13 PM

        I'm so happy to hear that, Krista!! 🙂 Let me know if you make anything else. XO

        Reply
    27. Kim Wright says

      October 30, 2021 at 6:16 PM

      5 stars
      Loved it!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        October 30, 2021 at 7:40 PM

        Excellent!!

        Reply
    28. Kim Wright says

      October 30, 2021 at 1:10 PM

      5 stars
      Love the dish! Thank you for sharing.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        October 30, 2021 at 1:45 PM

        Fantastic!! You're very welcome, Kim! 🙂

        Reply
    29. Cindy says

      September 26, 2021 at 6:53 PM

      5 stars
      Huge hit with my picky crew! Thank you for such a flavorful alternative to Taco Tuesday!!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        September 26, 2021 at 6:57 PM

        You're welcome, Cindy!! 🙂

        Reply
    30. Ruthie Minsk-Whitehead says

      May 10, 2021 at 11:48 PM

      5 stars
      So far I have tried three of your recipes and they are all fantastic. Last evening I made the “Santa Fe Chicken” and it was a big hit. My husband said I hope there is leftovers because I want it for dinner tomorrow as well. Since I doubled the recipe there will be more than enough for the three of us. I served it over yellow rice which was perfect.
      Thank you so much for your wonderful recipes.
      Ruthie

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        May 11, 2021 at 7:54 AM

        Thank you so much!! 🙂 I'm so glad you've been enjoying the recipes, Ruthie! Appreciate your review.

        Reply
    31. Christine says

      May 10, 2021 at 9:29 PM

      5 stars
      Quick, easy, and delicious! Very filling, so no need for a side except a few tortilla chips. Simple to adjust seasonings for different preferences. Excellent weeknight dinner!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        May 11, 2021 at 7:53 AM

        So happy you enjoyed it, Christine! 🙂

        Reply
    32. Stacie Switek says

      January 20, 2021 at 4:48 PM

      5 stars
      Dinner request was “not boring” chicken so I made this. I have been hearing how amazing it is for the last hour. Thank you for making me look good. This was so easy which is so surprising with how flavorful it is. We loved it and will definitely make it again.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 21, 2021 at 9:31 AM

        Well that's great to hear!! 🙂 I'm so glad the family enjoyed it!

        Reply
    33. Lexi Dunaway says

      January 15, 2021 at 5:21 PM

      This recipe was amazing! I put hard taco shells in the oven and topped with more cheese & sour cream my entire family loved it !

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 15, 2021 at 7:12 PM

        That's fab!! 🙂

        Reply
    34. Kate says

      October 27, 2020 at 1:56 PM

      5 stars
      My whole family loved it (even my picky eater) and my taco loving son placed this higher on the list! I left out the spicy peppers because of the kiddos, but it was still fantastic (and easy!).

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        October 27, 2020 at 3:14 PM

        Fantastic!! Thanks for commenting, Kate! 😀

        Reply
    35. Bill says

      August 26, 2020 at 12:02 PM

      5 stars
      Very good recipe. Used tomato sauce since no diced tomatoes on hand. Will make this again!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        August 26, 2020 at 2:20 PM

        Wonderful! 🙂

        Reply
    36. Angelique says

      August 8, 2020 at 5:09 PM

      5 stars
      Tried this and loved it!! It was so easy felt professional and my picky 4 year old was bugging me for more thank so much for this it's one for the books for sure! 🙂

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        August 9, 2020 at 6:28 PM

        Yay that's great!!

        Reply
    37. Stephanie Warkentin says

      July 27, 2020 at 6:00 PM

      5 stars
      Very easy, one pan recipe and so delicious!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        July 28, 2020 at 8:43 AM

        I'm so happy you enjoyed it!!

        Reply
    38. Sophia says

      July 21, 2020 at 6:49 PM

      5 stars
      This recipe is super delicious and it was
      so easy to make! Next time I’ll have to make some Mexican rice as extra side to it

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        July 21, 2020 at 9:29 PM

        Excellent! Thanks for commenting!

        Reply
    39. Rachel says

      July 9, 2020 at 5:16 AM

      5 stars
      I’m obsessed with this recipe! It was so easy to make that I did it twice in one week. The first go around I used freshly chopped tomatoes and jalapeño pepper instead of the Rotel tomatoes and green chilies. Also added a little dollop of sour cream and served with cauliflower rice.

      No matter how you interpret the recipe it will definitely become a quick favorite!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        July 9, 2020 at 8:31 AM

        I'm so happy it's a hit for you, Rachel! Thanks so much for taking the time to comment. I'm happy you were able to adapt it based on what you had in your kitchen!

        Reply
        • Millie Shelton says

          April 13, 2023 at 1:08 PM

          I'm wondering how to make it in my crockpot?

          Reply
          • Natasha says

            April 13, 2023 at 2:25 PM

            I haven't tested that - sorry!

            Reply

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