Santa Fe Chicken is a comforting, flavor-packed dinner that brings together tender chicken, creamy sauce, and bold Southwest-inspired ingredients in one easy skillet. This Fresh and Easy Santa Fe Chicken Recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying, colorful, and family-friendly without spending hours in the kitchen.
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Why You’ll Love This Santa Fe Chicken
This Santa Fe Chicken checks all the boxes for a reliable go-to meal. It is rich and creamy without feeling heavy, packed with protein and vegetables, and made entirely in one pan for easy cleanup. The blend of spices adds warmth rather than heat, making it approachable for kids while still interesting for adults.
You will also love how flexible this recipe is. It pairs well with rice, pasta, or tortillas, and leftovers reheat beautifully for lunches. Whether you are cooking for your family or guests, this dish feels special while still being incredibly practical.
Ingredients for Santa Fe Chicken
This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients that come together for bold flavor.
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Creamy Santa Fe Sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained
- 0.75 cup heavy cream
- 0.75 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 0.75 cup corn kernels, canned or frozen
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Sliced green onions
- Fresh lime wedges
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
If you want a lighter sauce, you can replace half of the heavy cream with whole milk or use half-and-half. For extra protein, chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts, though cooking time may increase slightly.
If you prefer a dairy-light option, softened cream cheese mixed with milk can replace heavy cream. For a vegetarian version, the chicken can be swapped for sautéed mushrooms or firm tofu seasoned the same way.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This Santa Fe Chicken comes together in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight cooking.
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create four thinner cutlets. This helps them cook evenly and stay tender. Pat them dry with paper towels, then season both sides with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Step 3: Start the Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet and let it melt. Stir in the diced tomatoes with green chiles, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds depth and flavor to the sauce.
Step 4: Add Cream, Beans, and Corn
Pour in the heavy cream and stir until smooth. Add the black beans and corn, mixing well. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 3 to 4 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly.
Step 5: Melt the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheese into the sauce and stir until fully melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
Step 6: Finish the Dish
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Spoon some sauce over the top of the chicken. Simmer for another 4 to 5 minutes until the chicken is heated through and the sauce has thickened to your liking.
Pro Tips for Success
- Slice chicken breasts evenly so they cook at the same rate
- Do not overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken
- Drain canned tomatoes well to prevent a watery sauce
- Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting
- Let the sauce simmer gently, not boil, to avoid curdling
- Taste and season at the end for best balance
Flavor Variations
This Fresh and Easy Santa Fe Chicken Recipe is easy to customize.
- Add diced bell peppers or onions for extra vegetables
- Stir in a pinch of smoked paprika for deeper smoky flavor
- Add cooked rice directly to the skillet for a one-pan meal
- Use pepper jack cheese for a slightly spicier version
- Finish with a squeeze of lime juice for brightness
Serving Suggestions
Santa Fe Chicken is incredibly versatile. Serve it over steamed white rice, brown rice, or cilantro lime rice to soak up the creamy sauce. It also pairs well with pasta, mashed potatoes, or quinoa.
For a Tex-Mex style dinner, serve the chicken with warm tortillas, shredded lettuce, and fresh salsa. A simple side salad or roasted vegetables balances the richness of the dish nicely.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Store leftover Santa Fe Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring the sauce occasionally.
This dish can be frozen, though the sauce texture may change slightly. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating slowly.
Fresh and Easy Santa Fe Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Santa Fe Chicken is a fresh and easy skillet dinner made with tender chicken, a creamy sauce, and bold Southwest-inspired flavors that come together perfectly for a family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 3/4 cup corn kernels, canned or frozen
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- Chopped fresh cilantro, optional
- Sliced green onions, optional
- Fresh lime wedges, optional
Instructions
- Slice chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets.
- Season both sides with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet.
- Stir in diced tomatoes with green chiles, scraping up browned bits.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir until smooth.
- Add black beans and corn and simmer gently.
- Stir in shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top.
- Simmer until chicken is heated through and sauce has thickened.
- Garnish with cilantro, green onions, and lime wedges if desired.
Notes
Drain the tomatoes well to avoid a watery sauce and let the sauce simmer gently for the creamiest texture. This dish reheats well for leftovers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Southwest
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 |
| Protein | 42g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Fat | 32g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | 720mg |
FAQ About Santa Fe Chicken
What makes Santa Fe Chicken different from regular creamy chicken?
Santa Fe Chicken is inspired by Southwest flavors like chili powder, cumin, black beans, corn, and green chiles. These ingredients add warmth and texture that set it apart from classic creamy chicken recipes.
Is Santa Fe Chicken spicy?
This recipe is mildly seasoned rather than spicy. The chili powder adds flavor, not heat. You can easily increase or decrease spice by adjusting the seasoning or cheese choice.
Can I make Santa Fe Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, this dish reheats well and can be made a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.
What is the best cheese to use?
Cheddar or a Mexican blend melts smoothly and complements the flavors well. Pepper jack can be used if you enjoy a little extra heat.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work very well. They may need a few extra minutes of cooking time but stay very juicy.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, reduce the cheese slightly, and add more vegetables like peppers or spinach to lighten the dish.
Final Thoughts
This Fresh and Easy Santa Fe Chicken Recipe is proof that bold flavor does not require complicated cooking. With simple ingredients and one skillet, you can create a comforting meal that feels both cozy and vibrant. It is a reliable recipe you will want to make again and again, whether for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.