Santa Fe Chicken

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to take a flavorful journey to the heart of the American Southwest? Today, we’re cooking up a dish that’s bursting with bold, smoky flavor, colorful veggies, and tender chicken that practically melts in your mouth — the one and only Santa Fe Chicken. 🌶️🇺🇸

This recipe is rooted in the sun-drenched kitchens of New Mexico and Arizona, where spices dance, corn sizzles, and the aroma of roasted peppers fills the air. Santa Fe Chicken is more than a meal — it’s a warm hug in a skillet, a perfect blend of comfort and zest. Whether you serve it over rice, wrapped in a tortilla, or just as it is, every bite brings you sunshine and a little kick of Southwestern spice. 🌽🔥

Let’s bring those desert flavors right to your table — vibrant, wholesome, and absolutely delicious. Ready? Let’s get cooking! 👩‍🍳💛

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Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Santa Fe Mix:

• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup salsa (mild or medium, your choice)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime, cut into wedges

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Step-by-Step Directions

1️⃣ Prepare the Chicken
Pat your chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Rub them with olive oil, then season generously with chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Let them rest for about 10 minutes so the flavors can soak in.

2️⃣ Sear It Up
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 6–7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside on a plate.

3️⃣ Sauté the Veggies
In the same skillet, add a touch more oil if needed. Toss in the red onion and bell pepper, cooking until they soften and release their sweet aroma — about 4 minutes.

4️⃣ Add the Beans and Corn
Stir in the black beans and corn. Mix well and cook for another 2–3 minutes, letting everything warm and blend together.

5️⃣ Bring on the Flavor
Pour in the salsa and stir until everything is coated in that zesty sauce. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes, allowing the flavors to come alive.

6️⃣ Combine It All
Nestle the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet. Spoon some of the bean-corn mixture over each piece. Sprinkle shredded cheese generously on top, then cover the skillet with a lid.

7️⃣ Melt and Serve
Reduce heat to low and let the cheese melt beautifully over the chicken. Once melted and bubbly, remove from heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice before serving.

8️⃣ Enjoy the Southwest Sunshine!
Serve warm with a side of rice, inside a tortilla, or alongside a crisp salad.

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Nutritional Information

⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 25 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 40 minutes

⚡ Calories per serving: ~410
🍽️ Servings: 4

Per Serving (Approximate):

• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 8g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Cholesterol: 85mg

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Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩🍳🍽️