Santa Fe Chicken is a creamy, zesty, and colorful dish that blends the warmth of Tex Mex flavors with the comfort of homemade cooking. This easy recipe brings together tender chicken, corn, black beans, and Rotel tomatoes for a skillet meal that’s both hearty and full of flavor.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- It is quick and ready in under 30 minutes.
- It’s full of creamy, spicy, and cheesy goodness.
- It works for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
Ingredients
- Chicken breast : main protein for juicy bites
- Rotel tomatoes : adds a zesty tomato base with green chiles
- Black beans : adds fiber and texture
- Corn : brings natural sweetness and crunch
- Cream cheese : makes the sauce creamy and smooth
- Cheddar cheese : melts into a gooey topping
- Olive oil : helps brown the chicken
- Garlic and onion : boost savory flavor
- Cumin and chili powder : classic Tex Mex spice combo
- Fresh cilantro : for a bright, fresh finish
Step by Step Instructions
- Heat a skillet with olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until golden brown on both sides.
- Add garlic and onion. Cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes, stirring often so nothing burns.
- Stir in Rotel tomatoes, corn, and black beans. Sprinkle cumin and chili powder, then mix well.
- Add cream cheese and stir until melted into a creamy sauce. Sprinkle cheddar on top and cover the skillet until cheese is melted.
- Top with chopped cilantro and serve warm.
Mistakes To Avoid
When making Santa Fe Chicken, it’s easy to make small mistakes that change the flavor or texture of this Tex Mex favorite.
- Do not overcook the chicken or it will turn dry. Always cook just until the juices run clear.
- Avoid skipping the spices. The cumin and chili powder bring that signature Mexican Chicken Recipes flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Santa Fe Chicken tastes amazing with warm tortillas or rice. You can also spoon it over nachos or baked potatoes for a fun twist. For more quick poultry recipes, try this Thai chicken wrap with spicy peanut sauce or this roasted green chile chicken enchiladas. If you love hearty casseroles, you might also enjoy this cheesy ground beef and potatoes casserole recipe. For a lighter dish, pair with instant pot salmon with garlic potatoes and greens.
Santa Fe Chicken
Equipment
- Skillet
Ingredients
Santa Fe Chicken
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 can Rotel tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
- 1 cup corn frozen or canned, drained
- 1 cup black beans rinsed and drained
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 4 oz cream cheese cubed
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until golden brown on both sides.
- Add garlic and onion. Cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes, stirring often.
- Stir in Rotel tomatoes, corn, and black beans. Sprinkle cumin and chili powder, then mix well.
- Add cream cheese and stir until melted into a creamy sauce.
- Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top, cover skillet, and let it melt.
- Top with chopped cilantro and serve warm.
Notes
FAQs
Can I make Santa Fe Chicken ahead of time?
Yes! Santa Fe Chicken stores well in the fridge for up to three days. Let it cool before sealing it in an airtight container. When ready to eat, reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warm and creamy again. Add a splash of milk if the sauce thickens too much.
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?
Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe. Simply skip the browning step and add the chicken when you mix in the Rotel and spices. It saves time and still delivers that rich Tex Mex flavor everyone loves.
What can I serve with Santa Fe Chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with cilantro rice, roasted veggies, or tortilla chips. For a fun meal idea, wrap it in soft tortillas with avocado slices. It also makes a great topping for baked potatoes or a warm filling for tacos. You can even serve it with a side of creamy guacamole for a full Mexican Chicken Recipes spread.
Conclusion
This Santa Fe Chicken brings comfort, spice, and creamy goodness to your table. With easy ingredients and one skillet cleanup, it’s a winner among Chicken Skillet Recipes and Chicken Dishes Recipes. Save this recipe on Pinterest so you can make it anytime you crave warm, zesty Tex Mex flavor at home.
