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Santa Fe Chicken Skillet

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This Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is a quick and flavorful one-pan dinner packed with juicy chicken, black beans, sweet corn, Ro-tel tomatoes, and melted Mexican cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this Southwest-inspired skillet recipe is easy to make in just 30 minutes using pantry staples. A family-friendly, cheesy chicken skillet that’s low-fuss and high flavor!

  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner, Skillet Meal
  • Method: Sauté, One-Pan
  • Cuisine: Southwest, Tex-Mex
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into 4 thinner cutlets)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 sweet onion (such as Vidalia), chopped
  • 1 can Ro-tel tomatoes (with green chilies)
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can corn, drained
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend

Instructions

  1. Season chicken cutlets with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chili powder.
  2. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
  3. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and almost cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  4. Add chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
  5. Stir in Ro-tel tomatoes, black beans, corn, and smoked paprika. Cook for 2–3 minutes to combine.
  6. Return chicken to the skillet and sprinkle cheese on top.
  7. Cover and cook on low (or broil for 1–2 minutes) until cheese is melted and chicken is fully cooked through.
  8. Remove from heat and let sit for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Add jalapeños or cayenne for extra heat.
  • Skip beans and corn for a low-carb version—use zucchini or bell peppers.
  • Substitute ground turkey or beef for the chicken.
  • Stir in sour cream at the end for a creamy finish.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://juliameals.com/santa-fe-chicken-skillet/