If you’re looking for a dinner that’s guaranteed to wow family and friends, look no further than this Santa Fe Chicken. It’s a vibrant, flavor-packed dish bursting with the sunny goodness of black beans, sweet corn, zesty tomatoes with chilies, and juicy chicken breasts, all topped with melty cheese and fresh cilantro. Santa Fe Chicken is a crowd-pleaser, easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests, and its colorful layers bring Southwestern flair right to your table in under an hour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Santa Fe Chicken lies in its simplicity—each ingredient adds something special, from a pop of color to a punch of flavor. Assemble these pantry staples and fresh favorites to create a dish that’s as delicious as it is eye-catching.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts serve as the juicy, lean base for this hearty main course.
- Olive Oil: Just a splash ensures a golden, flavorful sear and helps keep the chicken moist in the oven.
- Black Beans: These provide creamy texture and earthy flavor, plus an extra dose of protein and fiber.
- Corn: Sweet, crisp corn adds a pop of color and a little crunch to every bite.
- Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Bring bold, zesty flavor and a touch of heat that brightens up the dish.
- Red Bell Pepper: A red bell pepper delivers vibrant color and subtle sweetness.
- Yellow Onion: Diced onion builds a savory foundation and softens beautifully as it bakes.
- Taco Seasoning: Use a packet or your own homemade blend for classic Tex-Mex spice, tying the whole dish together.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the savory ingredients.
- Shredded Cheddar or Mexican Blend Cheese: Melts into a gooey, golden topping that makes this dish irresistible.
- Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle at the end freshens everything up and gives it that signature Santa Fe finish.
How to Make Santa Fe Chicken
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While it warms, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your chicken breasts and give them a good sear—2 to 3 minutes on each side—just until lightly browned. This easy step locks in juiciness and creates those irresistible golden edges.
Step 2: Layer in the Baking Dish
Transfer the beautifully seared chicken to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. This is where the magic (and flavor layering) really begins. Giving the chicken a bit of space means every piece soaks up all the saucy goodness without crowding.
Step 3: Mix the Santa Fe Chicken Topping
In a large bowl, combine the drained black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with chilies, diced red bell pepper, onion, taco seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Toss it all together so every bite is packed with both color and Tex-Mex flavor. Carefully pour this mixture evenly over the chicken in the baking dish.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Cover your baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches 165°F inside. The foil helps keep things juicy and lets all those flavors mingle while the chicken cooks through.
Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Cilantro
Remove the foil, then scatter the shredded cheese over everything. Return the dish to the oven for about 5 minutes, just long enough to melt the cheese into a bubbly, golden blanket. Finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro—your Santa Fe Chicken is ready to shine!
How to Serve Santa Fe Chicken
Garnishes
The simplest way to make your Santa Fe Chicken extra special is with the right garnish. I always finish with a shower of fresh cilantro, which brightens the plate and balances all those rich, savory flavors. For a touch of decadence, try sliced avocado, lime wedges, or a drizzle of creamy sour cream. A sprinkle of sliced jalapeños is fantastic if you love extra heat!
Side Dishes
Santa Fe Chicken is practically a meal on its own, but it absolutely sings when served with fluffy rice, warm tortillas, or nutty quinoa. For an even heartier spread, add simple sautéed greens, a crisp green salad, or even some tortilla chips for scooping up every saucy bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to change up your presentation? Shred or slice the chicken and tuck it into soft tacos or burritos with extra cheese and fresh toppings. You can also pile the chicken mixture over nachos, or slice leftovers to top a Tex-Mex salad for a fun, colorful lunch the next day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Santa Fe Chicken keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Simply transfer everything, including the toppings, into an airtight container once cooled. The flavors become even deeper after a night in the fridge, making leftovers something to look forward to!
Freezing
To freeze, let the Santa Fe Chicken cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It holds up well for up to two months—just skip the fresh cilantro garnish until reheating. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat Santa Fe Chicken in a 350°F oven, covered, until hot and bubbly—about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual servings for quick lunches, but I recommend adding a splash of broth or water to keep things moist. Always finish with fresh cilantro after reheating to recapture that just-baked brightness.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for Santa Fe Chicken?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are wonderfully juicy and flavorful; just keep an eye on the cook time, as they may need a few extra minutes to reach 165°F. The result will be just as delicious, with an extra boost of tenderness.
Is Santa Fe Chicken spicy?
This dish has a little kick, mostly from the diced tomatoes with green chilies and taco seasoning. If you’re sensitive to spice, opt for mild tomatoes and a milder taco mix. For a spicier version, add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of chipotle powder!
Can I make Santa Fe Chicken in a slow cooker?
Yes! Simply layer all the ingredients (except cheese and cilantro) into your slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours. Add the cheese during the last 15 minutes so it has time to melt, and garnish with cilantro before serving.
What’s the best way to make Santa Fe Chicken creamy?
To add a creamy twist, stir ½ cup of sour cream or cream cheese into the bean and corn mixture before spooning it over the chicken. It creates a luscious, velvety sauce that’s completely irresistible.
Can I prep Santa Fe Chicken ahead of time?
Definitely! Assemble everything in the dish up to a day in advance (without the cheese), cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready, bake as directed, adding a few minutes to the bake time since it’ll be cold from the fridge. Perfect for busy nights!
Final Thoughts
Santa Fe Chicken is a weeknight staple in my kitchen, and I hope it becomes a go-to at your table too. The easy prep, lively flavors, and colorful presentation make it a standout dish for any occasion. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Print
Santa Fe Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Santa Fe Chicken is a delicious Tex-Mex inspired dish featuring tender chicken breasts topped with a flavorful combination of black beans, corn, tomatoes, and cheese. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 (15‑oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15‑oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (15‑oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning or 2 tablespoons homemade mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear chicken breasts 2–3 minutes per side until lightly browned.
- Transfer chicken to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. In a bowl, combine black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with chilies, bell pepper, onion, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Pour mixture evenly over chicken. Cover with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes until chicken is cooked through and reaches 165°F internal temperature.
- Remove foil, sprinkle with cheese, and return to oven for 5 minutes until melted. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.
Notes
- Serve over rice, quinoa, or in tortillas for a complete meal.
- For a creamier version, mix ½ cup sour cream or cream cheese into the bean and corn mixture before baking.
- This recipe can also be made in a slow cooker on low for 4–5 hours.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southwestern, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings
- Calories: ~340
- Sugar: ~5 g
- Sodium: ~780 mg
- Fat: ~12 g
- Saturated Fat: ~4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: ~22 g
- Fiber: ~7 g
- Protein: ~38 g
- Cholesterol: ~95 mg
