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Santa Fe Skillet Chicken Recipe

4.9 from 93 reviews

A flavorful and hearty Santa Fe Skillet Chicken recipe featuring tender, taco-seasoned chicken breasts cooked with sautéed bell peppers, onions, and black beans, topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal served with crunchy tortilla chips.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tbsp. taco seasoning
  • 1 tsp. cayenne pepper
  • Kosher salt, to taste

Vegetables and Beans

  • 1 red bell pepper, seeds and ribs removed, thinly sliced
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1 (15-oz.) can black beans, rinsed and drained

Toppings and Serving

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded yellow cheddar cheese
  • Finely chopped fresh cilantro, for serving
  • Tortilla chips, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning, 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and kosher salt to taste. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook, turning halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes per side or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate.
  2. Sauté Vegetables and Beans: In the same skillet, add the thinly sliced red bell pepper, red onion, and finely chopped garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, about 7 minutes. Stir in the rinsed and drained black beans until warmed through. Transfer the vegetable and bean mixture to a separate plate.
  3. Melt Cheese over Chicken: Reduce the skillet heat to low. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Top each piece with the shredded yellow cheddar cheese and then the bean and vegetable mixture. Cover the skillet and allow the cheese to melt, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  4. Serve: Garnish the skillet chicken with finely chopped fresh cilantro. Serve hot with tortilla chips on the side for added crunch and flavor, if desired.

Notes

  • For a milder dish, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
  • Use any preferred cheese such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack for variation.
  • For added protein, you can sprinkle some cooked corn or diced avocado on top before serving.
  • This dish pairs well with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh green salad.
  • If you don’t have taco seasoning, a mixture of chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder can be used as a substitute.

Keywords: Santa Fe Skillet Chicken, taco seasoning chicken, skillet chicken recipe, Mexican chicken skillet, easy dinner recipes