Santa Fe Chicken Skillet

If you’re searching for a quick yet delicious dinner option, look no further than this Santa Fe Chicken Skillet. This dish combines tender chicken breasts with colorful vegetables and zesty spices for a meal that’s bursting with flavor. You can have it on the table in under 30 minutes, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The best part? It’s all cooked in one pan, which means less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish is sure to impress. Ready to dive into a delightful culinary experience? Let’s explore why this Santa Fe Chicken Skillet should be your go-to recipe!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Santa Fe Chicken Skillet
• Ingredients for Santa Fe Chicken Skillet
• How to Make Santa Fe Chicken Skillet
• Tips and Tricks
• How to Serve Santa Fe Chicken Skillet
• Make Ahead and Storage
• Suggestions for Santa Fe Chicken Skillet
• Avoid Overcooking the Chicken
• Don’t Skip Fresh Ingredients
• Neglecting Proper Seasoning
• Ignoring Cooking Technique
• FAQs
• What ingredients do I need for Santa Fe Chicken Skillet?
• Can I make Santa Fe Chicken Skillet ahead of time?
• What can I serve with my Santa Fe Chicken Skillet?
• Is there a vegetarian version of Santa Fe Chicken Skillet?
• Conclusion for Santa Fe Chicken Skillet
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Santa Fe Chicken Skillet

• Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
• Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners

Ingredients for Santa Fe Chicken Skillet

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding
• Fresh Bell Peppers: Choose a mix of red and yellow bell peppers to add sweetness and color to your dish
• Onion: Use a medium-sized onion for a savory base; yellow onions work well in this recipe
• Fresh Garlic: Choose firm garlic cloves for the best flavor; minced garlic adds an aromatic touch
• Canned Black Beans: Rinse and drain them before adding to enhance texture and nutrition

For the Sauce:

• Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness while still providing depth of flavor
• Ground Cumin: This spice will give your dish a warm undertone that complements the other ingredients beautifully

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

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How to Make Santa Fe Chicken Skillet

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Pan

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil once the pan is hot.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Season your boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot enough, add the seasoned chicken to the skillet.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Sear each side of the chicken breasts for about five minutes until they are golden brown. Ensure they are cooked through; use a meat thermometer if needed (165°F or 74°C).

Step 4: Add Vegetables

Remove the chicken from the skillet temporarily. In the same pan, add chopped bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic. Sauté them until softened—about three to four minutes.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with drained black beans. Pour in your prepared sauce mixture made from soy sauce and cumin.

Step 6: Simmer Together

Let everything simmer together for another five minutes so flavors can meld beautifully.

Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

• Even Cooking: Make sure all ingredients are cut to similar sizes for consistent cooking times
• Temperature Control: Let ingredients reach room temperature before starting for better results
• Advanced Technique: For enhanced flavor, try marinating the ingredients overnight

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How to Serve Santa Fe Chicken Skillet

This Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

• Rice or Potatoes: A hearty base that soaks up the delicious sauce.
• Fresh Salad: Adds a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
• Crusty Bread: Perfect for enjoying every last drop of the flavorful sauce.

Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!

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Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and vegetables a day in advance. Simply chop your ingredients, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Storing: Store any leftover Santa Fe Chicken Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it, where it will remain fresh for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator. Heat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave it on medium power for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

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Suggestions for Santa Fe Chicken Skillet

Avoid Overcooking the Chicken

Overcooking the chicken in your Santa Fe Chicken Skillet can lead to dry, tough meat that lacks flavor. To avoid this mistake, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The ideal temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F (75°C). Cook the chicken over medium heat and flip it occasionally to ensure even cooking. If you’re using leftover chicken, warm it gently on low heat to retain moisture. Remember that chicken will continue cooking slightly after you remove it from the skillet due to residual heat, so take it off just before it reaches that perfect temperature.

Don’t Skip Fresh Ingredients

Using fresh ingredients is crucial for a delicious Santa Fe Chicken Skillet. Fresh vegetables and herbs not only enhance flavor but also provide essential nutrients. When possible, choose fresh bell peppers, onions, and corn instead of canned or frozen options for better texture and taste. If you opt for spices, consider fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley as they add a vibrant touch to your dish. Avoid using expired spices; they lose their potency and can make your meal taste bland. Investing in quality ingredients ensures your skillet dish stands out with vibrant flavors.

Neglecting Proper Seasoning

Proper seasoning is key when preparing Santa Fe Chicken Skillet. Many people underestimate how much seasoning enhances flavor. Start with salt and pepper, then add spices such as cumin, paprika, or chili powder to bring warmth and depth to the dish. Taste as you go—this allows you to adjust flavors according to your preference. Don’t forget about acidity; a splash of lime juice at the end can brighten up the entire dish. If you skip this step, your skillet may taste flat or one-dimensional.

Ignoring Cooking Technique

The cooking technique you employ significantly impacts the final result of your Santa Fe Chicken Skillet. Begin by sautéing onions and garlic in oil until fragrant before adding other ingredients—this builds a solid flavor base for your dish. Cook chicken pieces evenly by allowing them enough space in the skillet; overcrowding leads to steaming instead of browning. Use high heat initially to sear the chicken and develop a nice crust before reducing it for even cooking through all ingredients. Ignoring these techniques can result in an unappetizing meal.

FAQs

What ingredients do I need for Santa Fe Chicken Skillet?

To create a delicious Santa Fe Chicken Skillet, gather key ingredients including boneless skinless chicken breasts, bell peppers (red and green), onion, corn (fresh or frozen), black beans, diced tomatoes, and spices like cumin and chili powder. Don’t forget olive oil for sautéing and optional garnishes like cilantro or avocado for freshness at serving time. This combination not only brings vibrant colors but also rich flavors inspired by Southwestern cuisine that everyone will love.

Can I make Santa Fe Chicken Skillet ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare Santa Fe Chicken Skillet ahead of time, making it an ideal option for meal prep or busy weeknights. Cook all components according to the recipe and allow them to cool completely before storing them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on medium-low heat until warmed through or pop it into the microwave for quick serving.

What can I serve with my Santa Fe Chicken Skillet?

Santa Fe Chicken Skillet pairs well with several sides that complement its bold flavors. Consider serving it with fluffy rice or quinoa as a base for added texture and nutrition. Alternatively, warm tortillas are great for scooping up all those tasty ingredients. A fresh salad with lime vinaigrette or guacamole offers a refreshing contrast that balances the richness of the dish beautifully.

Is there a vegetarian version of Santa Fe Chicken Skillet?

Absolutely! You can easily adapt this dish into a vegetarian version by substituting chicken with plant-based protein alternatives like tofu or tempeh marinated in similar spices used in traditional recipes. You could also increase vegetable portions such as zucchini or mushrooms while keeping beans and corn as staple ingredients to maintain texture and protein content in your skillet dish.

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Conclusion for Santa Fe Chicken Skillet

In conclusion, preparing a delicious Santa Fe Chicken Skillet requires attention to detail from ingredient selection to cooking techniques. Avoid common mistakes such as overcooking chicken or neglecting proper seasoning; these can detract from your meal’s overall enjoyment. Emphasizing fresh ingredients will elevate flavors while pairing wisely will enhance your dining experience further. By following these tips alongside our flavorful recipe guidelines, you’ll create an enticing dish that satisfies both family and guests alike every time you cook!