If you’re searching for a weeknight meal that’s crave-worthy, colorful, and destined to win over the whole table, Santa Fe Chicken is going to be your new favorite! This dish brings juicy baked chicken together with a Southwestern medley of black beans, corn, zesty tomatoes and chilies, and gooey melted cheese—all in one skillet. Every bite is bursting with bold flavor, incredible textures, and a pop of freshness thanks to a generous sprinkle of cilantro and a squeeze of lime. Santa Fe Chicken is a seriously satisfying main course you’ll be thrilled to add to your regular dinner rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of humble pantry staples and fresh ingredients come together to create a fiesta of flavor. Each item plays an essential part, whether it’s infusing warmth, adding creaminess, or amping up vibrant color—don’t skip a thing!

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, and the perfect canvas to soak up all the lively Southwestern spices.
Olive oil: Helps the spices stick while keeping the chicken extra juicy and tender as it bakes.
Chili powder: Brings just the right amount of smoky, earthy heat and authentic Southwestern kick.
Cumin: A ground spice with warm, nutty notes that really sing in this bold chicken dish.
Garlic powder: Infuses deep, savory flavor throughout every layer of this Santa Fe Chicken.
Paprika: Lends a touch of sweetness and beautiful color; smoked paprika adds even more depth if you have it.
Salt: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors—season boldly for best results.
Black pepper: Adds a hint of sharp, peppery bite to round out the spice blend.
Black beans: Drained and rinsed, they’re hearty, fiber-rich, and perfect for soaking up the sauce.
Corn: Naturally sweet and colorful, using frozen (thawed) corn gives the best texture.
Diced tomatoes with green chilies: The quick way to add tang, juiciness, and a whisper of heat—look for cans like Rotel.
Mexican cheese blend: Melts to gooey perfection, creating that irresistible cheesy finish everyone loves.
Fresh cilantro (optional): Adds a cool, herbal lift at the end. If you’re not a fan, feel free to leave it off!
Lime wedges: A squeeze over the top brings all the flavors into bright, harmonious focus right before serving.

How to Make Santa Fe Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil and give them a thorough rub to ensure every inch is glistening and ready for seasoning. In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, then sprinkle this spice blend all over the chicken, pressing it in so every bite is seasoned to perfection.

Step 2: Layer in the Southwestern Veggies

Grab a large, oven-safe skillet or baking dish and lay your beautifully seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer. In a mixing bowl, stir together the black beans, corn, and the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies. Pour this colorful veggie mixture all around the chicken so it fills the bottom of the pan and nestles up alongside the meat—it will become the juicy, flavorful base of your Santa Fe Chicken.

Step 3: Bake Until Juicy and Flavorful

Cover your skillet or dish tightly with foil. Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. The chicken will absorb all those zesty flavors as it cooks. It’s ready when a thermometer registers 165°F at the thickest part. Don’t overbake—no one wants dry chicken!

Step 4: Add Cheese and Finish Baking

Carefully remove the foil and (here’s the fun part!) sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend evenly over the top of the chicken. Return the pan to the oven, uncovered, for another 5 minutes. The cheese will melt into a bubbly, golden layer that makes this Santa Fe Chicken truly irresistible.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, shower the dish with chopped cilantro for a bright, herbal accent. Serve each chicken breast with a big scoop of the corn, beans, and tomato mixture from the pan. Don’t forget to pass lime wedges at the table so everyone can squeeze some tangy freshness over their plate.

How to Serve Santa Fe Chicken

Garnishes

Cilantro and lime are classic Santa Fe Chicken garnishes, but you can take things up a notch with sliced jalapeños for heat, diced avocado for creamy coolness, or even a dollop of sour cream. Sprinkle extra cheese on top if you’re feeling extra cheesy!

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with fluffy rice, cilantro-lime cauliflower rice (for a low-carb twist), warm tortillas, or a crisp Southwestern salad. The savory veggies and juicy chicken also go great with simple steamed veggies or even some classic refried beans if you’re feeling festive.

Creative Ways to Present

Tuck leftover Santa Fe Chicken into tortillas to make hearty tacos, pile it on top of crunchy tortilla chips for an incredible nacho platter, or slice it and layer over a bed of greens for a colorful, protein-packed salad. Don’t hesitate to think outside the skillet—the flavors are made for sharing!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Santa Fe Chicken keeps its bold flavors and tempting textures even after a night in the fridge. Let leftover chicken and veggies cool to room temperature, then store everything in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days—a perfect meal prep option or next-day lunch.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze your Santa Fe Chicken, do so before adding the cheese topping for best results. Wrap the cooled chicken and vegetable mixture tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat and add cheese as you finish baking.

Reheating

To reheat, arrange chicken and veggie mixture in an oven-proof dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven until hot (about 15–20 minutes). You can also microwave individual portions for quick weeknight eats. Add fresh cilantro and limes after reheating to revive all those vibrant flavors.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work beautifully in this recipe and tend to stay extra juicy during baking. Just be sure to adjust the cook time as needed, and check for doneness with a thermometer.

Is this Santa Fe Chicken spicy?

The dish has a gentle, crowd-pleasing amount of heat from the chili powder and diced green chilies, but it’s not overly spicy. For more kick, add jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the seasoning blend.

Can I prep Santa Fe Chicken ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble the Santa Fe Chicken right up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate for up to two days. Pop it in the oven when you’re ready for a hands-off dinner that tastes freshly made.

What’s the best way to make it dairy-free?

Simply swap the cheese for your favorite dairy-free shredded cheese blend, and you’ll still get all the melty, bubbly goodness on top. The rest of the recipe is naturally dairy-free and gluten-free!

How can I make this dish even more filling?

Try adding a layer of cooked rice or quinoa to the bottom of your skillet before adding the chicken and veggies. It soaks up extra sauce, stretches the meal further, and makes the Santa Fe Chicken even heartier.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing like gathering around the table and sharing the bold, satisfying flavors of Santa Fe Chicken with the people you love. This recipe’s foolproof, family-friendly, and just downright delicious. Don’t wait to give it a try—it might just become your new dinnertime tradition!

Santa Fe Chicken Recipe