Description
This flavorful Santa Fe Chicken recipe features tender, seasoned chicken breasts topped with a zesty mix of black beans, corn, and salsa, baked to perfection and finished with melted Mexican cheese. It’s a colorful, delicious dish that brings bold Southwestern flavors to your dinner table in just 45 minutes, perfect for a family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetable and Salsa Mixture
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 cup salsa (your favorite kind)
Toppings and Garnishes
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Optional: Sour cream, avocado slices, lime wedges, tortillas or rice for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned but not fully cooked to seal in flavor and texture. Transfer the chicken breasts to the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare the Topping Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the drained and rinsed black beans, drained corn, and your favorite salsa. Stir these ingredients until well mixed, creating a flavorful topping for the chicken.
- Assemble and Bake Covered: Pour the bean, corn, and salsa mixture evenly over the chicken in the baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with foil to keep moisture in and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), ensuring it is fully cooked.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil carefully, sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend evenly over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, garnish the Santa Fe Chicken with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve with optional sides such as sour cream, avocado slices, lime wedges, tortillas, or rice to complete the meal.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add some chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To keep this dish gluten free, ensure the salsa and seasoning are gluten-free certified.
- For extra moisture, baste the chicken with some of the salsa juices before baking.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer dark meat with more flavor.
