Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the most irresistible Chicken Santa Fe recipe that's about to become your new weeknight dinner obsession! This mouthwatering dish combines the zesty kick of salsa, the richness of melted cheese, and the hearty goodness of black beans and corn, all perfectly nestled around juicy chicken breasts. In just 35 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality meal that will have your family begging for seconds and asking, "How did you make this?"
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup corn, drained
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 cup of salsa, 1 cup of drained corn, 1 cup of drained and rinsed black beans, 1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend), 1 teaspoon of cumin, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for baking the chicken.
- While the oven is preheating, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and cumin on both sides. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken.
- In a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish, place the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer. This will allow for even cooking.
- Pour the salsa evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well-coated. The salsa will add moisture and flavor to the dish.
- Next, sprinkle the drained corn and black beans over the salsa-covered chicken. Distributing these ingredients evenly will provide a nice texture and flavor contrast.
- Finally, top the entire dish with the shredded cheese, covering the chicken and vegetables completely. This will create a delicious cheesy crust as it bakes.
- Cover the skillet or baking dish with aluminum foil to help retain moisture during the initial baking phase.
- Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. This will allow the chicken to cook through while keeping it tender.
- After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute within the chicken.
- Serve the Easy Chicken Santa Fe warm, garnished with fresh cilantro or avocado if desired, alongside rice or tortillas for a complete meal.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This guarantees juicy, perfectly cooked chicken every time.
- Cheese Selection Matters: While the recipe suggests cheddar or Mexican blend, experiment with pepper jack for an extra spicy kick or a blend of monterey jack and cheddar for more complexity.
- Make it Your Own: Feel free to customize by adding diced bell peppers, jalapeños, or switching up the salsa type (mild, medium, or hot) to suit your taste preferences.
- Meal Prep Hack: This dish freezes beautifully! Prepare the entire recipe, let it cool completely, and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator or 2 months in the freezer.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with cilantro-lime rice, warm tortillas, or a fresh side salad to complete your meal and soak up all those delicious sauces.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 100mg
