There’s nothing quite like a vibrant, cheesy, flavor-packed dinner that comes together in one baking dish, which is why this Santa Fe Chicken Recipe has become one of my absolute go-tos for busy weeknights and easy entertaining. Tender chicken breasts soak up a zesty blend of Southwestern spices while mingling with hearty black beans, juicy tomatoes with green chilies, sweet corn, and a gooey blanket of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Every bite hits that perfect balance of smoky, creamy, and fresh, and it’s the sort of dish that always disappears fast—trust me, you’ll want to make extra. Whether you’re new to the Santa Fe Chicken Recipe or it’s already a household favorite, you’re about to fall in love with just how satisfying and simple this crowd-pleaser really is.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Santa Fe Chicken Recipe shines because every ingredient adds either bold Southwestern flavor, irresistible texture, or a pop of color. These pantry and fridge staples work magic together, coming together for a dish that feels special but only requires a handful of everyday items.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the perfect canvas for all the big flavors—just a quick rub and they stay super juicy in the oven.
- Olive Oil: Helps the spice blend stick to the chicken and ensures a beautiful golden color as it bakes.
- Chili Powder: Brings gentle heat and that classic Southwestern aroma that sets the stage for the dish.
- Cumin: Offers a warm, earthy undertone that just screams Santa Fe flair.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a punch of savory flavor without overpowering the other spices.
- Paprika: Gives a subtle smokiness and deepens the color of the seasoning blend.
- Salt and Black Pepper: The essentials for seasoning—don’t skimp, as they balance out all the other flavors.
- Black Beans: Make the dish hearty and satisfying, soaking up the juices as they cook with the chicken.
- Corn: Frozen corn brings bursts of sweetness and color to every forkful—just thaw before using.
- Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: This ingredient is key for a juicy, slightly spicy topping that ties everything together.
- Cheddar Cheese: Melts to form a gooey, flavorful layer that pairs perfectly with the spices.
- Monterey Jack Cheese: Adds creaminess and a subtle tang, melting beautifully over the top.
- Fresh Cilantro (Optional): For a fresh, herbal finish that brightens up each serving—add as much or as little as you like.
- Lime Wedges: Squeezing fresh lime over the top right before serving really makes the flavors pop!
How to Make Santa Fe Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F—getting that oven nice and hot means the chicken will cook up juicy and tender. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a drizzle of olive oil or a quick spray. This step prevents the chicken and cheesy goodness from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Spice Blend
In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mixing your spices ahead of time ensures they’re evenly distributed, so every bite of the Santa Fe Chicken Recipe is loaded with Southwest-inspired flavor.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry for better browning, then drizzle them with olive oil. Rub the oil on both sides, and generously coat the chicken with your spice mix, pressing to help the seasoning stick. This not only builds a flavorful crust, but also keeps the meat extra moist once baked.
Step 4: Layer the Veggies and Beans
In another bowl, combine the black beans, thawed corn, and that can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (juices and all!). Stir it all together, then spoon the mixture over and around the chicken in the baking dish. This topping cooks alongside the chicken, infusing it with flavor and ensuring you get a medley of textures in every bite.
Step 5: Bake Covered
Tightly cover the baking dish with foil—this traps moisture so the chicken stays succulent and the beans get beautifully saucy. Pop it in the oven and bake for 25 minutes, letting all those flavors mingle and the chicken start to cook through.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
Carefully remove the foil (mind the steam!), and sprinkle the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses generously over the chicken and veggies. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, for another 10 to 15 minutes. The cheese will melt into a bubbling, golden layer, and the chicken will finish cooking right in the flavorful juices.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once the cheese is melted and the chicken is done (a thermometer reads 165°F), pull it from the oven. Shower the top with chopped cilantro for a fresh, herby kick, and serve each portion with a squeeze of lime. The Santa Fe Chicken Recipe is ready for a fiesta!
How to Serve Santa Fe Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes make a huge difference—think chopped cilantro for brightness and lime wedges for zesty contrast. If you like it extra spicy, add sliced jalapeños or diced avocado on top for extra flavor and texture. The beauty of this Santa Fe Chicken Recipe is it’s endlessly customizable with your favorite toppings.
Side Dishes
This dish is delicious all on its own, but serving it over fluffy rice, nutty quinoa, or even alongside tortilla chips turns it into a complete meal. A side salad with a tangy vinaigrette or warm, buttery cornbread also go beautifully with the cheesy, smoky flavors of Santa Fe Chicken Recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn the Santa Fe Chicken Recipe into the star of a DIY taco night by slicing the cooked chicken and piling it into warm tortillas with the beans, corn, and cheese. Or, shred the chicken and serve it atop nachos, tucked into wraps, or spooned over baked sweet potatoes for a fun Southwestern twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Santa Fe Chicken Recipe leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors only get better as they meld together, so it’s perfect for meal prepping easy lunches or a quick dinner later in the week.
Freezing
You can easily freeze leftover portions by wrapping them tightly or placing them in a freezer-safe container. For best texture, remove any cilantro or lime before freezing. The Santa Fe Chicken Recipe reheats well right from frozen, making it a lifesaver for busy nights.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave individual portions (cover loosely to trap steam), or bake covered at 350°F until heated through. Add a fresh sprinkle of cheese and cilantro after reheating to bring back that oozy, fresh-tasting finish.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay juicy and work just as well as breasts in this recipe—just adjust the cooking time as needed, since thighs may take a few minutes longer to cook through.
Is this Santa Fe Chicken Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, so it’s a perfect option for anyone avoiding gluten. Just double-check your canned goods to make sure there’s no added gluten in the beans or tomatoes.
How can I make it spicier?
For more heat, mix in a diced jalapeño with the tomato and bean mixture or use a spicier blend of diced tomatoes and green chilies. Don’t be shy about sprinkling some extra chili powder on top, too!
Can I prep this dish in advance?
Yes! You can assemble everything up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and keep it in the refrigerator for up to a day. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the baking time since you’re starting from cold.
What’s the best way to check if the chicken is cooked through?
Use an instant-read meat thermometer to make sure the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F. The juices should run clear, and the chicken should feel firm but not dry when pressed with a fork.
Final Thoughts
I hope you give this Santa Fe Chicken Recipe a spot in your regular dinner rotation. It’s hearty, impossibly easy, and full of vibrant Southwestern flavor—what’s not to love? Grab those simple ingredients and treat yourself to a meal that’s as fun as it is delicious. Your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Santa Fe Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southwestern
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Santa Fe Chicken recipe is a flavorful and cheesy baked dish featuring tender chicken breasts topped with a zesty mix of black beans, corn, tomatoes, and gooey cheeses. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that brings a taste of the Southwest to your table.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Bean and Corn Mixture:
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup frozen corn (thawed)
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained)
Cheese Topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Season the chicken: Mix chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub chicken with olive oil and seasonings, then place in the baking dish.
- Prepare the bean and corn mixture: Combine black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Spoon over and around the chicken.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil, add cheeses, and bake uncovered for 10–15 more minutes until chicken is cooked and cheese is melted.
- Serve: Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges.
Notes
- Great with rice, quinoa, or tortilla chips.
- For extra heat, add diced jalapeño to the mixture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 41g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
