Savor the bold and vibrant flavors of Santa Fe Chicken, a dish that effortlessly combines zesty taco-seasoned chicken with a medley of colorful vegetables and gooey melted cheese. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, delivering a satisfying and flavorful dinner that the whole family will love.
Ingredients:
- 1 - 1 ½ pound chicken breasts
- 2 Tablespoons taco seasoning
- 2 Tablespoons oil, divided
- ½ onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can petite diced tomatoes
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
- 1 ½ cups shredded Mexican Cheese Blend
- Fresh cilantro, optional garnish
Instructions:
Step 1: Seasoning the Chicken Season both sides of the chicken breasts with taco seasoning, ensuring a flavorful coating.
Step 2: Cooking the Chicken Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for approximately 4-5 minutes per side until browned and mostly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan, cover, and keep warm.
Step 3: Preparing the Vegetables Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining oil to the skillet. Add finely chopped onions and cook for about 5 minutes until they become soft. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, just until the fragrance starts to emerge.
Step 4: Adding Beans, Corn, and Tomatoes Pour in the black beans, corn, petite diced tomatoes, and diced green chiles. Stir the mixture together and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 5: Reintroducing Chicken Add the chicken back to the pan, nestling it within the black bean mixture. Simmer the chicken for 6-7 minutes until fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165º F).
Step 6: Melting the Cheese Once the chicken is cooked through, top it with the shredded Mexican Cheese Blend. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for a few minutes until the cheese is melted, creating a gooey and irresistible topping.
Step 7: Serving To serve, top the Santa Fe Chicken with fresh cilantro if desired, adding a burst of freshness and color.
COOKING Note: Be sure to cover the skillet when melting the cheese to ensure a perfectly melted and gooey texture.
Serving Suggestions: Serve this flavorful Santa Fe Chicken over rice, quinoa, or with warm tortillas for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips:
- Customize the level of spice by adjusting the amount of taco seasoning.
- Experiment with different cheese blends for a unique twist.
Santa Fe Chicken is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that brings together the essence of Southwestern flavors. With its tender taco-seasoned chicken, colorful vegetable blend, and gooey melted cheese, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Elevate your weeknight dinner with the bold and comforting taste of Santa Fe Chicken. Enjoy the culinary journey of flavors with each delicious bite!
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