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Santa Fe Skillet Chicken Recipe

4.4 from 122 reviews

This Santa Fe Skillet Chicken recipe features tender, seasoned chicken breasts cooked with vibrant bell peppers, onions, and black beans, all topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro. Served with crunchy tortilla chips, it’s a colorful and flavorful dish perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper
  • Kosher salt, to taste

Vegetables and Beans

  • 1 red bell pepper, seeds and ribs removed, thinly sliced
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1 (15-oz.) can black beans, rinsed and drained

Cheese and Garnish

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded yellow cheddar cheese
  • Finely chopped fresh cilantro, for serving
  • Tortilla chips, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle the chicken breasts evenly with 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning, 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and kosher salt to taste. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes per side, turning halfway through, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F using an instant-read thermometer. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a plate.
  2. Sauté Vegetables and Beans: In the same skillet, add the sliced red bell pepper, red onion, and finely chopped garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are softened, about 7 minutes. Stir in the rinsed and drained black beans and heat through. Transfer this mixture to another plate to keep warm.
  3. Melt the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Evenly top the chicken with shredded yellow cheddar cheese, then layer the warm bean and vegetable mixture over the cheese. Cover the skillet with a lid and allow the cheese to melt, which should only take a few minutes.
  4. Garnish and Serve: Once the cheese has melted, sprinkle the dish with finely chopped fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with tortilla chips on the side for added crunch, if desired.

Notes

  • For a milder version, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
  • Use low-sodium taco seasoning to control salt content.
  • Substitute black beans with pinto beans if preferred.
  • Serve with warm tortillas or rice for a more filling meal.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet or microwave.

Keywords: Santa Fe Skillet Chicken, Southwestern chicken recipe, skillet chicken with black beans, cheesy chicken skillet, quick chicken dinner