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Santa Fe Chicken

Santa Fe Chicken - Great Meal Recipes

Ah, Santa Fe Chicken. Just the name evokes warmth and a sense of home. Picture this: it’s a sun-soaked evening, the grill’s sizzling, and a delicious aroma wafts through the air. This dish has a way of bringing people together.
I remember the first time I tried making it. A few friends and I gathered for a potluck. I wanted something that felt special yet was easy to whip up. The result? Santa Fe Chicken became the star of the evening!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Tex Mex
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1½ cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • ½ teaspoon roasted garlic powder
  • ¼ smoked paprika
  • 2 large boneless chicken breasts, sliced lengthwise
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ancho chili powder
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • ½ teaspoon sweet onion powder
  • 5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • ½ lime, juiced
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions for garnish
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Method
 

  1. Let’s get cooking! Follow these steps carefully for a successful dish.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
  1. First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and comes out juicy.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
  1. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and cook until translucent. This usually takes about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic, stir well, and cook for another minute. Your kitchen should smell heavenly by now.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken
  1. While the onions are cooking, season the chicken breasts with cumin, black pepper, sea salt, and ancho chili powder. This spice rub will give your chicken that essential Santa Fe flavor kick.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
  1. In the same skillet, push the onion and garlic to the side. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear each side for about 3-4 minutes. We want that beautiful golden crust!
Step 5: Add the Other Ingredients
  1. Once the chicken is seared, add in the can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes, green chilies, corn, and black beans. Stir everything together gently to ensure the chicken is well coated.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Bake
  1. Sprinkle the shredded cheese blend over the top of the dish. Now, transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 7: Finishing Touches
  1. When your dish is done baking, remove it from the oven carefully. Squeeze the lime juice over the top and garnish with fresh cilantro and chopped green onions.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
  1. Serve your Santa Fe Chicken hot, alongside your chosen sides. Watch as everyone digs in! There’s nothing like a home-cooked meal.

Notes

Use Fresh Ingredients
 The fresher your ingredients, the better your dish will taste. Fresh garlic and vegetables elevate any meal!
Customize Your Spices
 Feel free to tweak the spice levels. If you’re a heat lover, add extra chili powder!
Marinate Chicken
 For even deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, lime juice, and spices for a couple of hours before cooking.
Consider Cheese Mixes
 Experiment with different types of cheese such as pepper jack for a little kick or Cotija for a crumbly texture.
Meal Prep Friendly
 This dish can be cooked in advance and reheated, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights.