A One-Pan Southwest-Inspired Dinner Bursting with Flavor
Introduction
Bring the bold, zesty flavors of the Southwest to your dinner table with this Santa Fe Chicken Skillet — a quick, colorful, and satisfying one-pan meal.
Juicy chicken, black beans, corn, Ro-Tel tomatoes, and melted cheese come together in a sizzling skillet loaded with smoky spice and hearty texture. It’s an easy weeknight favorite that’s ready in under 30 minutes and leaves you with just one pan to clean!
Whether you serve it as-is, scoop it into tortillas, or top it over rice, this dish is pure Southwestern comfort food made simple.
💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One pan, minimal cleanup: Perfect for busy nights.
- Bold Southwestern flavor: Chili, garlic, paprika, and Ro-Tel bring heat and depth.
- Ready in 30 minutes: Fast, easy, and satisfying.
- Customizable: Add rice, avocado, or sour cream for your perfect combo.
- Family favorite: A crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters love.
⏱️ Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
🍳 Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ medium onion, chopped
- 1 (10 oz) can Ro-Tel diced tomatoes & green chilies, drained
- 1 (14 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (12 oz) can corn, drained
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
🥣 Instructions
- Season the chicken:
Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. - Cook the chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside. - Sauté aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, until soft and fragrant. - Add veggies and beans:
Stir in Ro-Tel tomatoes, black beans, corn, and smoked paprika. Mix well and let simmer for 3–4 minutes to combine flavors. - Add cheese & chicken:
Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet. Sprinkle with shredded Mexican cheese and cover for 2–3 minutes, until melted. - Serve:
Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve warm — straight from the skillet!
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve over cilantro-lime rice or with warm tortillas.
- Top with avocado, sour cream, or jalapeños for extra flavor.
- Try it as a stuffed burrito filling or nacho topper!
🧊 Storage & Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until hot.
- Add a splash of broth or water if it thickens.