Description
This Santa Fe Chicken recipe is a flavorful, easy-to-make baked chicken dish featuring juicy chicken breasts topped with a hearty mixture of black beans, corn, and salsa, finished with melted Mexican cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, it’s a delicious blend of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors that bring a taste of the Southwest to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
Bean and Corn Mixture
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 cup salsa (your favorite kind)
Toppings and Garnishes
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Optional: Sour cream, avocado slices, lime wedges, tortillas or rice for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin. Sear each chicken breast for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a brown crust but are not fully cooked. Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare Bean Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the drained black beans, drained corn, and salsa, mixing thoroughly. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the baking dish.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. This ensures the chicken cooks through completely to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend evenly over the chicken and bean mixture, and return the dish to the oven uncovered. Bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve with optional sour cream, avocado slices, lime wedges, and your choice of tortillas or rice to complete the meal.
Notes
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- You can customize the salsa type—mild, medium, or hot—according to your heat preference.
- Adding the cheese at the end prevents it from overcooking and becoming rubbery.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave for best results.
- For a spicier kick, add jalapeños or hot sauce to the bean and corn mixture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southwestern
