In a world filled with culinary chaos, where dinners can be both a delight and a disaster, the Santa Fe Chicken Skillet stands out as a beacon of hope. Picture this: tender chicken pieces sizzling away in a colorful medley of bell peppers and zesty spices, filling your kitchen with an aroma that makes even the most stubborn kids leave their screens for dinner. Air Fryer Honey Butter Chicken Tenders This dish is not just food; it’s an experience waiting to happen.
Now, let me take you on a little journey. The first time I made this Santa Fe Chicken Skillet, I was trying to impress my friends during our weekly dinner party. Let’s just say that my cooking skills were still in the “I can boil water” phase. But when I pulled this vibrant dish from the stovetop, everyone was convinced I had been taking secret cooking lessons. The laughter, the compliments, and the clean plates that followed? Well, let’s just say they were worth every minute I spent chopping and stirring! For more inspiration, check out this Amish Country Casserole recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Packed with bold flavors from spices and fresh ingredients, it delivers a taste explosion in every bite.
- The colorful presentation will brighten up your dinner table and impress your guests.
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve as a base for other ingredients or sides as you like!
Ingredients for Santa Fe Chicken Skillet
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 1 pound of chicken breasts; they cook quickly and absorb flavors beautifully. Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Recipes.
- Bell Peppers: A mix of red and green peppers adds color and sweetness; slice them thinly for even cooking.
- Onion: One medium onion will add sweetness and depth; yellow onions work best for this recipe.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential; use about three cloves minced for maximum flavor impact.
- Cumin: Ground cumin brings warmth and earthiness to the dish; it’s like a cozy blanket for your taste buds.
- Chili Powder: Add about one tablespoon for that zesty kick; adjust according to your spice tolerance.
- Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth to keep flavors balanced while ensuring moisture.
- Olive Oil: A couple of tablespoons will help sauté those veggies to perfection and add richness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Santa Fe Chicken Skillet
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop the bell peppers, onion, and mince the garlic so everything is ready for action.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Sprinkle salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder over the chicken breasts. Make sure they are well-coated; we want flavor in every bite!
Step 3: Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, place the seasoned chicken breasts into the pan. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Veggies
In the same skillet (because who wants more dishes?), toss in sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté these beauties for about 4-5 minutes until they soften but still have some crunch.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the chicken to the skillet along with minced garlic. Pour in about half a cup of chicken broth. Simmer everything together for another five minutes until cooked through.
Step 6: Serve It Up
Transfer everything onto plates—make sure each serving gets an equal share of those colorful veggies! Enjoy it as is or serve it over rice or tortillas for a more filling meal.
Feel free to drizzle some lime juice on top before serving—it adds that extra zing!
You Must Know
- This Santa Fe Chicken Skillet dish is not just a meal; it’s a fiesta in your mouth.
- Quick to whip up, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, yet impressive enough for guests.
- The bright colors and flavors will make your dinner table pop with excitement!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results, start by searing the chicken until golden brown. While that’s happening, sauté your vegetables and prepare any sauces. Finally, combine everything in the skillet for a harmonious blend of flavors.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your pantry. Try adding black beans for extra protein, jalapeños for heat, or even cheese to give it that creamy finish. The possibilities are endless!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm them on the stove over medium heat or microwave until heated through while stirring occasionally.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly juicy chicken, let it rest after cooking before slicing.
- Always taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Use fresh vegetables to ensure vibrant flavors and textures in your dish.
Sharing this recipe always brings back memories of my friends raving about how they couldn’t believe I made it so quickly—it’s a real crowd-pleaser!
FAQs:
What is Santa Fe Chicken Skillet?
Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is a flavorful one-pan dish that combines tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, black beans, corn, and spices. This dish captures the essence of Southwestern cuisine with its vibrant ingredients and zesty flavors. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, as it cooks quickly and requires minimal cleanup. You can serve it over rice or with tortillas for a complete meal.
How long does it take to prepare Santa Fe Chicken Skillet?
Preparing Santa Fe Chicken Skillet typically takes around 30 minutes from start to finish. This includes chopping the vegetables, cooking the chicken, and allowing the flavors to meld together. The quick cooking time makes this dish ideal for those who are short on time but still want a hearty and satisfying meal.
Can I customize the ingredients in my Santa Fe Chicken Skillet?
Absolutely! One of the best features of Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is its versatility. You can swap out proteins like turkey or tofu for chicken, or add different vegetables such as zucchini or spinach based on your preference. Feel free to adjust the spices or add your favorite toppings like avocado or cheese for added flavor.
Is Santa Fe Chicken Skillet healthy?
Yes, Santa Fe Chicken Skillet can be a healthy meal option. It offers lean protein from chicken and plenty of vitamins from vegetables like bell peppers and corn. Additionally, black beans provide fiber and nutrients. To make it even healthier, consider using less oil or serving it with a side salad to boost the nutritional value.
Conclusion for Santa Fe Chicken Skillet:
In summary, Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is a delicious and nutritious dish that brings together appealing flavors in one convenient pan. Its quick preparation time makes it an excellent choice for busy nights, while its adaptability allows you to tailor it to your taste preferences. Egg Roll In A Bowl This recipe not only satisfies your hunger but also introduces you to the vibrant world of Southwestern cuisine. Enjoy this meal as part of your weekly dinner rotation for a delightful culinary experience!
Santa Fe Chicken Skillet
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is a colorful and flavorful one-pan dish that captures the essence of Southwestern cuisine. Featuring tender chicken, sautéed bell peppers, and zesty spices, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With minimal prep and cook time, you can create a vibrant meal that delights your family and friends, leaving everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Slice the bell peppers and onion; mince the garlic.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown; remove from pan.
- In the same skillet, add onions and bell peppers; cook for about 4-5 minutes until softened.
- Return chicken to the skillet with minced garlic. Pour in chicken broth; simmer for an additional 5 minutes until fully cooked.
- Serve hot over rice or tortillas; garnish with lime juice if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the skillet (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
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