Santa Fe Chicken Skillet with Black Beans, Corn, and Melted Colby Jack Cheese Recipe

I absolutely love this Santa Fe Chicken Skillet with Black Beans, Corn, and Melted Colby Jack Cheese Recipe because it’s a perfect blend of smoky, spicy flavors with a creamy melted cheese topping that’s just irresistible. Whenever I make this dish, it feels like a fiesta in my kitchen – colorful, vibrant, and packed with heartwarming comfort. It comes together right in one skillet, which means less mess and more time enjoying a delicious meal with your favorite people.

You’ll find that this Santa Fe Chicken Skillet with Black Beans, Corn, and Melted Colby Jack Cheese Recipe works great for weeknight dinners when you want something filling but don’t want to spend hours cooking. Plus, the combination of black beans and corn gives it a nice texture that pairs beautifully with the juicy spiced chicken. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe is going to become one of your go-to meals.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

I’ve found that combining pantry staples with fresh ingredients makes this Santa Fe Chicken Skillet with Black Beans, Corn, and Melted Colby Jack Cheese Recipe both convenient and tasty. Having the right spices on hand really makes the flavors pop, so keep those basics stocked!

• Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky depth that’s signature to Santa Fe flavors.
• Garlic Powder: Boosts savory notes effortlessly.
• Onion Powder: Perfect for layering flavor without fresh onions.
• Chili Powder: Brings the right kick of warmth and spice.
• Cumin: Earthy and aromatic, key in southwestern cooking.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balance.
• Chicken Breasts: Cut thinly for quick cooking and even seasoning.
• Olive Oil: For searing the chicken and softening onions.
• Onion (diced): Adds sweetness and texture.
• Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic shines in this recipe.
• Black Beans (canned): Drained to keep the skillet saucy but not soggy.
• Green Chiles (canned): Adds a mild heat and a nice tang.
• Diced Tomatoes (canned): For a juicy, flavorful base.
• Corn: Fresh or frozen works — both add a hint of sweetness and crunch.
• Colby Jack Cheese (shredded): Melts beautifully with a mild, creamy taste.
• Lime Juice: Adds brightness and balances the spices.
• Cilantro (chopped): Fresh herb garnish for a pop of color and fresh taste.

Variations

I love how flexible this Santa Fe Chicken Skillet with Black Beans, Corn, and Melted Colby Jack Cheese Recipe is. Feel free to put your own spin on it — I’ve tried swapping in different veggies and even using other cheeses.

• Spice It Up: For an extra kick, add chopped jalapeños or increase chili powder — my husband swears by this!
• Make It Creamier: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving for richer texture.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and double the beans or add cubed tofu for protein.
• Seasonal Veggies: Mix in diced bell peppers or zucchini when they’re in season — it brightens the dish beautifully.

How to Make Santa Fe Chicken Skillet with Black Beans, Corn, and Melted Colby Jack Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Spice Mix and Coat the Chicken

Start by whisking together smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well combined. This simple blend packs a ton of flavor and gives the chicken that authentic Santa Fe vibe. Then, coat both sides of your chicken breasts with this spice mix — I find pressing the spices in with my hands helps them stick better and infuse the meat.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. When it’s shimmering hot, lay the chicken breasts in and sear for about 3-5 minutes on one side until a nice golden crust forms. Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes, but don’t worry if the chicken isn’t cooked all the way through yet — it will finish cooking later. Then, remove the chicken to a plate and set aside to keep those beautiful sear marks intact.

Step 3: Cook the Veggies and Beans

Into the same skillet, pour the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook it for 4-5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent — this builds a sweet base for the sauce. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté just 30 seconds more to wake up those fragrant flavors without burning. Then, stir in black beans, green chiles, diced tomatoes, and corn. Let everything heat through together for 3-4 minutes — you can already smell how these ingredients marry beautifully.

Step 4: Combine & Melt Cheese

Nestle the seared chicken breasts back on top of the veggie and bean mixture in the skillet. Sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over each chicken piece. Reduce the heat to low and cover with a lid or aluminum foil to trap the heat. Let the cheese melt and the chicken finish cooking through (reach an internal temperature of 165°F), which usually takes 3 to 5 minutes. The gooey cheese on top is what makes this dish so comforting — I always sneak a taste at this stage.

Step 5: Finish with Freshness

Right before serving, squeeze fresh lime juice all over the skillet to brighten up all those rich flavors. Garnish with chopped cilantro for a fresh, herbal pop that complements the smoky and spicy notes perfectly. Now it’s ready to dig in!

How to Serve Santa Fe Chicken Skillet with Black Beans, Corn, and Melted Colby Jack Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of finishing this dish with fresh chopped cilantro and a good squeeze of lime juice — it really brings the flavors alive. Sometimes I add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of sliced green onions to round out the fresh and creamy contrasts.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this recipe include warm corn tortillas, Mexican rice, or a crunchy green salad. They help balance the richness and add variety to the meal. Sometimes, I serve it alongside sliced avocado or a simple guacamole for extra creaminess.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I like to serve the Santa Fe Chicken Skillet right in the cast-iron pan for an eye-catching rustic presentation. Adding colorful bowls of toppings like jalapeños, pickled red onions, or diced tomatoes lets everyone customize their plate — it’s always a hit at family gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate them within two hours of cooking. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making lunch the next day even better!

Freezing

This dish freezes well if you want to prep in advance. Just cool completely, then portion it in freezer-safe containers. When thawed, the texture of the chicken stays juicy, and reheated melted cheese still tastes great.

Reheating

I recommend reheating leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, covered, to keep everything moist and prevent the chicken from drying out. If using a microwave, cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring gently to even out the temperature.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Santa Fe Chicken Skillet with Black Beans, Corn, and Melted Colby Jack Cheese Recipe has truly become one of my family’s favorites because it’s simple yet so full of flavor — and the cheese melt is just the perfect finishing touch. I love sharing this recipe because it brings people together around the table, making weeknights feel special without fuss. Give it a try next time you want a comforting, vibrant meal that’s easy to make and even easier to love; I promise you won’t be disappointed!

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