Delicious Santa Fe Chicken Recipe for a Flavorful Feast

Picture this: tender chicken marinated in a zesty blend of spices, topped with colorful bell peppers and gooey cheese. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, making your stomach growl with anticipation. That’s the magic of Santa Fe Chicken, a dish that transports you straight to a sun-soaked patio in New Mexico with each bite.

Now, I don’t know about you, but my first encounter with Santa Fe Chicken was during one of those potluck dinners where everyone brings their A-game. I still remember my friend Sarah’s face lighting up as she served it—like she had just discovered the Holy Grail of chicken recipes. And let me tell you, the cheers when it hit the table were louder than fireworks on the Fourth of July. Trust me, this dish is perfect for everything from casual weeknight dinners to festive gatherings that call for a little flavor fiesta.

Every time I whip up this dish, my family transforms into a bunch of food critics, offering enthusiastic reviews that could rival Michelin star ratings. It’s always a hit!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust depending on how many people you’re feeding.

• Bell Peppers: Go for assorted colors—red, green, yellow—for both flavor and visual appeal.

• Onion: A medium onion will add sweetness; yellow onions work best for this recipe.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential for maximum flavor; avoid pre-minced if possible.

• Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar provides that melty goodness we all crave; feel free to mix in some pepper jack for heat.

• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for sautéing; it adds richness to the dish.

• Cumin and Chili Powder: These spices bring warmth and depth to the dish; don’t skip them!

• Lime Juice: A splash of fresh lime juice brightens everything up—trust me on this one.

For the Sauce:

• Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth keeps things tasty without overwhelming saltiness.

• Sour Cream: For a creamy finish that balances out the spices perfectly.

• Fresh Cilantro (optional): Adds freshness right before serving; omit if you’re not a cilantro fan.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Santa Fe Chicken

Marinate the Chicken: Start by mixing lime juice, cumin, chili powder, and minced garlic in a bowl. Add chicken breasts and coat them well. Marinate for at least 30 minutes in the fridge.

Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and bell peppers until they soften and become fragrant—about 5 minutes will do.

Cook the Chicken: Remove marinated chicken from the fridge. In the same skillet, add your chicken breasts and cook until browned on both sides—approximately 6-7 minutes per side should be golden perfection.

Add Sauce Ingredients: Pour in low-sodium chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Let it bubble away for about 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through—check that internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top during the last few minutes of cooking. Cover with a lid until melted—this creates that glorious cheesy texture we all love!

Garnish and Serve: Once everything looks deliciously melty and inviting, garnish with fresh cilantro if using. Serve warm over rice or alongside tortillas for an incredible meal experience.

And there you have it! Your very own Santa Fe Chicken masterpiece ready to impress friends or simply satisfy your cravings after a long day.

Enjoy every bite of this mouthwatering dish while reminiscing about sunny days spent outdoors or lively gatherings filled with laughter!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken to infuse flavor, then sear it to lock in juices before baking.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ingredients like bell peppers for zucchini or use different spices for your unique twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat gently in the oven.

Sometimes, I whip up Santa Fe Chicken when friends visit, and their delighted reactions make cooking worth every minute.

FAQ

What can I serve with Santa Fe Chicken?

Pair it with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Can I make Santa Fe Chicken ahead of time?

Yes, preparing it a day in advance enhances the flavors even more.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer; chicken should reach 165°F for safety and juiciness.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Santa Fe Chicken

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Santa Fe Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings the essence of New Mexico to your table. Tender chicken breasts marinated in a zesty mix of spices are sautéed with colorful bell peppers and topped with melted cheddar cheese, creating a deliciously satisfying meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings, this dish is easy to prepare and can be customized to suit your taste. Serve it over rice or alongside tortillas for an unforgettable dining experience.

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Ingredients

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 2 bell peppers (assorted colors, sliced)
• 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tsp cumin
• 2 tsp chili powder
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup sour cream
• Fresh cilantro (optional)

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Instructions

1. Marinate chicken: In a bowl, combine lime juice, cumin, chili powder, and garlic. Add chicken breasts and coat well. Marinate for at least 30 minutes in the fridge.
2. Sauté vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and bell peppers; sauté until softened (about 5 minutes).
3. Cook chicken: Remove marinated chicken from the fridge. Add to the skillet and cook until browned (6-7 minutes per side).
4. Add sauce ingredients: Pour in chicken broth; simmer for about 10 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
5. Add cheese: Top with shredded cheddar cheese during the last few minutes of cooking; cover until melted.
6. Garnish and serve: Garnish with cilantro if desired. Serve warm over rice or with tortillas.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 750mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 110mg