San Antonio Chicken With Picante Sauce

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Mexican

A flavorful chicken dish featuring cumin, garlic, and a spicy salsa sauce, perfect for a quick, hearty meal that combines smoky, savory, and tangy flavors. Ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. skinned, boned chicken breasts
  • 2 tsp. ground cumin
  • 1 tsp. garlic salt
  • 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
  • 1 can black beans
  • 8 oz. canned whole kernel corn
  • 2/3 c. picante or salsa

Instructions

  1. Sprinkle both sides of chicken with cumin and garlic salt. Heat oil in skillet.
  2. Add chicken and brown on one side about 5 to 7 minutes.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine black beans, corn, picante or salsa, and 1 teaspoon cumin.
  4. Turn chicken over and spoon bean mixture over chicken evenly.
  5. Simmer, covered, for 30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
  6. Move chicken to a platter.
  7. Turn up heat under bean mixture and thicken.
  8. Spoon mixture over chicken and serve immediately.

Tips & Substitutions

For added depth of flavor, marinate the chicken in cumin and garlic salt for a few hours before cooking. If you don't have black beans, kidney beans or pinto beans can be a good substitute. You can also use fresh corn instead of canned for a sweeter taste. Adjust the picante sauce to your heat preference, or try using homemade salsa for a fresher flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the San Antonio Chicken over a bed of rice or with warm tortillas for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Mexican recipes like Pollo Y Tortilla Casserole or Cream Tortillas. For a refreshing side, consider a simple green salad or guacamole to cut through the dish's richness.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and bean mixture in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Heat until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of San Antonio Chicken With Picante Sauce contains roughly 621 calories, with 26g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (67% of the Daily Value), protein (53% of the Daily Value), and iron (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 19g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

621 kcal 31% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 26.3g 53% DV
Total Fat 23.8g 30% DV
Carbs 80.6g 29% DV
Fiber 18.8g 67% DV
Sugar 2.5g 5% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 363.8mg 16% DV
Potassium 1824.6mg 39% DV
Cholesterol 22.4mg 7% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 329.5mcg 37% DV
Vitamin C 3.3mg 4% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 167.6mg 13% DV
Iron 7.6mg 42% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking for even browning. It's best to thaw in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave.

What can I serve with San Antonio Chicken?

This dish goes well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh corn salad. For a heartier meal, add some homemade tortillas or a side of Salsa Soup.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and bean mixture in advance. Just follow the recipe through step 5, then store it in the fridge. Reheat gently before serving, adding a little water if needed to maintain moisture.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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