Santa Fe Chicken
Santa Fe Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken strips seasoned with spices, cooked with vegetables and diced tomatoes, then topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese. Perfect for those who love bold Mexican-inspired flavors, it pairs well with rice or tortillas for a hearty meal.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 lb. chicken breasts, boned and skinned ⓘ
- 1 tsp. paprika ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 2 tsp. olive oil or butter ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 small green pepper, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) can diced Ro-Tel tomatoes and green chilies ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups instant rice, uncooked ⓘ
- 3/4 cup (3 oz.) Monterey Jack cheese, shredded ⓘ
- 1 can chicken broth ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut chicken breasts into thin strips and sprinkle with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil or butter in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add chopped onion, green pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet.
- Cook until vegetables are tender, about 4 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add the can of diced Ro-Tel tomatoes and green chilies to the skillet and stir.
- Prepare the instant rice according to package instructions using chicken broth instead of water.
- Serve the chicken mixture over cooked rice and top with shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken strips in the paprika, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes before cooking. If you don't have Monterey Jack cheese, feel free to substitute with cheddar or a mix of your favorite cheeses. For a bit of heat, consider adding jalapeños or using Pepper Jack cheese. This dish is versatile and works well with other Mexican recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This Santa Fe Chicken pairs beautifully with a side of black beans and a fresh green salad for a complete meal. You can also serve it with warm tortillas or over a bed of lettuce for a lighter option. Consider topping it with avocado slices or fresh cilantro for added freshness and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave portions for about 1-2 minutes or until heated through, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Santa Fe Chicken contains roughly 1126 calories, with 43g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 77g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (86% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (74% of the Daily Value), and iron (59% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2475mg per serving (108% of the Daily Value).
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 it's best to thaw them first for even cooking. You can thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Once thawed, follow the recipe as directed.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it when you're ready to serve. The rice can be cooked just before serving to keep it fluffy and fresh.
What can I add to make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper when cooking the vegetables. Additionally, using hot Ro-Tel tomatoes and green chilies can elevate the spice level significantly.
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).