Sante Fe Chicken
Sante Fe Chicken offers a vibrant combination of seasoned grilled chicken topped with fresh avocado, tomatoes, and cilantro, complemented by zesty lime and chili flavors. Perfect for a lively family dinner or casual gathering, this dish combines bold tastes with comforting tortillas for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 large ripe avocado ⓘ
- 2 small ripe tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 small onion ⓘ
- 1 large clove garlic ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chopped cilantro ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. lime juice ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. chili powder
- 4 large corn tortillas ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. vegetable oil
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (about 1 lb.) ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. orange marmalade ⓘ
- lime wedges ⓘ
Instructions
- Peel the avocado and cut into 1-inch chunks.
- Place the avocado in a medium bowl with the tomatoes, onion, garlic, and cilantro.
- Sprinkle the mixture with 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste.
- Toss gently, cover, and refrigerate.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and chili powder.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken breasts until cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let rest for a few minutes.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the orange marmalade, stirring until well combined.
- Warm the tortillas in a separate pan or microwave.
- Slice the cooked chicken and serve in tortillas topped with the avocado mixture and drizzled with the marmalade sauce.
- Garnish with lime wedges.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier avocado mixture, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. If fresh cilantro isn't available, parsley can be a good substitute. To spice things up, add diced jalapeños to the avocado mix. Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety. This dish can also be served as a filling for burritos, similar to the Burrito Surprise.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Sante Fe Chicken tortillas with a side of black beans or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. For extra crunch, consider adding tortilla chips on the side, which pair beautifully with the Mexican Munchie theme. Lime wedges not only garnish the dish but also enhance the flavors when squeezed over the top.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover avocado mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, but be aware it may brown. For reheating chicken, place it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water to keep it moist, or microwave in short intervals until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sante Fe Chicken contains roughly 1089 calories, with 8g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 107g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (196% of the Daily Value), iron (70% of the Daily Value), and potassium (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2112mg per serving (92% 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 a different type of chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier option. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through. Alternatively, shredded rotisserie chicken can be used for a quick and easy variation.
Is there a vegetarian option for this dish?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the chicken with grilled vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. You could also use black beans or lentils for protein, making it a delicious option for vegetarian recipes.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat, consider adding more chili powder or incorporating diced fresh jalapeños or serrano peppers into the avocado mixture. You can also serve with a side of your favorite hot sauce or salsa to give each bite an extra kick.
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).