Sante Fe Style Chicken Breasts
Sante Fe Style Chicken Breasts blend smoky spices with creamy avocado and tangy lime for a vibrant, flavorful dish. Perfect for casual dinners or gatherings, it offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors, appealing to lovers of southwestern cuisine and those seeking a quick, delicious meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the avocados into large dice.
- Combine the diced avocados with tomatoes, onion, and cilantro in a bowl.
- Sprinkle the mixture with 2 tablespoons of lime juice and toss gently.
- Refrigerate, covered, until ready to serve.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the crushed garlic.
- Lightly brown the chicken breasts on each side, then remove to a plate.
- Add marmalade, chili powder, salt, pepper, and remaining lime juice to the skillet drippings.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and coat with the glaze.
- Simmer until the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve the glazed chicken with the prepared guacamole.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider using fresh lime zest along with the juice. If you don’t have orange marmalade, apricot preserves can be a good substitute. For added spice, try incorporating diced jalapeños into the guacamole. Ensure the avocado is ripe for a creamy texture, and taste as you mix for the perfect balance of flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the glazed chicken over a bed of rice or with warm tortillas for a complete meal. Pair with a fresh side salad or corn on the cob for a colorful plate. This dish also goes well with chips and salsa as an appetizer. For a twist, consider serving alongside Chicken Enchiladas Casserole Style.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover glazed chicken and guacamole separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat the chicken, place it in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. The guacamole is best served fresh, but if you must store it, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to minimize browning.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sante Fe Style Chicken Breasts contains roughly 154 calories, with 8g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2059mg per serving (90% 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. However, be sure to fully thaw them before cooking to ensure even cooking. It’s best to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave if you’re short on time.
What can I use instead of fresh cilantro?
If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with fresh parsley for a similar herbaceous flavor. Alternatively, try using green onions or chives for a milder taste that still adds freshness to the guacamole.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, consider increasing the amount of chili powder or adding diced fresh jalapeños to the chicken skillet. You can also serve with a side of your favorite hot sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes over the finished dish for 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).