Santa Fe Baked Chicken Recipe
This Santa Fe Baked Chicken recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring seasoned chicken breasts baked on a vibrant bed of black beans, corn, and salsa. Topped with green chilies and melted Mexican cheese, it’s a perfect meal that combines Tex-Mex flavors with comfort food ease, ideal for weeknight dinners.
- Author: Ava
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 tsp taco seasoning
Vegetable and Bean Mixture
- 1 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 1/2 cups salsa, drained of excess liquid
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped, plus extra for garnish
Toppings
- 1 cup Mexican cheese blend, shredded
- 1 4 oz can green chilies, chopped (mild, medium or hot)
- Sour cream, for serving
- Prepare and Season Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9″ x 13″ casserole dish with cooking spray. Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels. Season both sides of each breast with salt and pepper, then generously sprinkle with the taco seasoning for that signature Santa Fe flavor.
- Combine Veggies and Beans: In the prepared casserole dish, combine the drained black beans, corn kernels, drained salsa, and chopped cilantro. Stir the mixture gently until all ingredients are evenly mixed, creating a colorful and flavorful bed for the chicken.
- Layer Chicken and Bake: Place the seasoned chicken breasts evenly on top of the vegetable and bean mixture. Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil to lock in moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Add Chilies and Cheese: Remove the foil carefully and discard it. Spoon the chopped green chilies over each piece of chicken, then sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend evenly on top. Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Take the casserole out of the oven and sprinkle with the reserved chopped cilantro for a fresh finish. Serve the baked chicken along with the vegetable medley, and add a dollop of sour cream on the side for a creamy contrast. Enjoy this hearty and delicious meal!
Notes
- For extra heat, opt for hot green chilies or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the taco seasoning.
- You can use fresh corn or frozen corn kernels if canned are not available; just thaw frozen corn before use.
- If you prefer a lower-fat option, use reduced-fat cheese and skip the sour cream or substitute with Greek yogurt.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
- Serve with warm tortillas or rice to make it a complete meal.
Keywords: Santa Fe baked chicken, Mexican chicken recipe, baked chicken with beans, easy chicken dinner, Tex-Mex chicken casserole