Name: Delicious Santa Chicken Skillet: A Festive Delight
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Southwestern
Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts, sliced into 4 thinner cutlets; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; Salt & pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 medium onion, chopped; 1 (10 ounce) can Ro-tel diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained; 1 (14 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (12 ounce) can corn, drained; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 cup Mexican cheese blend; Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

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Santa Chicken Skillet is a delightful and festive dish that perfectly captures the spirit of the holidays. This easy recipe combines tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a creamy sauce, all cooked in one pan for a hassle-free experience. Imagine the aroma filling your kitchen as you prepare this delicious meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Ideal for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings, this dish will surely impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into the details of this scrumptious Santa Chicken Skillet recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Santa Chicken Skillet

This Santa Chicken Skillet is not just another meal; it’s a culinary experience! Here are several reasons why you’ll love it:

Quick preparation time of just 30 minutes makes it perfect for busy schedules.
One-pan cooking means less cleanup, allowing you to enjoy your meal without stress.
It’s a delightful combination of flavors that suits any festive occasion.
Healthy ingredients make it suitable for a variety of diets, including high protein.
This dish can easily be customized with your favorite vegetables.
It’s a great option for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or even meal prep.
Perfect for a Christmas Chicken Skillet or Holiday Chicken Skillet dinner.

Ingredients for Santa Chicken Skillet

Gather these items:

2 large chicken breasts, sliced into 4 thinner cutlets
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
Salt & pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 medium onion, chopped
1 (10 ounce) can Ro-tel diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
1 (14 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (12 ounce) can corn, drained
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 cup Mexican cheese blend
Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

How to Make Santa Chicken Skillet Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: Slice the chicken breasts into 4 thinner cutlets and season both sides with garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet.
Step 4: In the same skillet, sauté the onion for 5 minutes or until softened and lightly browned.
Step 5: Stir in the Ro-tel tomatoes, black beans, corn, and smoked paprika. Let it heat through for 2-3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Step 6: Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon some of the tomato mixture over the chicken, and sprinkle with cheese.
Step 7: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165°F and the cheese is melted.
Step 8: Top with fresh cilantro if desired and serve immediately.

Pro Tips for the Best Santa Chicken Skillet

Keep these in mind:

Choose fresh and high-quality chicken for the best flavor.
Feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for a more colorful dish.
To make it healthier, consider using low-fat cheese or skipping the cheese altogether.
This dish can serve as an excellent One-Pan Santa Chicken Dish.

Best Ways to Serve Santa Chicken Skillet

Here are some serving suggestions:

Pair it with rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
Serve with warm tortillas or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
This dish is perfect for a festive family dinner, making it an excellent Santa Chicken Skillet for Family Dinner.

How to Store and Reheat Santa Chicken Skillet

To store leftovers, simply refrigerate the skillet in an airtight container. It can last for up to 3 days in the fridge. To reheat, just warm it up in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or in the microwave for a quick meal prep option.

Frequently Asked Questions About Santa Chicken Skillet

What is Santa Chicken Skillet?

Santa Chicken Skillet is a festive, flavorful dish featuring chicken cooked with various vegetables and spices, perfect for the holidays.

Can I make Santa Chicken Skillet ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and store them separately until you’re ready to cook. This makes it an ideal Easy Santa Chicken Skillet Recipe.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Santa Chicken Skillet?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure the chicken is cooked through and avoid overcooking the vegetables to keep them vibrant and crunchy.

Variations of Santa Chicken Skillet You Can Try

Here are some variations to consider:

Add different types of beans for a unique twist.
Experiment with spices like cumin or oregano to change the flavor profile.
Make a Creamy Santa Chicken Skillet Recipe by adding cream or sour cream for a richer sauce.

Delicious Santa Chicken Skillet: A Festive Delight

Author: basmer
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: High Protein

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Description

This Santa Fe Chicken Skillet is a quick and flavorful dish made with tender chicken, black beans, corn, and a cheesy southwest sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights or meal prepping.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Slice the chicken breasts into 4 thinner cutlets and season both sides with garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet.
In the same skillet, sauté the onion for 5 minutes or until softened and lightly browned.
Stir in the Ro-tel tomatoes, black beans, corn, and smoked paprika. Let it heat through for 2-3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon some of the tomato mixture over the chicken, and sprinkle with cheese.
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165°F and the cheese is melted.
Top with fresh cilantro if desired and serve immediately.