Santa Fe Chicken

Ever since I discovered Santa Fe Chicken, it’s been a staple in my household. This dish transports me to the vibrant, sun-soaked streets of Santa Fe with its rich flavors and warm spices. I remember the first time I made it for a family gathering; the aroma of sautéed onions and garlic filled the kitchen, drawing everyone in like a cozy hug. Each bite is a delight, with juicy chicken and a creamy sauce that has everyone coming back for seconds. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive celebration, Santa Fe Chicken never fails to impress. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a memory in the making.

There are so many reasons to love Santa Fe Chicken. First, it’s incredibly versatile. You can serve it over rice, with tortillas, or even atop a fresh salad. You can easily adjust the spice levels based on your preference, making it perfect for both kids and adults. The creamy sauce made with yogurt or sour cream adds a rich texture that’s truly satisfying. Also, it’s a one-pan wonder, meaning fewer dishes to wash after a delicious meal. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it an excellent choice for those busy evenings when you still want something homemade. And let’s not forget about its presentation! Topped with toasted pine nuts and vibrant colors from the vegetables, it’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Ingredient List for Santa Fe Chicken

The ingredients for Santa Fe Chicken come together beautifully, creating a symphony of flavors. Each component plays a crucial role in building the dish’s rich character. The star of the show, of course, is the chicken. Paired with the earthy notes of mushrooms, the sweetness of onions, and the creaminess of yogurt, this dish is a perfect balance of textures and tastes.

• Salted Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps in cooking the chicken and vegetables.
• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The main protein that absorbs all the delicious spices and flavors.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken perfectly.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the dish.
• Sliced Mushrooms: Contributes an earthy flavor and a unique texture.
• Low Sodium Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and enhances the overall flavor.
• Onion, Chopped: Offers sweetness and depth, making the dish more aromatic.
• Canned Green Chilies: Adds a mild heat and an authentic Southwestern flair.
• Garlic, Minced: Infuses the dish with its fragrant aroma and taste.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the sauce, creating a creamy texture.
• Plain Yogurt or Sour Cream: Provides creaminess and balance to the dish.
• Grated Monterey Jack Cheese: Melts beautifully, adding richness and gooeyness.
• Toasted Pine Nuts: A delightful garnish that adds crunch and nuttiness.

The Process for Making Santa Fe Chicken

Cooking Santa Fe Chicken is an enjoyable experience that brings the heart of Southwestern cuisine into your kitchen. The steps are straightforward and allow you to appreciate the beauty of each ingredient. Let’s dive into the process!

1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This step is crucial as it prepares the environment for cooking your chicken evenly.

2. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of salted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add 4 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cook for 10 minutes, turning occasionally until both sides are golden brown.

3. Season the chicken with 1 teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. This will enhance the flavors, making the chicken even more delicious. Once seasoned, arrange the chicken in a single layer in a 9×13-inch glass baking dish.

4. Next, add ½ pound of sliced mushrooms to the same skillet. Sauté for about 3 minutes until they are tender and have released their juices. Scatter the mushrooms evenly over the chicken and pour ¼ cup of low sodium chicken broth over everything.

5. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. This allows the chicken to cook through while retaining its moisture.

6. In the meantime, melt the remaining butter in the skillet and sauté 1 chopped onion for 3 minutes until translucent. This adds a lovely sweetness to the dish.

7. Now add 1 can of drained and seeded green chilies, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.

8. Remove the chicken from the oven and combine the pan drippings with the remaining broth in a measuring cup. Measure out 1 cup of this mixture and stir it into the onion mixture.

9. Mix in ½ cup of plain yogurt or sour cream, heating thoroughly. This creates a creamy sauce packed with flavor.

10. Spoon the mixture over the chicken in the baking dish and sprinkle with ½ cup of grated Monterey Jack cheese. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes.

11. Finally, once cooked, remove from the oven and sprinkle with ¼ cup of toasted pine nuts before serving. This adds a wonderful crunch!

Enjoy every bite of your Santa Fe Chicken, and watch your family rave about it!

Tips for Success

Cooking Santa Fe Chicken is a wonderful experience, and a few tips can make it even better. Here are some insights to ensure your dish turns out perfect every time.

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently to maintain texture.
• Freezing: You can freeze this dish before baking it. Just assemble everything and cover tightly. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
• Pairing: This dish pairs beautifully with rice, quinoa, or tortillas, allowing you to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Variations: Experiment with different vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini, to add variety to your dish.
• Presentation: Garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lime for an extra touch of flavor and brightness.

Pairing Suggestions for Santa Fe Chicken

Santa Fe Chicken is a versatile dish that can be paired with various sides and flavors to create a complete meal. Here are some great suggestions:

• Rice: Serve over fluffy white or brown rice to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Tortillas: Warm tortillas make a fantastic accompaniment; they can be used to scoop up the chicken and sauce.
• Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and avocado can complement the richness of the chicken.
• Vegetable Sides: Roasted or steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or asparagus, add color and nutrition to your plate.
• Occasions: This dish is perfect for any gathering, whether a family dinner, a holiday feast, or a casual get-together with friends.
• Seasonal Pairings: In warmer months, serve with a cold corn salad or pico de gallo for a refreshing contrast.

FAQ

Conclusion

Santa Fe Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together diverse flavors and textures, making it a favorite in my home. From its creamy sauce to the savory chicken, every bite is a celebration of Southwestern cuisine. If you haven’t tried making it yet, I encourage you to give it a go. You won’t just be making dinner; you’ll be creating memories around the table.

Santa Fe Chicken

The ultimate comfort food, Santa Fe Chicken blends juicy chicken with creamy goodness and a hint of spice. This easy weeknight dinner is bursting with flavor and perfect for your family gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Mexican

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 tablespoons Salted Butter
• 4 medium Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• ¼ teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
• ½ pound Sliced Mushrooms
• ¼ cup Low Sodium Chicken Broth
• 1 tablespoon Salted Butter
• 1 medium Onion, Chopped
• 1 4-ounce can Canned Green Chilies, Drained and Seeded
• 2 medium Garlic Cloves, Minced
• 1 tablespoon All-Purpose Flour
• ¾ cup Low Sodium Chicken Broth
• ½ cup Plain Yogurt or Sour Cream
• ½ cup Grated Monterey Jack Cheese
• ¼ cup Toasted Pine Nuts

Equipment

• Chef's Knife
• Cutting Board
• Grater
• Wooden Spoon
• Baking Sheet
• Mixing Bowl
• Frying Pan
• Skillet
• Oven

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of Salted Butter over medium heat. Once melted, add 4 medium Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts. Cook for 10 minutes, turning occasionally until both sides are golden brown.
3. Season the chicken with 1 teaspoon of Salt and ¼ teaspoon of Freshly Ground Black Pepper. This will enhance the flavors, making the chicken even more delicious. Once seasoned, arrange the chicken in a single layer in a 9×13-inch glass baking dish.
4. Next, add ½ pound of Sliced Mushrooms to the same skillet. Sauté for about 3 minutes until they are tender and have released their juices. Scatter the Mushrooms evenly over the chicken and pour ¼ cup of Low Sodium Chicken Broth over everything.
5. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. This allows the chicken to cook through while retaining its moisture.
6. In the meantime, melt the remaining butter in the skillet and sauté 1 chopped Onion for 3 minutes until translucent. This adds a lovely sweetness to the dish.
7. Now add 1 can of Drained and Seeded Green Chilies, 2 minced Garlic Cloves, and 1 tablespoon of All-Purpose Flour to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
8. Remove the chicken from the oven and combine the pan drippings with the remaining broth in a measuring cup. Measure out 1 cup of this mixture and stir it into the onion mixture.
9. Mix in ½ cup of Plain Yogurt or Sour Cream, heating thoroughly. This creates a creamy sauce packed with flavor.
10. Spoon the mixture over the chicken in the baking dish and sprinkle with ½ cup of Grated Monterey Jack Cheese. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes.
11. Finally, once cooked, remove from the oven and sprinkle with ¼ cup of Toasted Pine Nuts before serving. This adds a wonderful crunch!

Notes

• Tip 1: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently to maintain texture.
• Tip 2: You can freeze this dish before baking it. Just assemble everything and cover tightly. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
• Tip 3: This dish pairs beautifully with rice, quinoa, or tortillas, allowing you to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Tip 4: Experiment with different vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini, to add variety to your dish.
• Tip 5: Garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lime for an extra touch of flavor and brightness.

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Meet Quinn Taylor

Great food doesn't have to be complicated, it just has to be smart. I focus on streamlining our recipes so you get maximum flavor with minimum stress. I cooked, timed, and tasted this dish multiple times to ensure it fits perfectly into your busy life while still delivering that 'wow' factor.