Santa Fe Chicken from Village Inn features grilled chicken breasts topped with a zesty blend of Southwestern spices, melted cheese, fresh pico de gallo, and sliced jalapenos, served over a bed of seasoned rice and black beans for a vibrant and flavorful meal.
Equipments
- Grill or grill pan
- Tongs
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Cheese grater
- Spoon
- Saucepan (for rice)
- Saucepan (for black beans)
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Baking sheet (optional, for melting cheese)
- Serving plate
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 roma tomatoes
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 jalapeno pepper
- 1 lime
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin (for beans)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (for beans)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
When preparing Santa Fe Chicken, use fresh jalapenos and roma tomatoes for the pico de gallo to ensure vibrant flavor and texture. Season the chicken breasts evenly with the blend of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder for an authentic Southwestern taste. Cooking the black beans with cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper enhances their richness and complements the seasoned rice. Use a mixture of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses to achieve a perfect melted topping. Your version of the Santa Fe Chicken from Village Inn copycat menu will deliver the same zesty and satisfying flavor as the original dish.
Instructions
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Rub chicken breasts with olive oil.
- Combine chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl.
- Season both sides of chicken breasts with spice mixture.
- Grill chicken breasts 5–7 minutes per side, until cooked through.
- While chicken cooks, shred cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Dice roma tomatoes, finely chop red onion, and chop cilantro for pico de gallo.
- Slice jalapeno pepper; set aside.
- Mix tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and juice from half a lime in a bowl to make pico de gallo.
- Warm black beans in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir in cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to beans; heat through.
- Cook or reheat rice according to package instructions.
- When chicken is done, sprinkle with shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
- (Optional) Place chicken on baking sheet and broil briefly to melt cheese.
- Place a bed of rice and black beans on each serving plate.
- Top with cheesy grilled chicken breasts.
- Spoon fresh pico de gallo and sliced jalapenos over chicken.
- Serve with lime wedges.
Substitution
Santa Fe Chicken from Village Inn copycat menu can be adjusted if you can't find certain spices; for example, chipotle chili powder can substitute regular chili powder for a smoky heat. If fresh jalapenos are unavailable or too spicy, mild canned green chilies or bell peppers work well as alternatives. When fresh pico de gallo ingredients are scarce, use a pre-made salsa to maintain that fresh, tangy flavor. You can also swap out the black beans for pinto beans or refried beans to suit your pantry and dietary preferences. For cheese options, a blend of mozzarella and pepper jack can replace cheddar and Monterey Jack without compromising on melt and taste.
Tips
Ensure your grill or grill pan is properly preheated to medium-high heat before adding the chicken to achieve a perfect sear while keeping it juicy inside. When seasoning the chicken, evenly coat both sides with the spice mixture for a balanced flavor. Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken's internal temperature has reached 165degF (74degC) to guarantee it is fully cooked and safe to eat. For optimal freshness and vibrancy, prepare your pico de gallo just before serving, allowing your meal to shine with bright, zesty flavors.
Nutritions
Santa Fe Chicken from Village Inn offers a balanced nutritional profile with high-quality protein from grilled chicken breasts, essential for muscle maintenance and repair. The dish contains fiber-rich black beans and seasoned rice, providing sustained energy and promoting digestive health. Fresh pico de gallo with roma tomatoes, red onions, cilantro, and jalapenos adds antioxidants, vitamins, and a boost of metabolism-supporting capsaicin. Your meal delivers a flavorful combination of nutrients while incorporating healthy fats from olive oil and cheeses for a satisfying dining experience.
Storage
Store leftover Santa Fe Chicken in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking to avoid bacterial growth, and consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and safety. When reheating, ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165degF (74degC) to keep Your meal safe and delicious.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap the black beans for pinto beans or refried beans to add a different texture and flavor to the dish. Instead of shredding cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, try crumbled queso fresco or pepper jack cheese for a creamier or spicier topping. For a smokier taste, consider grilling the jalapenos before slicing, or substitute them with pickled jalapenos for added tang. If you prefer a quicker method, bake the seasoned chicken breasts in the oven at 400degF for 20-25 minutes, then broil with cheese to melt.
Allergies
The Santa Fe Chicken from Village Inn contains dairy from shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, which may trigger lactose intolerance or milk protein allergies in some individuals. The presence of jalapenos and chili powder could cause adverse reactions for those sensitive to spicy foods or nightshade vegetables. Your best option is to check ingredient labels carefully and consult with a healthcare provider if you have known food allergies or sensitivities.
Why this recipe?
Santa Fe Chicken from Village Inn offers a flavorful blend of tender grilled chicken topped with zesty peppers, melted cheese, and a signature Southwestern sauce, appealing to fans of bold, spicy tastes. The combination of fresh ingredients and balanced seasoning creates a satisfying meal with a perfect mix of texture and flavor. You can recreate this dish at home to enjoy a cost-effective, customizable version packed with the authentic flavors that make the original a popular choice. Making a copycat Santa Fe Chicken allows you to control ingredient quality and spice levels, ensuring every bite suits your personal preference.