Gluten-Free Santa Fe Chicken Dinner with Black Beans, Corn & Peppers

This Gluten-Free Santa Fe Chicken Dinner brings bold Southwestern flavor to an easy one-skillet meal. The chicken is tender, juicy, and savory, while creamy beans and sweet vegetables add a satisfying contrast of textures. A layer of melted cheddar brings everything together with a rich, cheesy finish.

The flavor is distinctly Southwestern, but the fresh vegetables keep the dish from feeling heavy. This is a naturally gluten-free chicken dinner that works especially well when you want something substantial without making several separate dishes.

Why You’ll Love This Santa Fe Chicken Dinner

• Fresh, colorful ingredients: Red pepper, tomatoes, corn, black beans, and red onion give the skillet plenty of flavor and texture.
• Homemade Southwestern seasoning: Chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, and paprika create a deeper flavor than relying entirely on a seasoning packet.
• Cheesy baked finish: The cheddar melts over the chicken and vegetables for a savory finish.
• Naturally gluten-free: Just verify that your packaged spices, beans, and other ingredients are certified or confirmed gluten-free.
• One-skillet dinner: The vegetables and chicken cook in the same skillet, keeping cleanup to a minimum.

Key Ingredients and Swaps

Chicken breasts

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the base of this recipe. For more even cooking, use breasts of similar thickness. If yours are very thick, pound them slightly before seasoning.

Black beans

Canned black beans are the easiest option. Rinse and drain them well before adding them to the skillet. You can also use homemade cooked black beans.

Corn

Fresh or frozen corn works well. Frozen corn can go straight into the skillet.

Red bell pepper

Red bell pepper adds sweetness and color. Yellow or orange bell pepper can be substituted.

Fresh tomato

Fresh tomato adds moisture and acidity to balance the beans, corn, chicken, and cheese. Use ripe, flavorful tomatoes when possible.

Cheddar cheese

Sharp cheddar adds more flavor, while mild cheddar gives you a softer cheese flavor. Monterey Jack or a cheddar-Jack blend can also be used.

Southwestern spices

The combination of chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, paprika, and optional cayenne gives the chicken its characteristic flavor. A gluten-free taco seasoning blend can be used instead, but check the label before using.

Gluten-Free Reminder: Make sure all packaged ingredients you use are labeled gluten-free or verified by the manufacturer.

Tips & FAQs

How do I know when the chicken is done?

Use an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part of the chicken. It should reach 165°F.

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Yes. Use drained diced tomatoes if fresh tomatoes aren’t available. Because canned tomatoes can contain more liquid, cook the vegetable mixture a little longer if it seems watery.

Can I make this chicken dinner ahead?

You can prepare the chicken and vegetable mixture earlier in the day and refrigerate them separately. When ready to eat, assemble with the cheese and heat until the chicken reaches 165°F and the cheese is melted.

Serving Ideas for Santa Fe Chicken Dinner

Serve this chicken dinner with Simple Rice With Parsley or cilantro and lime, or Gluten Free White Corn Tortilla Chips.

For something lighter, add a crisp green salad or sliced avocado.

Finish each serving with your favorite toppings: fresh cilantro, avocado, sour cream, green onions, chopped tomatoes, lime wedges, or pickled jalapeños. The fresh toppings are particularly good here because they add freshness to the warm, cheesy skillet.

Easy One-Skillet Gluten-Free Meals to Try

Skillet Cheesy Brazilian Chicken Rice Bake or this Easy Gluten-Free One-Pot Pasta Bake.

Hi, I’m Kristina — I’ve been developing and testing gluten-free recipes in my own kitchen since 2012, with help from my very honest family.

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