Saffron-Infused Santa Fe Chicken Bake
This Saffron-Infused Santa Fe Chicken Bake is a delightful and nutritious one-dish meal that combines tender chicken breasts with a medley of vibrant flavors. The star of the show is the saffron rice, which brings a rich aroma and a touch of elegance to the dish. Loaded with healthy ingredients like black beans and fresh tomatoes, it offers a perfect balance of protein and fiber that will satisfy your taste buds and nourish your body. Not only is this meal quick to prepare, but it's also ideal for busy weeknights, making it a family favorite that everyone will love.
N/A
Servings
205
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 (trimmed and whole)
onion
1 (chopped)
Worcestershire sauce
1 dash (to taste)
lime juice
1 dash (freshly squeezed)
minced garlic
1 teaspoon (fresh or jarred)
Mexican tomatoes or stewed tomatoes
1 (14.5 ounce) can (chopped if stewed)
black beans
1 (15 ounce) can (drained)
saffron rice mix or yellow rice
1 (5 ounce) package (Mahatma brand recommended)
water
1/2 cup (for cooking)
Mexican blend cheese or cheddar cheese
1 cup (shredded)
fresh cilantro
to taste (chopped (optional))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Lightly spray a 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3
Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts and chopped onion into the prepared casserole dish.
4
Drizzle the Worcestershire sauce, fresh lime juice, and minced garlic over the chicken and onion, ensuring the chicken is well coated.
5
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6
While the chicken is baking, prepare the canned tomatoes by chopping them into smaller pieces if using stewed tomatoes.
7
Once the chicken is done, remove the dish from the oven and add the chopped tomatoes, black beans, saffron rice mix, and water. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
8
Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil or a lid, then return it to the oven and continue to bake for an additional 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
9
After baking, remove the casserole from the oven, uncover, and sprinkle the top with the Mexican blend or cheddar cheese. Cover again and let it sit for a few minutes on the stove to allow the cheese to melt.
10
Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro, if desired, for an extra burst of flavor.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
18g
Carbs
20g
Protein
5g
Fiber
1.5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Saffron-Infused Santa Fe Chicken Bake?
It is a nutritious one-dish meal featuring tender chicken breasts, saffron rice, black beans, and fresh tomatoes.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include chicken breasts, onion, saffron rice mix, black beans, and canned tomatoes.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How should I prepare the casserole dish?
Lightly spray a 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
How long does the chicken bake initially?
The chicken and onion bake uncovered for 30 minutes initially.
What is the safe internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What liquids are drizzled over the chicken?
Worcestershire sauce and fresh lime juice are drizzled over the chicken.
Can I use yellow rice instead of saffron rice?
Yes, you can use a 5-ounce package of yellow rice as a substitute.
Should the black beans be drained?
Yes, the 15-ounce can of black beans should be drained before adding to the dish.
How much water is added for the rice?
Add 1/2 cup of water along with the rice mix and tomatoes.
How long is the second baking period?
The dish is baked for an additional 45 minutes after the rice and other ingredients are added.
What kind of cheese is recommended?
A Mexican blend cheese or cheddar cheese is recommended.
When do I add the cheese?
Add the cheese after the second bake is complete, then cover it to let it melt.
Is cilantro necessary for the recipe?
Fresh chopped cilantro is an optional garnish for an extra burst of flavor.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are 205 calories per serving.
What is the protein content of this meal?
Each serving contains 20g of protein.
How much fat is in this chicken bake?
This recipe contains 5g of fat.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are 18g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much fiber does this dish provide?
This dish provides 5g of fiber per serving.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
Yes, it contains 1.5g of sugar.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a healthy, nutritious, and balanced meal.
What size casserole dish is needed?
A 2-quart casserole dish is the recommended size.
Can I use jarred minced garlic?
Yes, you can use either fresh or jarred minced garlic.
Which brand of rice mix is suggested?
Mahatma brand saffron or yellow rice mix is recommended.
How should stewed tomatoes be prepared?
If using stewed tomatoes, they should be chopped into smaller pieces.
Why must the dish be covered during the second bake?
It should be covered tightly with foil or a lid to allow the rice to absorb the liquid and become tender.
Is this a good meal for busy weeknights?
Yes, it is ideal for busy weeknights as it is quick to prepare and a family favorite.
What gives the dish its aroma?
The saffron rice mix brings a rich aroma and elegance to the dish.
How much garlic is used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of minced garlic.
How should the chicken be prepared?
The chicken breasts should be boneless, skinless, and trimmed before use.