These Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets are a fun and tasty meal! Juicy chicken, colorful peppers, and zesty spices all wrapped up in foil make for quick cleanup.
It’s like a little surprise package! I love tossing these on the grill or in the oven. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies without anyone noticing. 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe. However, you can use thighs if you prefer a juicier option, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist!
Canned Corn: Canned corn is convenient, but frozen corn works just as well—just thaw it beforehand! You could also use diced zucchini or carrots for a fresh flair.
Black Beans: Rinsed black beans add protein and fiber. If you’re not a fan, pinto beans or chickpeas can be good substitutes. They both add a nice texture.
Cheese: Cheddar cheese provides a delicious creamy texture, but feel free to swap it with Monterey Jack or a dairy-free alternative if you want to keep it lighter.
Bell Peppers: The colors here are fun! Red and green add sweetness and crunch. Yellow or orange peppers can also be a cheerful swap!
How Do I Seal Foil Packets Without a Mess?
Sealing your foil packets properly ensures that all the yummy juices stay in while cooking, so let’s focus on doing it right!
- Start with a large piece of foil to give enough room for sealing.
- Add your ingredients in the center, leaving space around the edges.
- Fold the sides over to cover the filling, then fold the top and bottom edges together tightly to trap steam.
- Always leave a little space inside the packet for steam to circulate; this helps cook everything evenly!
Using two sheets of foil can add extra strength to prevent leakage, which is especially helpful when grilling!
Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup canned corn, drained (or frozen corn, thawed)
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional for heat)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Aluminum foil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 25-30 minutes to cook, either in the oven or on the grill. So you’re looking at about 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick meal with easy cleanup!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Cooking Surface:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or set your grill to medium heat. This way, everything will cook evenly and get that nice grilled flavor!
2. Prepare the Spice Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir it all together until it’s well mixed. This will give your chicken a fantastic flavor boost!
3. Coat the Chicken:
Take the chicken breasts and toss them into the bowl with the spice mixture. Make sure they’re all coated evenly. Every bite should be packed with flavor!
4. Set Up the Foil Packets:
Grab four large sheets of aluminum foil. You want them big enough to hold all your ingredients without spilling!
5. Layer Your Ingredients:
Divide the corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, diced green and red bell peppers, and half of the shredded cheese evenly among each foil sheet. Layering helps keep everything juicy and delicious!
6. Add the Chicken:
Place one of the seasoned chicken breasts right on top of the veggies on each foil sheet. This way, the chicken juices will flavor the veggies as everything cooks.
7. Top with Cheese and Jalapeños:
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the chicken breasts. If you like some heat, add the sliced jalapeños on top for an extra kick!
8. Squeeze Lime Juice:
Don’t forget the zing! Squeeze fresh lime juice over each packet. This will brighten all the flavors and add a nice freshness.
9. Seal the Packets:
Carefully fold the foil over the chicken and vegetables, sealing the packets tightly. You want to trap all those delicious juices inside as they cook!
10. Cook the Foil Packets:
Place your foil packets on a baking sheet if you’re using the oven, or directly on the grill. Bake or grill for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
11. Open and Serve:
Once they’re done cooking, carefully open the foil packets (watch out for the hot steam!). Garnish your meal with fresh cilantro and serve it warm. Enjoy your flavorful and easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets!
FAQ for Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before starting. Thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge or by placing it in a sealed bag submerged in cold water. Pat it dry before seasoning for the best results!
How Do I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the chicken with extra firm tofu or more beans, and ensure you include plenty of vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or asparagus. Just ensure everything is cubed or chopped for even cooking!
Can I Prep These Foil Packets in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the foil packets a few hours in advance. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. This makes it a perfect meal for busy days!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover contents in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through, or place back in the oven briefly.
