This Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets recipe is a breeze! You get tasty chicken, colorful veggies, and zesty spices, all cooked together in convenient foil packets.
Picture this: dinner is packed, cooked, and clean-up is a snap! I love how you can toss these on the grill or in the oven—perfect for any day of the week! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe. If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider skinless chicken thighs instead—they’re juicier. You can also use turkey cutlets if you prefer a leaner meat.
Corn Kernels: Fresh corn is delicious when in season, but canned or frozen corn are great substitutes. If you don’t have corn, diced zucchini or mushrooms can add nice texture.
Black Beans: These add protein and fiber. If you want to switch it up, white beans or kidney beans can be used. For a different twist, try lentils for a quicker cooking option.
Bell Peppers: Red and green bell peppers add color and crunch. You can use any color of bell pepper or even sliced carrots or additional zucchini if you want some variation.
Cheese: Cheddar is my go-to for its melting goodness, but feel free to swap it with pepper jack for extra spice or mozzarella for a milder taste.
How Do I Seal Foil Packets Properly?
Sealing your foil packets well is key to keeping in moisture and flavors. Follow these tips for perfectly sealed packets:
- Start with a large piece of heavy-duty foil (about 12 inches long) for each packet.
- Place the main ingredient in the center, leaving space around the edges.
- Fold the edges of the foil up toward the center, creating a tent shape.
- Pinch the edges together firmly to create a tight seal, but don’t squish it too flat—leave some air space for steam!
- If you have extra ingredients, fold those in before sealing to keep everything together.
With these techniques, your packets will cook perfectly, creating a flavorful steam pocket!
Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Packets:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned or frozen)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional for heat)
- 1 lime, sliced
For the Spice Mix:
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Drizzling:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
For Garnish:
- Fresh chopped cilantro for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20-25 minutes to cook, making it a quick and easy dinner option. You’ll have a delicious meal ready in about 35 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat or your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your chicken cooks evenly. While waiting, grab a small bowl and mix together the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This will give our chicken tons of flavor!
2. Season the Chicken:
Drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil or melted butter. This helps the spices stick and keeps the chicken moist while cooking. Sprinkle the spice mix you just created evenly over both sides of each chicken breast, ensuring they’re well-coated.
3. Prepare the Foil Packets:
Take 4 large squares of heavy-duty aluminum foil (about 12 inches) and lay them out flat. In the center of each square, place one spiced chicken breast. Now, let’s add the colorful veggies! Divide the corn, black beans, diced red and green bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes evenly over and around the chicken. Don’t forget to top each packet with shredded cheddar cheese, and add some jalapeño slices if you like a little heat!
4. Add Lime and Seal the Packets:
To brighten up the flavors, place a couple of lime slices on top of each packet. Fold the edges of the foil over the chicken and veggies to seal tightly, creating a pouch. Make sure it’s well sealed to keep all the steam and flavors inside!
5. Cook the Packets:
Place the sealed packets on the grill or on a baking sheet if you’re using the oven. Cook for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the chicken is fully cooked (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C) and the veggies are tender.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, carefully open the foil packets (be careful of hot steam!) and sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro before serving. Your Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets are now ready to enjoy—full of flavor and super easy to clean up! Bon appétit!
FAQ for Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it completely before preparing the packets. Thaw in the fridge overnight or place the chicken in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for a quicker option. Make sure to pat it dry before seasoning to avoid excess moisture in the packets!
Can I Prepare These Packets Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the foil packets in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to keep them tightly sealed in the fridge to prevent any contamination. When you’re ready to cook, just pop them on the grill or in the oven directly from the refrigerator.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, let the packets cool down before opening them. Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can either warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or microwave them until warmed through.
What Side Dishes Pair Well with This Meal?
These packets are quite filling on their own, but they can be served alongside a simple green salad, rice, or quinoa for a complete meal. You could also offer some tortilla chips and salsa for a fun crunch!
