This Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets recipe is a fun and simple meal to make! Just mix tender chicken with colorful veggies and zesty spices, then wrap it all up for easy grilling or baking.
I love how these packets are a mess-free way to cook dinner. Plus, you can simply toss them on the grill and relax while the magic happens. Who doesn’t love an easy clean-up? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe as they cook evenly. You can substitute with chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier cut. Turkey breast is also a great alternative!
Corn: Fresh corn adds sweetness, but you can use frozen corn for convenience. Canned corn works too—just make sure to drain it well. You can even skip the corn if preferred!
Black Beans: These provide protein and fiber. If you don’t have black beans, kidney beans or pinto beans can work well. You can also use any other legume you have on hand.
Bell Peppers: Using both red and green bell peppers gives a nice color and flavor. If you don’t have them, any color of bell pepper or even zucchini could be a tasty substitute!
Cheese: Cheddar cheese adds a rich flavor, but feel free to use Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for something spicier. Vegan cheese can be used to make this dish dairy-free.
How Do I Ensure the Chicken Stays Juicy in My Foil Packets?
To keep chicken juicy in foil packets, it’s important not to overcook it. Here’s how:
- Choose chicken breasts of similar size for even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be 165°F (74°C).
- Adding olive oil and spices helps lock in moisture and flavor.
- Sealing the foil packets well traps steam, cooking the chicken gently.
Keep an eye on cooking times, as they can vary with different grills or ovens. Enjoy your flavorful meal without the fuss!
Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
- 1-2 jalapeño peppers, thinly sliced (optional for heat)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (plus extra for garnish)
- Juice of 1 lime (plus lime slices for garnish)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes about 10 minutes of preparation time and 20-25 minutes of cooking time, whether on the grill or in the oven. In total, you’re looking at around 35 minutes to enjoy this colorful and satisfying dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Cooking Method:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using an oven, set it to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your chicken cooks evenly and comes out juicy.
2. Prepare the Spice Mix:
In a small bowl, mix together the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This flavor-packed blend will elevate your chicken and veggies.
3. Set Up the Foil Packets:
Take a large piece of aluminum foil and place each chicken breast in the center. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken and rub the spice mixture evenly on both sides. This allows for the flavors to soak in!
4. Add the Veggies:
Now, add the corn, black beans, halved cherry tomatoes, diced bell peppers, onion, minced garlic, and half the cilantro around each chicken breast. This makes for a colorful, healthy meal!
5. Cheese and Heat:
Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over each packet and add the sliced jalapeños on top for a little extra kick if you like it spicy.
6. Seal the Packets:
Gently fold the foil over the chicken and veggies to create a sealed packet. Make sure to fold the edges tightly to trap the steam inside; this will keep everything moist and flavorful.
7. Cook Them Up:
Place the foil packets on your grill or in the oven. Cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can check this with a meat thermometer for accuracy.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, carefully open the packets (be careful of the hot steam!). Squeeze fresh lime juice over everything and garnish with the remaining cilantro and lime slices. You can serve these delicious foil packets hot directly from the foil or transfer to plates with extra lime wedges on the side.
Enjoy this flavorful, colorful, and easy Santa Fe-inspired chicken meal with minimal cleanup!
FAQ for Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking to ensure even cooking throughout. Thaw in the fridge overnight or place it in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for quicker results.
What Vegetables Can I Substitute or Omit?
Feel free to get creative! You can substitute any vegetables you like, such as zucchini or corn. If you’re not a fan of any particular vegetable listed, you can simply omit it and replace it with something else you enjoy!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of lime juice to refresh the flavors.
Can I Make These Packets Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the foil packets a few hours ahead of time and keep them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill or bake them. Just make sure to cook them within a day for the best flavor and texture.
