This Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets recipe is a fun and tasty way to cook! Tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and zesty spices come together in a neat little packet.
Cooking in foil makes clean-up a breeze, so you can focus on enjoying your delicious meal! 🥳 I love serving these with rice for a complete dinner—easy and satisfying!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe. If you’re looking for a quicker option, you can use pre-cooked chicken or even turkey. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Corn: Fresh corn on the cob is delicious but frozen corn works just as well and is more convenient. Canned corn is fine too, just rinse it to reduce the salt content.
Black Beans: If you don’t have black beans, kidney beans or pinto beans can be used instead. They’re both protein-rich and will add a nice flavor.
Bell Peppers: You can mix and match any colors of bell peppers based on your preference or what you have on hand. For a twist, try using poblano or banana peppers for some extra flavor!
Cheese: While cheddar is classic, Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack can add a nice kick. If you’re avoiding dairy, consider using a dairy-free cheese alternative.
How Do I Make Perfect Foil Packets?
Creating foil packets is so easy, but here are some tips to ensure success. Proper sealing and layering are key.
- Use heavy-duty aluminum foil to prevent tearing. Cut pieces large enough to fold over the food with some extra around the edges.
- Layer the vegetables at the bottom for moisture and flavor, followed by the seasoned chicken on top. This helps the chicken cook evenly.
- Seal the packets tightly, but leave a little space for steam. This will keep everything moist and cook through perfectly!
- When checking for doneness, carefully open the packet—watch out for steam! Make sure the chicken reads 165°F with a meat thermometer.
Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese
- 1-2 jalapeño peppers, thinly sliced (adjust to taste)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
- Aluminum foil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 20-25 minutes to cook, making it a perfect option for a quick and delicious dinner. In total, you should be ready to enjoy your meal in about 40-45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Cooking Space:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. If you prefer to bake these packets, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) instead. This will ensure your chicken cooks evenly and everything is ready to go!
2. Prepare the Seasoning:
In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This blend will add great flavor to your chicken!
3. Season the Chicken:
Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken breasts. Then, take the seasoning mix and rub it evenly on both sides of each chicken breast. Make sure they are well-coated for the best flavor!
4. Create Your Foil Packets:
Cut four large pieces of aluminum foil, large enough to hold all of the ingredients comfortably. Lay them out on your working surface—these will hold all the yumminess!
5. Assemble Your Ingredients:
In the center of each piece of foil, divide the corn, black beans, diced bell peppers, and halved cherry tomatoes equally. This colorful mix will be the bed for your chicken.
6. Add the Chicken:
Place one seasoned chicken breast on top of the vegetable mix in each packet. This allows the chicken to stay juicy while it cooks with all the flavors from the veggies!
7. Top It Off:
Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the chicken and vegetables. Cheese makes everything better, doesn’t it?
8. Spice It Up:
Add several slices of jalapeño on top according to your spice preference. If you like it spicy, go for more slices!
9. Seal the Packet:
Carefully fold the foil over the contents and seal it tightly to create a packet. Make sure it’s sealed well to keep in all those delicious juices as it cooks.
10. Cook Your Packets:
Place the foil packets directly on the grill or on a baking sheet in the oven. Cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C) and the vegetables are tender.
11. Unwrap with Care:
Once done, carefully open the foil packets—remember to watch out for hot steam escaping! The aromas will make you hungry!
12. Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving. It adds a bright flavor and looks beautiful on the plate. Don’t forget to serve with lime wedges for some zesty flavor!
Enjoy these flavorful and colorful Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets with your favorite side, like rice or a fresh salad. They’re not only delicious but also super easy to prepare! Happy cooking!
FAQ for Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just make sure to thaw them completely before seasoning and cooking. The best way to thaw is overnight in the fridge, or you can place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge in cold water for a quicker thaw.
What Can I Substitute for Black Beans?
If you don’t have black beans, you can use pinto beans or kidney beans as alternatives. These will still give you a great flavor and texture while adding protein and fiber!
Can I Make These Packets Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the foil packets ahead of time, tightly wrap them, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just remember to increase the cooking time slightly if you cook them directly from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover foil packet contents in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or place back in a foil packet and heat in the oven until heated through.
