This Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets recipe is a fun and tasty meal! It features juicy chicken, colorful veggies, and zesty spices all wrapped up in foil for easy cooking.
I love how quick it is to make! Just toss everything together, wrap it up, and pop it on the grill or in the oven. Cleanup is a breeze, and you get a delicious meal without any mess!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work great here for even cooking. If you’re looking for an alternative, try using chicken thighs for more moisture, or if you’re short on time, use shredded rotisserie chicken.
Corn: Fresh corn is lovely if it’s in season, but canned or frozen corn works just as well. For a twist, you could substitute with black-eyed peas or chickpeas if you want to mix it up.
Beans: Black beans add texture and protein. If you want a different flavor, kidney beans or pinto beans can be used instead. Just make sure they’re drained and rinsed!
Peppers: I like using red and green bell peppers for their sweetness and crunch. Feel free to use yellow, orange, or even poblano peppers for added flavor!
Cheese: Cheddar is my go-to for its melting qualities and flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, use reduced-fat cheese or skip it for a dairy-free alternative.
How to Seal Foil Packets Effectively?
Sealing the foil packets well is key to cooking your meal evenly. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with large sheets of aluminum foil—enough to fold over and seal your ingredients.
- After placing your ingredients in the center, fold the foil over the chicken and vegetables to cover them.
- Fold the edges together tightly to create a sealed packet, ensuring no openings for steam to escape.
- Double-check for any leaks by gently squeezing the packet. If you feel air escaping, just fold it again.
These steps help trap steam inside, making your chicken juicy and the veggies tender!
Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 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
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese
- 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional, for heat)
For the Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnishing:
- 1 lime, sliced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 20-25 minutes of cooking time. After just a short wait for everything to cook, you’ll have a colorful, tasty meal ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Grill or Oven:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat (about 375°F/190°C) or your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure your chicken cooks evenly and safely.
2. Prepare the Spice Mix:
In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This will give your chicken and veggies a delicious flavor!
3. Prepare the Chicken:
Lay each chicken breast flat on a large sheet of aluminum foil. Drizzle a bit of olive oil over them and sprinkle the prepared spice mix evenly on top. Give them a little rub so the spices stick well!
4. Add the Veggies:
Now it’s time for the good stuff! Distribute the corn, black beans, diced red and green bell peppers, and sliced cherry tomatoes around the chicken breasts. This will make your meal colorful and nutritious!
5. Top it Off:
Add shredded cheese on top of the chicken, followed by a couple of lime slices and jalapeño slices for an extra spicy kick. Yum!
6. Seal the Packets:
Carefully fold the foil over the chicken and veggies to create sealed packets. Be sure to fold the edges tightly to keep all the steam inside while it cooks.
7. Cooking Time:
Place the foil packets directly onto the grill or on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven. Cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C) and the veggies are tender.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they’re done, carefully open the foil packets (watch out for hot steam). Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, and serve hot with extra lime wedges, avocado slices, or your choice of sour cream. Enjoy your meal!
Your vibrant, flavorful Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets are ready to impress your friends and family—perfect for a quick, healthy, and delicious 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 it’s best to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. This ensures it cooks evenly. If you’re short on time, you can also place the chicken in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water until thawed.
Can I Make These Foil Packets Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the foil packets a few hours in advance and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. Just make sure to cook them within 24 hours for the best flavor and freshness.
How to Store Leftover Packets?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the oven for about 15 minutes at 350°F (175°C) or microwave until heated through.
What Can I Substitute for Black Beans?
If you don’t have black beans, feel free to use other beans like pinto beans, kidney beans, or even chickpeas. They all add great texture and protein to the dish!
