These Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets are a fun and tasty meal! Juicy chicken, colorful veggies, and zesty spices come together for a quick dinner.
Cooking in foil means less mess, and you’ll love the burst of flavors. I often serve it with a side of rice or tortillas for extra yum! 🌯💚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect here. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken works great too! Just add it at the end to heat through.
Corn: Fresh corn off the cob adds nice crunch, but frozen corn is super convenient and just as tasty. Use what you have!
Beans: Black beans are ideal for this dish, but feel free to swap them with pinto beans or chickpeas for a twist. Both are good sources of protein.
Bell Peppers: Red and green peppers are colorful and flavorful. If you don’t have them, any bell pepper variation will do, or even zucchini or carrots for added crunch.
Cheese: I love using cheddar for its melty goodness, but any melting cheese, like Monterey Jack or a dairy-free cheese, can work beautifully too!
How Do You Seal the Foil Packets Correctly?
Sealing your foil packets well is key to keeping all the flavors in. Here’s how to do it:
- After adding your chicken and veggies, fold the edges of the foil up towards the center.
- Pinch the top together to create a tight seal so the steam doesn’t escape while cooking.
- Be sure to leave a little space inside for the steam to circulate—don’t seal it too tightly!
This will help everything cook evenly, keeping your chicken moist and your veggies tender. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1-2 jalapeño peppers, sliced (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lime, sliced into wedges
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Olive oil or cooking spray
Time Needed:
This recipe will take approximately 10 minutes to prepare and about 25-30 minutes to cook. Overall, you’ll be enjoying your meal in around 40 minutes!
Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven or Grill:
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) or preparing your grill for medium-high heat. This ensures everything cooks evenly and thoroughly!
2. Prepare the Foil Sheets:
Grab a large sheet of aluminum foil, about 12 x 12 inches per serving. Lightly grease or spray the center with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This will make cleanup easier later!
3. Place the Chicken:
Set one chicken breast in the center of each prepared foil sheet. This will be the star of your dish!
4. Mix the Veggies:
In a mixing bowl, combine the corn, black beans, diced red and green bell peppers, and halved cherry tomatoes. Season with ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until well mixed.
5. Assemble Each Packet:
Spoon the veggie mixture evenly over and around each chicken breast. Top them off with a generous amount of shredded cheese. For those who like a kick, add a few slices of jalapeños on top!
6. Seal the Packets:
Carefully fold the foil over the chicken and vegetables, sealing the packets tightly to trap in moisture and flavor.
7. Cook:
Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and put them in the oven, or place them directly on the grill. Let them cook for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8. Serve it Up:
Once they’re done, carefully open each foil packet (watch out for the steam!) and garnish with fresh cilantro. Squeeze a wedge of lime over the top for a zesty finish.
9. Enjoy:
Serve hot with your choice of rice, tortillas, or a refreshing salad. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and easy cleanup!
Happy cooking!
FAQ for Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to completely thaw the chicken before placing it in the foil packets. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. Pat the chicken dry before cooking to ensure even cooking.
What Can I Substitute for Black Beans?
If you don’t have black beans on hand, feel free to use pinto beans, kidney beans, or even chickpeas. All these options will add protein and flavor to your dish!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stove over low heat until warmed through. The foil packets are convenient, but transferring to a microwave-safe dish may help with even reheating!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the foil packets ahead of time, cover them tightly, and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just make sure to allow some extra cooking time if they’re cold from the fridge!
