These Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets are a fun and tasty way to bake chicken! Packed with colorful veggies, corn, and zesty spices, they make a delightful meal.
Cooking is a breeze since everything goes in one packet! Just toss it on the grill or in the oven—clean-up is a snap, and dinner is served in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the base for this meal. If you’re looking for alternatives, chicken thighs are juicier! You can also use tofu for a plant-based option or fish fillets like tilapia for a lighter twist.
Corn: Fresh corn adds sweetness, but frozen corn works just as well and is convenient! If corn isn’t your favorite, you could substitute it with diced zucchini or diced potatoes for a different texture.
Black Beans: These provide fiber and protein. If you have kidney beans or pinto beans on hand, feel free to use those instead! For a lighter option, chickpeas are a great substitute.
Bell Peppers: While I like using red and green, any colored bell pepper can add sweetness and crunch. You could even throw in some sliced mushrooms if you prefer. Don’t forget, the more colors, the better!
Cheese: Cheddar adds flavor, but you can use pepper jack for more spice or even skip the cheese for a dairy-free meal. Nutritional yeast is a nice cheesy-flavored alternative if you want that cheesy taste without dairy!
How Do I Seal the Foil Packets Properly?
Sealing the packets correctly is key for keeping in moisture and flavor. Here’s how to do it well:
- Start by placing the chicken and veggies in the center of the foil.
- Fold the long sides of the foil together, pinching them tightly to keep the juices in.
- Then, fold up the shorter ends, making sure they’re snug and fully sealed.
- Leave a little space inside, as the food will steam and expand while cooking.
Make sure there are no holes or openings. If you’re unsure, you can double-wrap with another piece of foil. This simple technique guarantees your meal stays juicy and flavorful while cooking! Enjoy your cooking!
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, rinsed and drained
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
- 1-2 fresh jalapeño peppers, sliced (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh lime wedges, for garnish
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Aluminum foil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep. After that, you’ll need 20-30 minutes of cooking time, depending on whether you’re using a grill or oven. In total, plan for about 40 minutes from start to finish. That’s a quick and delicious dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Cooking Surface:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat or your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure your chicken cooks evenly and thoroughly.
2. Prepare the Veggie Mixture:
In a large bowl, mix together the corn, black beans, diced red and green bell peppers, and halved cherry tomatoes. Add the olive oil, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the veggies are well coated with the seasoning—this will add great flavor!
3. Set Up Your Foil Packets:
Next, tear off four large pieces of aluminum foil. Each piece should be large enough to comfortably hold one chicken breast and some veggies.
4. Assemble the Packet:
Place one chicken breast in the center of each piece of foil. Season the top of each chicken lightly with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of chili powder for an extra kick!
5. Add the Veggies:
Evenly distribute the vegetable mixture over each piece of chicken, making sure to spread it around and slightly on top of the chicken.
6. Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the chicken and veggies in each packet. Cheese makes everything better, right?
7. Add Jalapeños:
If you like a bit of heat, add a few slices of jalapeño on top of everything.
8. Seal the Packets:
Carefully fold the foil over your fillings, crimping the edges tightly to seal the packets. You want to create a nice little pouch that holds in all the steam and flavor while cooking.
9. Cook the Packets:
Place the foil packets on your preheated grill and cook for about 20-25 minutes, or in the oven for about 25-30 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
10. Finish and Serve:
Once cooked, carefully open the packets (watch out for the hot steam!). Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice over the top for a refreshing touch.
11. Enjoy!
Serve hot directly in the foil packets for a fun presentation, or transfer to plates. Dig in and enjoy this vibrant and flavorful meal!
This dish features juicy, seasoned chicken baked alongside colorful veggies, melty cheese, and a zesty kick from jalapeños and lime—perfect for a quick and delightful dinner!
FAQ for Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking for even results. The best way to thaw is overnight in the fridge or by using the cold water method—place the chicken in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water until thawed.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover foil packets can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can place the foil packets back on the grill or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or microwave them until heated through.
Can I Customize the Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite vegetables. Zucchini, mushrooms, or even carrots would work great in this recipe. Just make sure to chop them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
What Can I Use Instead of Cheese?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can simply skip the cheese! Alternatively, try using nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor or a dairy-free cheese substitute if you prefer a melty texture.
