These Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets are a fun way to enjoy dinner! Filled with juicy chicken, colorful veggies, and zesty spices, they’re a tasty treat for the whole family!
Just toss everything in foil, pop it on the grill or in the oven, and let it cook! I love that there’s hardly any cleanup—just toss the foil when you’re done, easy peasy! 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy cooking. You can substitute with chicken thighs for a juicier option. Tofu or jackfruit works if you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative.
Corn: Canned corn is quick, but fresh or frozen are great too. If you’re avoiding corn, try using diced zucchini or mushrooms instead for a different texture.
Black Beans: These add protein and fiber. You can substitute them with kidney beans or chickpeas for variety. Both work well in this recipe.
Bell Peppers: Any color works, but I love the sweetness of red and yellow peppers. If you’re in a pinch, frozen mixed peppers can be used too!
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar adds creamy goodness. Feel free to swap with Monterey Jack or a dairy-free cheese for a healthier option.
Jalapeños: For spice, fresh jalapeños are delightful! If you want less heat, use mild peppers or omit them altogether.
What’s the Best Way to Seal Foil Packets?
Sealing the foil packets correctly is key to keeping the moisture in, so your chicken stays juicy! Here’s how you do it:
- Start with a large enough piece of foil to fully encase your ingredients.
- After placing everything in the center, fold the long sides over first, crimping them together tightly.
- Then fold the shorter ends up and crimp these shut too. Ensure there’s some space inside for steam to circulate.
- If it’s not sealed tightly, steam will escape, and your meal might dry out. It’s like giving your dinner a cozy little home!
Remember to be cautious when opening the packets after cooking, as the steam can be very hot. Enjoy the vibrant flavors in each bite!
Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1-2 jalapeño peppers, sliced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
- Aluminum foil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 20-25 minutes to cook on the grill or oven. Altogether, you’ll have a delicious, hassle-free meal in about 35-40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat & Prepare Cooking Surface:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat or your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s heating up, lay out two large pieces of aluminum foil on a baking tray or directly on the grill!
2. Mix the Veggies:
In a medium bowl, mix together the corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, diced green and red bell peppers, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything until it’s combined and the veggies are well-coated.
3. Assemble the Packets:
Place one chicken breast right in the center of each piece of foil. Now, take your delicious vegetable mixture and divide it evenly around and on top of each chicken breast. It’s a colorful feast already!
4. Add Cheese & Spice:
Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of each chicken breast. If you like it spicy, lay some slices of jalapeños on top too!
5. Seal It Up:
Now it’s time to fold the foil over your chicken and veggies. Seal the edges tightly by crimping them together; this keeps all the yummy juiciness inside the packets while they cook.
6. Cooking Time:
Place the foil packets on the grill or in the oven. Cook them for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts.
7. Serve & Enjoy:
Once cooked, carefully open the foil packets (watch out for hot steam!). Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side. Dig in and enjoy your flavorful, easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets!
This delightful dish brings together juicy chicken, vibrant veggies, and creamy cheese, all cooked in one convenient packet. 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 be sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water before assembling the foil packets. Cooking times may be slightly longer for frozen chicken, so check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
What If I Don’t Have Aluminum Foil?
No worries! If you don’t have aluminum foil, you can use parchment paper instead. Just make sure to seal it well by folding over the edges tightly. Alternatively, you can use a grill-safe pan or baking dish covered with a lid or more parchment paper.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover foil packet meals can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm on the stove in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to keep it moist if needed.
Can I Customize the Vegetables?
Absolutely! This recipe is super flexible. You can substitute or add other vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or even diced carrots based on what you have available. Just aim for a similar volume to keep the balance of flavors!
