This Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets recipe is a fun, simple way to enjoy a tasty meal! With juicy chicken, black beans, corn, and zesty seasonings, it’s bursting with flavor.
Cooking in foil helps keep everything super moist and makes cleanup a breeze! I love throwing these on the grill or in the oven. Plus, you can customize the veggies to your liking! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could use chicken thighs, which stay juicy and tender. For a vegetarian version, try replacing chicken with firm tofu or extra veggies.
Corn: Fresh corn is great, but frozen corn works just as well and is super convenient. If you’re avoiding corn, try using diced zucchini or bell peppers instead to keep that fresh flavor.
Black Beans: These provide protein and fiber. If you’re not a fan, you could swap them for kidney beans or even chickpeas. Just ensure they’re rinsed and drained if using canned.
Pepper Varieties: Red bell peppers add sweetness, but you can use green peppers for more crunch or even yellow or orange for a pop of color. Don’t have any peppers? Just double up on the cherry tomatoes or add other veggies like sliced mushrooms.
Cheese: Cheddar or a Mexican blend adds creaminess. If you’re dairy-free, consider using vegan cheese shreds or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
How Do I Ensure the Chicken Is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking chicken in foil packets helps retain moisture and flavor! To make sure your chicken turns out juicy and not dry, follow these steps:
- Use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Don’t overcook the packets! Keep an eye on the time; grilling usually takes around 20-25 minutes, while baking takes about 25-30 minutes.
- Let the packets rest for a couple of minutes after cooking before opening them. This allows the juices to redistribute.
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, drained and rinsed
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (remove seeds for less heat)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
- Aluminum foil sheets, for wrapping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and roughly 20-30 minutes to cook, depending on whether you’re using a grill or an oven. It’s a quick and delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a fun weekend gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Cooking Method:
First, set your grill to medium-high heat. If you decide to bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps to ensure even cooking of your packets.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mix together the corn, black beans, diced red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Stir until everything is well-combined and coated in the spices.
3. Prepare the Foil:
Lay out 4 large sheets of aluminum foil on a flat surface, making sure they are big enough to wrap around your chicken and veggies completely.
4. Assemble the Packets:
Evenly divide the seasoned mixture among the centers of each foil sheet. Place one chicken breast on top of the veggies in each packet. Then, sprinkle shredded cheese over each piece of chicken.
5. Add the Finishing Touches:
Top each chicken breast with a few slices of jalapeño and a good squeeze of fresh lime juice for a little zest.
6. Seal the Packets:
Gently fold the foil over the chicken and vegetables to create packets, making sure to seal them tightly so no juices escape during cooking.
7. Cook to Perfection:
Place your foil packets directly on the grill or on a baking sheet in the oven. Cook for about 20-25 minutes on the grill, or 25-30 minutes in the oven, until the chicken is fully cooked and the veggies are tender. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Carefully open the foil packets (watch out for hot steam!), garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, and serve hot. Enjoy your flavorful Santa Fe chicken meal with minimal cleanup!
FAQ for Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets
Can I Use Thawed Chicken Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Just ensure the chicken is fully thawed before using it. You can thaw chicken in the fridge overnight, or for a quicker method, place it in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for about an hour.
What Vegetables Can I Substitute in This Recipe?
You can customize the veggies to your preference! Feel free to swap the red bell pepper for green bell pepper, zucchini, or even add diced onions. The key is to choose vegetables that will cook well alongside the chicken.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave, or place the leftover packet back on the grill or oven until warmed through.
Can I Prep These Packets in Advance?
Yes! You can assemble the foil packets a few hours ahead of time and keep them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if they are chilled.
