These Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets are a tasty way to enjoy a quick meal! Packed with chicken, colorful veggies, and bold spices, they promise a burst of flavor in every bite.
What I love most is how easy they are to clean up! Just toss everything in a foil packet, grill or bake, and dinner is done. Plus, it’s a fun way to get the little ones involved—everyone loves unwrapping their own meal! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts keep this dish lean. If you’re looking for alternatives, try skinless chicken thighs for more flavor and tenderness or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Corn: Any corn works here! Fresh corn is fantastic in summer, but frozen corn is just as tasty—no need to thaw. If you’re avoiding corn, try zucchini or chopped bell peppers instead.
Black Beans: Canned black beans are convenient. Rinse them to reduce sodium. You can swap them for pinto beans or chickpeas for variety, both offering great textures.
Cheese: Cheddar adds great flavor, but feel free to use Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a bit of spice. For a dairy-free option, you can use vegan cheese or skip it altogether!
Fresh Veggies: Green and red bell peppers add color and texture. Swap them for any bell pepper you like, or use other quick-cooking veggies like green beans or snap peas.
How Do You Make Sure the Chicken is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken thoroughly while keeping it juicy can be tricky. Using a meat thermometer is your best bet! Aim for 165°F (74°C) for safe eating. If you don’t have a thermometer, the chicken should be opaque, and juices should run clear.
- Don’t skip the wrapping step! Sealing the packets well locks in moisture, making sure the chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy.
- If you’re grilling, keep the heat moderate. Too high can dry it out. For the oven, make sure your temp is steady at 400°F (200°C).
- Let your packets rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute within the chicken for more flavor.
Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 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 small green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
- 1-2 fresh jalapeño peppers, thinly sliced (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
- Aluminum foil for wrapping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 20-25 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at roughly 35-40 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and effortless way to enjoy a tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat or, if you prefer baking, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s heating up, grab a large bowl.
2. Mix the Veggies
In the bowl, combine the corn, black beans, halved cherry tomatoes, diced green and red bell peppers, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together well so the flavors meld.
3. Set Up the Foil Packets
Prepare four large pieces of aluminum foil. Lay them out flat, ready for filling.
4. Add Chicken to Foil
Place one chicken breast in the center of each piece of foil. Don’t worry about perfection—just make sure they fit!
5. Distribute the Veggie Mixture
Use your hands or a spoon to divide the vegetable mixture evenly over each chicken breast. Spread it out around the chicken, letting the veggies sit on top and a little around the sides.
6. Top with Cheese and Jalapeño
Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the chicken and veggies. For those who enjoy heat, add a few slices of fresh jalapeño on top.
7. Seal the Packets
Fold the foil over the chicken and veggies tightly, creating sealed packets. Make sure to crimp the edges well so that no juices escape while cooking!
8. Grill or Bake
Place your foil packets on the grill or a baking sheet if using the oven. Cook for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them—your chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the veggies are tender.
9. Serve with Flair
Carefully open your packets, watching for hot steam. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges. Squeeze some lime juice over the top to brighten up all those delicious flavors.
Enjoy this colorful, flavorful, and easy Santa Fe chicken meal that’s low fuss and full of vibrant Southwestern flair!
FAQ for Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s important to thaw them first for even cooking. Thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Just be sure to check the cooking time, as it might need a little extra time if still partially frozen!
What if I Don’t Have Aluminum Foil?
If you don’t have aluminum foil, you can use parchment paper as an alternative. Just be aware that parchment may not seal as tightly, so be sure to create a package that is well-folded to avoid leaks during cooking!
How Do I Store Leftover Stuff?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet with a splash of water to keep it moist. If you’ve got leftover cooked chicken, it can be shredded and used in salads or wraps!
Can I Customize the Veggies Used?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the veggies for what you like or have on hand. Zucchini, yellow squash, or even asparagus would work well too! Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the type of vegetables used, so adjust accordingly.
