These Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets are a fun and tasty way to enjoy a meal! Packed with chicken, colorful bell peppers, and zesty spices, they’re full of flavor and super easy to make.
Seal them up in foil, pop them on the grill or in the oven, and voilà! Dinner is ready without making a mess. I love how you can customize them with your favorite toppings like cheese or avocado—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a quicker cook time, but thighs work great too! They’re juicier if you prefer something more tender.
Corn: Frozen corn is convenient, but fresh corn kernels can add a nice crunch. Canned corn is another option, just be sure to drain it well!
Black Beans: If you want a different protein, kidney beans or pinto beans make good substitutes. Just rinse them well to reduce sodium.
Bell Pepper: Red adds sweetness, but you can mix it up with green or yellow if you’d like. Any color works here!
Cheese: While cheddar is classic, feel free to use Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend for a milder flavor. You can also leave it out for a dairy-free version!
How Do I Fold the Foil Packets Correctly?
Folding the foil packets properly is important to keep all the yummy juices locked in! Here’s how to do it:
- Start with a square of heavy-duty foil; each packet should be big enough to hold the chicken and veggies comfortably.
- Bring the two opposite sides of the foil together and pinch them tightly to seal them.
- Then, fold the other sides up and over, keeping everything inside secure and sealed.
- Leave some space inside for steam to build; this helps the chicken cook through nicely.
Sealing your packets well will make sure all those flavors blend as it cooks. Just be careful when opening them later—hot steam will escape!
Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken Packets:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels (or fresh if available)
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
- Heavy duty aluminum foil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and another 20-25 minutes to cook. So, you’re looking at around 35 minutes total! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend grilling with friends!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. If you prefer baking, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Meanwhile, grab a large bowl and combine the frozen corn, black beans, diced red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and half of the sliced jalapeño. Drizzle everything with olive oil, and sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix it well until all ingredients are nicely coated.
2. Assemble the Foil Packets:
Next, cut four large squares of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Place equal amounts of the vegetable and bean mixture in the center of each foil square. Gather the edges of the foil to create a little bed for your chicken.
3. Add the Chicken:
Now, take a chicken breast and place it on top of the vegetable mixture in each packet. Season the chicken with a little salt, pepper, and extra chili powder if you want more spice. Top each chicken breast with shredded cheese, the remaining jalapeño slices, and a squeeze of lime juice for extra flavor!
4. Seal and Cook:
Fold the foil tightly, making sure it’s sealed well to trap steam. Place your foil packets on the grill and cook for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the veggies are tender. If you’re baking, lay the packets on a baking sheet in the oven for the same amount of time.
5. Serve & Enjoy:
Carefully open the packets (watch out for steam!) and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side, and enjoy your vibrant and delicious meal straight from the foil!
This recipe is not only simple to make but also burst with yummy flavors from Santa Fe! You can easily customize it to suit your taste. Enjoy!
FAQ for Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts or thighs, but be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Thaw them overnight in the fridge or use the quick method by placing them in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you love heat, try adding more sliced jalapeños or even some diced serrano peppers to your vegetable mix. You can also sprinkle some cayenne pepper or use a spicier cheese like pepper jack!
What Can I Substitute for Black Beans?
There are several great options! You can use kidney beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas. Just remember to rinse and drain any canned beans to reduce sodium content.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the contents in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it until warmed through, or warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to keep it moist.
