This Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets recipe is perfect for a quick dinner! You’ll love the juicy chicken, colorful veggies, and zesty seasonings all packed neatly in foil.
It’s like a tasty little surprise when you open the packet! I appreciate how everything cooks together, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, who can resist a dinner that requires so little effort? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe because they cook quickly. If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use thighs for added flavor, or even replace chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option.
Beans: Black beans add protein and texture. If black beans aren’t available, you could use pinto, kidney, or even chickpeas. Canned beans work well; just remember to rinse them to reduce sodium.
Bell Peppers: The combo of green and red peppers brightens up the dish. Feel free to swap in yellow or orange peppers for a sweeter taste, or skip the peppers altogether if you’re not a fan.
Cheese: Cheddar cheese is classic in this recipe, but you can play around with other cheeses like Monterey Jack for a smoother melt or even a vegan cheese if you want a dairy-free option.
How Do You Prepare the Foil Packets for Cooking?
Making foil packets is simple and key to capturing all those delicious flavors. Here’s how to do it:
- Cut aluminum foil into large squares, about 12×12 inches. This size fits the chicken and veggies without spilling.
- Layer the chicken and veggie mixture in the center; this allows for even cooking.
- Fold the edges of the foil over the top, pinching and rolling the edges to create a tight seal. This keeps steam in, cooking the ingredients evenly.
- Ensure there are no holes in the foil for the best results!
Remember, you can customize each packet with different vegetables or seasonings to suit your taste!
Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1-2 jalapeño peppers, sliced (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 lime, sliced (for garnish and serving)
- Aluminum foil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 25-30 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at around 40 minutes from start to finish—perfect for a quick and tasty weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven or Grill:
Start by preheating your grill or oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures a nice, even cooking temperature for your packets!
2. Mix the Veggies:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, diced green and red bell peppers, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and the veggies are evenly coated with the seasonings.
3. Prepare the Foil Packets:
Cut four large sheets of aluminum foil, about 12×12 inches each. These will hold your chicken and veggies!
4. Add Chicken and Season:
Place one chicken breast in the center of each foil sheet. Season them with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of chili powder for extra flavor. The chicken will soak up all those delicious juices while cooking.
5. Add the Veggie Mixture:
Divide the veggie mixture evenly among the foil packets, placing it around and on top of each chicken breast. This will allow the chicken to cook beautifully along with the vibrant veggies!
6. Top with Cheese and Jalapeños:
Sprinkle cheddar cheese over each chicken breast and add a few slices of jalapeño peppers on top for a kick. You can adjust the amount of jalapeños based on how spicy you like it!
7. Seal the Packets:
Fold the sides of the foil over the chicken and veggies, sealing tightly to create packets. Make sure there are no holes to keep all the steam and flavors inside while cooking.
8. Cook the Packets:
Place the foil packets on a baking sheet if using the oven or directly on the grill grates. Bake or grill for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
9. Open and Garnish:
Carefully open the foil packets (be careful of the hot steam!) and garnish with fresh cilantro and lime slices for a burst of flavor.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve each packet as is. You can also add more lime wedges for squeezing over the top to enhance the flavors. Enjoy your easy, delicious Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets!
FAQ for Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to thaw them completely beforehand for even cooking. Thaw chicken in the refrigerator overnight or use the quick method by placing them in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water.
What If I Don’t Like Spicy Food?
No problem! You can simply omit the jalapeño peppers or substitute them with bell peppers for a milder flavor. Additionally, adjust the amounts of chili powder you use in the veggie mixture to keep the spice level comfortable for you.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can either warm them in the microwave or place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. If using the oven, you might want to cover them with foil to keep them moist.
Can I Make This Recipe in the Oven Instead of the Grill?
Absolutely! Just preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and follow the same instructions for wrapping and placing the packets on a baking sheet. Baking will yield the same delicious results!
