These Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets are a fun and tasty meal. They include juicy chicken, colorful veggies, and zesty spices, all wrapped up and grilled to perfection!
Cooking in foil means less cleanup—yay! I love tossing in my favorite toppings, like cheese and salsa, for an extra kick. It’s a family favorite that feels like a mini fiesta! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish since they cook quickly and stay juicy. If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs, which might add extra flavor and tenderness.
Vegetables: The combination of corn, bell peppers, and onions brightens up the dish. If you’re missing any, try using zucchini or even diced carrots. Frozen vegetables work just fine, too!
Beans: Black beans are a great choice for protein and fiber. If you don’t have them on hand, pinto beans or chickpeas could work as alternatives. They add such nice texture!
Spices: Chili powder and cumin give this dish its North American flair. For a milder option, use paprika instead of chili powder; it still adds flavor without the heat. Feel free to adjust spice levels to your liking!
What’s the Best Way to Keep It Juicy?
To ensure your chicken stays juicy, it’s crucial to not overcook it. Here’s how to nail it:
- Preheat your grill or oven thoroughly to help cook the chicken evenly.
- Seal the foil tightly to trap moisture while cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer; the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). This step takes the guesswork out.
If you want an even juicier result, marinating the chicken in lime juice for an hour before cooking can add moisture and flavor.
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 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, thinly sliced (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
- Olive oil or cooking spray
- Aluminum foil sheets (4 large pieces)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 10 minutes to prepare and about 25-30 minutes to cook, making it a perfect quick meal option! In total, you’ll need about 40 minutes from start to finish, depending on your cooking method.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your grill or oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats up, get your aluminum foil ready by cutting four large sheets.
2. Mix Up the Veggies:
In a large bowl, combine the corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, green and red bell peppers, and onions. Give it a gentle stir to mix all the ingredients.
3. Season the Chicken:
In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Lightly coat the chicken breasts with olive oil, then sprinkle the spice mix on both sides of each breast.
4. Assemble the Packets:
Place one seasoned chicken breast in the center of each foil sheet. Evenly divide the colorful vegetable mixture around and slightly on top of the chicken. Drizzle a little lime juice over the top of each packet for a burst of flavor.
5. Seal and Cook:
Fold the foil up and over the chicken and veggies, sealing the edges tightly to create packets. Place the packets on the grill or in the oven on a baking sheet and cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (165°F/74°C).
6. Add the Cheese:
Once cooked, carefully open the foil packets and sprinkle the shredded cheese over the chicken and veggies. Return the packets to the grill or oven for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the packets from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeño if you like a little extra heat. Serve hot straight from the foil packets, and offer extra lime wedges on the side for those who enjoy a tangy kick.
Enjoy this flavorful and easy Santa Fe-style chicken dinner — perfect for a quick, low-mess meal full of vibrant colors and southwestern zest!
FAQ for Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just make sure they are fully thawed before seasoning and cooking. The safest method is to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
What If I Don’t Have Certain Vegetables?
No problem at all! This recipe is very flexible. You can substitute any veggies you have on hand, like zucchini, carrots, or even spinach. Just slice them up the same size for even cooking.
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the ingredients in the oven or microwave until heated through. If reheating in the microwave, try to cover with a lid or wrap to retain moisture.
Can I Add More Spices?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the spices to your taste. Add cayenne pepper for heat, oregano for an earthy flavor, or lemon pepper seasoning for an additional kick. Just keep in mind that a little goes a long way!
