These Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets are a breeze to make! Packed with chicken, black beans, corn, and zesty spices, they’re bursting with flavor and perfect for a quick meal.
It’s like a little party in each packet! 🥳 I love how you can just toss them on the grill or in the oven, and let them cook while you relax. Clean-up is super easy—you just throw away the foil!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken is super easy to work with. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using chicken thighs, which are juicier and more flavorful. They will adjust cooking time slightly.
Corn: Fresh corn is great in summer, but canned or frozen corn works perfectly year-round. I often use frozen for convenience; just add it straight into the packet without thawing!
Black Beans: These add texture and protein. You can substitute them with pinto beans or chickpeas if preferred. Rinse them well to remove excess salt or preservatives.
Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but I sometimes swap it for pepper jack for an extra kick! For a dairy-free version, try a dairy-free cheese or simply skip it altogether.
Veggies: Feel free to mix in other vegetables like zucchini or yellow squash. They add variety and nutrition, treating your meal as a clean-out-the-fridge opportunity.
How Do You Fold and Seal the Foil Packets Properly?
Folding the foil packets is important for locking in heat and flavors. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a large piece of aluminum foil, about 12×18 inches, so you have enough space for your ingredients.
- After adding your chicken and veggies, fold one long side of the foil over the food and crimp it to seal.
- Next, fold in the other long side and crimp it as well, leaving a bit of space inside for steam to circulate.
- Finally, fold the ends tightly to secure the packet.
- Make sure there are no holes for steam to escape. If there are holes, you might end up with dry chicken!
By sealing them well, your ingredients will steam nicely, making for tender chicken and vibrant veggies!
Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional, for heat)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheddar-monterey jack mix)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- Olive oil spray or 1-2 tbsp olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and 20-25 minutes to cook, for a total of 30-35 minutes. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend cookouts!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Cooking Surface:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat or preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your chicken cooks evenly and gets that lovely flavor.
2. Mix the Spice Blend:
In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This blend adds a nice kick to the chicken and veggies!
3. Prepare the Chicken:
Take a large piece of aluminum foil for each chicken breast. Place the chicken in the center of the foil. Lightly spray or drizzle a bit of olive oil over the chicken. Then, sprinkle the spice mix thoroughly on both sides of each breast.
4. Add the Mix-Ins:
Around each chicken breast, distribute the corn, black beans, diced red bell pepper, and half of the cherry tomatoes. You want to create a colorful, hearty mixture around the chicken!
5. Cheesy Goodness:
Next, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the chicken and veggies. This will melt beautifully and add a creamy texture.
6. Spice it Up (Optional):
If you like a little heat, add the thinly sliced jalapeño on top. After that, squeeze fresh lime juice over everything to brighten the flavors.
7. Seal the Packets:
Carefully fold the edges of the foil up and seal tightly to create a packet. Make sure there are no holes; you want all the steam to stay inside!
8. Cooking Time:
Place the foil packets on the grill or on a baking sheet in the oven. Cook for about 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (165°F or 74°C) and the veggies are tender.
9. Open and Serve:
When the time is up, carefully open the foil packets—watch out for steam! Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro for a burst of flavor. You can serve the packets as is, or with warm tortillas or rice for a more filling meal.
Enjoy your flavorful and easy-to-make Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets! It’s a fun, no-fuss meal the whole family will love!
FAQ for Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking! Thaw overnight in the fridge or use the quick method: place the chicken in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water until thawed. This ensures even cooking.
What If I Don’t Have All the Ingredients?
No problem! You can easily substitute the black beans with pinto beans or chickpeas. Any mixed veggies can replace the red bell peppers or corn, such as zucchini or onions. Just get creative with what you have on hand!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for a couple of minutes or warm on the stove over low heat until heated through. You can add a splash of water or broth to keep the chicken moist.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prep the packets a few hours in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to cook. Just remember to seal them well so they don’t leak in the fridge.