This Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets recipe is perfect for a quick and tasty dinner! Juicy chicken, colorful veggies, and a zesty blend of spices all come together to make your taste buds jump for joy.
What I love most is how simple it is. Just toss everything in a foil packet, throw it on the grill or in the oven, and let it cook. Dinner’s ready, and cleanup is a breeze! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are easy to work with. If you want, you can switch them out for chicken thighs for a juicier bite.
Corn: You can use fresh, frozen, or even canned corn. If corn isn’t available, diced zucchini or bell peppers can be a good swap.
Black Beans: These add protein and fiber. If you’re looking for alternatives, kidney beans or pinto beans work well too.
Cilantro: A sprinkle of cilantro adds fresh flavor. If you’re not a fan, fresh parsley or green onions can be great substitutes for garnish.
Jalapeños: Adjust the spice to your liking! For less heat, omit them entirely, or use mild banana peppers instead.
How Do You Seal Foil Packets for Cooking?
Sealing your foil packets correctly helps lock in moisture and flavor. Here’s how to do it:
- After adding all your ingredients, fold the side edges of the foil over the chicken.
- Then, fold the top and bottom edges toward the center, creating a tight seal.
- Make sure the edges are pinched together well to avoid any leaks while cooking.
This way, everything steams perfectly inside, making sure your chicken stays juicy and the veggies tender!
Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese
- 1-2 jalapeño peppers, sliced (seeds removed for less heat)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
- Lime wedges (optional, for serving)
- Aluminum foil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 10 minutes of prep time plus 20-25 minutes of cooking time. So you can have a delicious meal ready in just about 35 minutes! Perfect for a busy weeknight or a casual get-together.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Grill or Oven:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F/200°C) or your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your food cooks evenly.
2. Combine the Spices:
In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This spice blend will give your chicken and veggies great flavor!
3. Prepare the Chicken:
Lay each chicken breast on a large piece of aluminum foil. This makes it easy to wrap everything up into packets.
4. Season the Chicken:
Drizzle each chicken breast with olive oil. Then, sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over each breast, making sure to coat all sides. This adds a delicious kick!
5. Add the Veggies:
Evenly distribute the corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, and diced bell peppers around each chicken breast. You can mix and match the veggies based on your preferences!
6. Cheese it Up:
Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the chicken and veggies. Cheese is the cherry on top that makes everything better!
7. Spice it Up (Optional):
Add the sliced jalapeños on top if you like a little extra heat. They add a fresh and spicy flavor!
8. Seal the Foil Packets:
Fold the edges of the foil over the chicken and veggies tightly to create a sealed pouch. This will keep all the flavors inside while cooking.
9. Cook the Packets:
Place the foil packets on the grill or a baking sheet in the oven. Cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, carefully open the foil packets (be cautious of steam!). Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and squeeze fresh lime juice over the top if desired. Serve immediately straight from the foil for easy cleanup!
Enjoy your flavorful, colorful, and simple Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets! Happy cooking!
FAQ: Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just ensure they’re completely thawed before seasoning. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or use the microwave’s defrost setting for quicker results.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
Feel free to get creative! You can add zucchini, yellow squash, corn, or even diced carrots. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave or a skillet over low heat until warmed through.
Can I Make These Packets in Advance?
Definitely! You can prepare the foil packets ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. Just remember to adjust the cooking time slightly if you’re putting them in the oven straight from the fridge.
