These Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets are a fun way to enjoy a tasty meal! Packed with juicy chicken, colorful peppers, and zesty taco seasoning, they’re bursting with flavor.
Cooking in foil means less mess and more time to relax. I love serving them with some warm tortillas on the side—perfect for a cozy dinner! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for these packets. If you’re looking for a change, turkey cutlets or even firm tofu can be great alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Corn: Fresh corn adds nice sweetness, but you can use frozen or canned corn too. Just make sure to drain canned corn well. If corn isn’t available, diced zucchini or bell peppers are great for extra veggies!
Beans: Black beans are classic, but you can swap them for pinto beans or chickpeas for a different taste. Canned beans save time; just rinse them before use to reduce sodium.
Cheese: Cheddar is delicious, but feel free to try pepper jack for a kick or mozzarella for milder flavor. Vegan cheese is a good option for a dairy-free diet.
How Do I Make Perfect Foil Packets?
Making foil packets sounds easy, but sealing them well is key to keeping the flavors in. Here’s how:
- Start with large pieces of aluminum foil, enough to fold over and seal the ingredients securely.
- Layer your ingredients carefully. Place the chicken in the center, and then add your veggies and cheese around it.
- After adding the lime slices, fold the foil tightly around the food. Crimp the edges to ensure no steam escapes during cooking.
- Place the packets on a baking sheet or directly on grill grates to catch any drips.
Using this method helps the chicken cook evenly, locking in all those tasty juices!
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, frozen, or canned)
- 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 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 lime, sliced
- Jalapeño slices for garnish (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and about 25-30 minutes to cook, making it a quick and effortless meal! These foil packets are perfect for any busy night and make cleanup a breeze.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven or Grill:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) or get your grill ready at a medium-high temperature. You want it nice and hot for cooking those delicious chicken packets!
2. Prepare the Spice Mix:
In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This mixture will give your chicken a tasty kick!
3. Season the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and pat them dry. Rub each piece with olive oil, then sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over all sides.
4. Set Up the Foil Packets:
Grab four large sheets of aluminum foil and lay them out on a baking sheet or individual foil pans. Making sure you have enough space to fold them later!
5. Assemble the Packets:
Place one seasoned chicken breast in the center of each foil sheet. Surround the chicken with equal amounts of cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, and diced bell peppers. Feel free to get colorful and creative!
6. Add Cheese and Lime:
Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken and veggies. Finish by adding a couple of lime slices on top for a fresh zesty flavor. If you like it spicy, add some jalapeño slices too!
7. Seal the Packets:
Fold the foil over the chicken and vegetables to create a sealed packet. Make sure it’s tight so that no steam escapes during cooking. This keeps everything juicy!
8. Cooking Time:
Place the foil packets in the oven or on the grill. Cook for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Carefully open the foil packets—watch out for steam! Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve them up. Each person can squeeze extra lime over their meal for added flavor!
Enjoy the vibrant, fresh flavors and easy cleanup of these Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets!
FAQ for Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?
Yes, you can! If using frozen chicken, make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before prepping the packets. Cooking from frozen can lead to uneven cooking.
What Vegetables Can I Substitute in This Recipe?
If you don’t have bell peppers or prefer something else, feel free to use zucchini, asparagus, or even sliced mushrooms. Just chop them into similar sizes for even cooking!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To switch this up for a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh. You can also add more beans or veggies to make the meal hearty and satisfying!
How Do I Store Leftover Foil Packets?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave on a plate or warm it in the oven until heated through. If the cheese looks dry, adding a splash of broth can help revive it!
