These Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets are a fun way to make dinner! Just toss chicken, beans, corn, and spices onto a sheet of foil and wrap it up tight. Bake or grill for tasty, juicy bites.
I love how easy these packets are to prepare. Cleanup is a breeze too—just toss the foil! Plus, everyone can customize their own, so it’s perfect for picky eaters. 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great here, but you can use thighs for more flavor. They stay juicy and can add a nice richness. Turkey cutlets work too if you’re looking for a leaner option.
Corn: You can use fresh, canned, or frozen corn. I usually opt for frozen because it’s convenient and still sweet. If you want to mix it up, try black-eyed peas or diced zucchini as alternatives.
Peppers: The green and red bell peppers add lovely color and sweetness. You can swap them for any other peppers you prefer—like yellow or orange bell peppers or even sweet mini peppers!
Cheese: I love using a Mexican blend cheese for extra zing, but feel free to experiment! Pepper jack can add spice, or you can skip cheese entirely and use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Spices: Cumin and chili powder are key. If you’re out of chili powder, try a bit of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for heat. Adjust the amounts based on your spice tolerance!
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken is Cooked Perfectly?
Getting perfectly cooked chicken is key to this dish. Here are a few steps to ensure success:
- Use a meat thermometer—this is the best but not necessary. You want your chicken to hit 165°F (75°C) for safe eating.
- Don’t overpack the foil. Allow enough space for steam to build. This helps cook the chicken evenly!
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking before opening the foil. This helps keep it juicy.
- Watch out for steam when opening the packets! It’s hot and can surprise you.
Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets for Quick Dinners
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- 1-2 jalapeño peppers, sliced (adjust for heat preference)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
- 1 lime, sliced for garnish and serving
- Olive oil or cooking spray
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and then about 25-30 minutes to cook if you’re baking. If grilling, it should be around 20-25 minutes. You’ll have a delicious, colorful meal ready in just over half an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven or Grill:
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking, or get your grill ready at medium-high heat. This way, everything will cook evenly.
2. Prepare the Foil Sheets:
Lay out four large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Make sure they are big enough to hold all the ingredients comfortably.
3. Mix the Veggies:
In a mixing bowl, combine the corn, black beans, halved cherry tomatoes, and the diced bell peppers. Add the ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix it all together until the veggies are well-coated with the spices.
4. Grease the Foil:
Lightly grease each foil sheet with a bit of olive oil or cooking spray. This helps keep everything from sticking.
5. Assemble the Packets:
Place one chicken breast in the center of each foil sheet. Top each chicken breast with an equal amount of the veggie and bean mixture you prepared earlier.
6. Add Cheese and Jalapeños:
Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese on top of the veggies and then add a few slices of jalapeño for those who like it spicy!
7. Seal the Packets:
Fold the foil over the chicken and veggies, sealing it tightly to make packets. Be sure not to leave any openings so the steam stays inside.
8. Cook the Packets:
Place the foil packets on a baking sheet if using the oven, or right on the grill. Bake for 25-30 minutes or grill for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
9. Open and Serve:
Carefully open the foil packets, watching out for the steam that escapes. Garnish each serving with fresh cilantro and a slice of lime.
10. Enjoy!
Serve your delicious Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets immediately, squeezing a bit of lime juice over the top for that extra zest. Enjoy your quick and flavorful dinner!
This meal is perfect for busy nights, and the cleanup is a breeze. Enjoy! 🎉
FAQ for Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets
Can I Use Different Proteins?
Absolutely! You can swap out chicken for turkey, shrimp, or even fish like salmon. Just adjust the cooking time based on the protein you choose. Fish typically cooks faster, so keep an eye on it!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and add additional veggies or plant-based proteins like tofu or chickpeas. You can also add extra cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative to maintain that creamy texture.
Can I Prepare These Packets Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the foil packets a few hours in advance! Just keep them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. If making them the day before, consider adding the cheese just before cooking to keep it fresh.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can either pop them in the microwave or warm them in the oven. Just be careful not to overcook the chicken again!
