This Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets recipe brings together juicy chicken, colorful bell peppers, and tasty spices—all wrapped up for a fun, no-mess meal!
It’s like a little party in a packet! Just toss everything together, seal it up, and let the oven do the work. I love serving these with some rice on the side—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish as they stay juicy and cook quickly. If you’re looking for a change, you could use chicken thighs or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh cherry tomatoes add sweetness, but you can replace them with diced regular tomatoes or even canned diced tomatoes if you prefer. Just remember to drain them well!
Corn: You can use fresh, frozen, or canned corn. If you’re looking for a twist, try using black corn or even bell pepper bits instead for extra color!
Black Beans: Canned black beans are quick, but feel free to use other beans, like pinto or kidney beans. If you’re short on beans, you can skip them, though they add great protein.
Cheese: Cheddar cheese is a favorite here, but you can swap it for Monterey Jack or pepper jack if you want some heat. Nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free alternative!
How Do I Properly Seal the Foil Packets?
Sealing the foil packets correctly makes all the difference in ensuring delicious results. A good seal traps steam and keeps the food moist. Here’s how to do it:
- First, place all your ingredients in the center of the foil sheet.
- Fold up the two long sides over the food and crimp them together to seal tightly.
- Then, fold in the two shorter sides, pinching them to prevent any leaks.
- Make sure it’s snug, but leave a little space for steam to circulate inside.
- Double-check for any holes or gaps that could allow steam to escape!
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly cooked chicken and veggies waiting for you at dinner time.
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 or frozen)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional, for heat)
- 1 lime, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 25-30 minutes to bake. So, in just about 40 minutes, you’ll have a tasty meal ready to enjoy with minimum cleanup!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your chicken will cook perfectly when it’s time to bake.
2. Prepare the Spice Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This blend will give your chicken a wonderful flavor!
3. Set Up Your Chicken:
Take four large pieces of aluminum foil and place each chicken breast in the center of your foil sheets. This allows for easy wrapping later!
4. Add Olive Oil and Spices:
Drizzle a little olive oil over each chicken breast. Then, use your hands to rub the spice mixture evenly on both sides of the chicken for full flavor.
5. Layer the Veggies:
Distribute the cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, and diced green bell pepper around and on top of the chicken breasts on each foil sheet. This colorful mix adds great nutrition and taste!
6. Finish with Lime and Cheese:
Top everything with a few slices of jalapeño (if you like some heat) and lime slices for a fresh kick. Then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese all over.
7. Create the Foil Packets:
Carefully fold the foil over the chicken and veggies, sealing them tightly to trap the steam inside. Make sure it is well-sealed but leave a bit of space for the steam to circulate.
8. Bake to Perfection:
Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, carefully open the foil packets (watch out for hot steam!), and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve warm and enjoy these flavorful Santa Fe chicken packets!
Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Thawing overnight in the fridge is the safest method. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave’s defrost setting, but be sure to cook it immediately afterward for safety.
What Can I Use Instead of Black Beans?
If you don’t have black beans on hand, you can substitute them with pinto beans, kidney beans, or even chickpeas. You could also leave them out entirely if you’d prefer a veggie-packed packet!
Can I Make These Foil Packets on the Grill?
Absolutely! These foil packets can be grilled instead of baked. Preheat your grill to medium heat and place the sealed packets directly on the grill grates. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through.
How Should I Store Leftover Foil Packets?
Any leftover chicken and veggies can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If you’d like, you can freshen it up with a squeeze of lime before serving again!
