These Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets are a fun way to pack flavor into dinner! Just chicken, colorful veggies, and tasty spices wrapped in foil make cooking a breeze.
I love that these packets are super easy to prep and clean up! Plus, you can customize them with your favorite veggies. Who knew dinner could be this simple and tasty? 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect here, but you could use thighs if that’s what you have. They’re juicy and flavorful! If you’re vegetarian, try using cubed firm tofu or chickpeas for protein.
Corn: Fresh corn is delicious, but frozen corn works just as well. If you want to skip corn entirely, diced zucchini or yellow squash can add a nice texture.
Black Beans: These add protein and fiber. Canned beans are convenient, but if you’re making your own, be sure to soak them overnight. You can swap them for pinto beans or even kidney beans.
Cheese: Cheddar gives a nice melt, but feel free to experiment! Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack adds a fun twist, especially if you like a bit of spice!
How Do You Seal Foil Packets to Keep in the Flavor?
Sealing foil packets properly is key to locking in moisture and flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a large piece of foil, enough to fold over the chicken and veggies.
- Place the chicken and toppings in the center, leaving space to fold the foil.
- Bring the longer sides together first and fold them tightly to seal. Then fold in the short sides, ensuring it’s well-sealed to prevent leaks.
- Double-check for any small openings where steam can escape.
This method keeps everything juicy and flavorful! Plus, it makes serving a breeze – just open and enjoy right from the packet.
Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
- 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional, for heat)
- 1 lime, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Olive oil or cooking spray (to grease foil)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to cook in the oven (or 20-25 minutes on the grill). In just under an hour, you can have a delicious, healthy meal ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prep:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or set up your grill for medium-high heat. This will help ensure your chicken cooks evenly and gets nice and tender.
2. Mix Your Spices:
In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This mix will add a ton of flavor to your chicken!
3. Prepare the Foil:
Lay out a large piece of aluminum foil for each chicken breast. Drizzle a little olive oil or spray the foil with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
4. Season the Chicken:
Place a chicken breast in the center of each foil piece. Generously sprinkle the spice mixture over each piece of chicken. It should look colorful and flavorful!
5. Add the Veggies:
Evenly distribute the corn, black beans, diced red and green bell peppers, and sliced grape tomatoes around the chicken on the foil. These veggies will add color and nutrition to your meal.
6. Top It Off:
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the chicken and veggies for a cheesy, delicious finish. If you like it spicy, add a few slices of jalapeño on top!
7. Seal the Packets:
Bring the sides of the foil over the chicken and veggies, folding them tightly to create sealed packets. Make sure there are no gaps to keep the steam and flavor locked inside.
8. Cooking Time:
Place the foil packets on a baking sheet (if using the oven) and bake for 25-30 minutes, or grill for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender. The packets should puff up a little as they cook.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Carefully open the foil packets (be cautious of the hot steam!) and garnish with fresh cilantro and lime slices. Enjoy your colorful, tasty, and mess-free meal!
This simple recipe is a perfect way to bring family or friends together without much fuss! Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Thighs Instead of Chicken Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work beautifully in this recipe. They are more tender and juicy, so you can substitute them without any issues. Just make sure they are cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make this a vegetarian dish, simply replace the chicken with chopped firm tofu or tempeh. You can also add more beans or use extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
Can I Prepare These Packets in Advance?
Yes, you can prep the foil packets a few hours in advance! Just assemble the chicken and veggies, seal them in foil, and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. Make sure to let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Packets?
If you have any leftovers, simply let the packets cool, then carefully transfer the contents into airtight containers. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave or bake them in the oven until warmed through.
