This Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets recipe is a real treat! Tender chicken is cooked with colorful veggies and zesty spices, all wrapped up for a simple meal that’s bursting with flavor.
These packets make cleanup a breeze, and you don’t need fancy dishes. Just grill or bake and enjoy your tasty one-pan dinner! Perfect for busy days when you want something delicious without the fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide lean protein. If you prefer, you can use thighs for a richer flavor or even tofu for a plant-based option. Adjust cooking time for different proteins.
Corn: Fresh corn is sweet and crunchy, but canned or frozen corn works just as well. If you’re looking for a twist, consider using black-eyed peas or diced zucchini as alternatives.
Black Beans: These add fiber and protein. If you’re avoiding beans, chickpeas can be a great substitute, or you could skip them altogether if you prefer a simpler dish.
Peppers: Red and green bell peppers add a nice crunch. Feel free to use other colors like yellow or orange for sweetness. For low-carb options, you can replace them with spinach or kale.
Cheese: I recommend a shredded Mexican blend for its melty goodness. If you want to keep it dairy-free, try a plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast for added flavor.
How Can I Make Sure the Chicken Stays Juicy?
Keeping the chicken juicy is all about preparation and cooking method. Here are some tips:
- Use a good drizzle of olive oil to prevent drying and to help the seasonings adhere.
- Don’t skip the spice mix! It adds flavor and moisture to the chicken.
- Seal your foil packets tightly. This traps steam, keeping the chicken moist as it cooks.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Remove the chicken when it hits 165°F (74°C) to avoid overcooking.
Following these tips will ensure your Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets are super juicy and satisfying!
Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets
Ingredients:
- 2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional, for heat)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Olive oil or cooking spray
- Aluminum foil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of preparation time and approximately 25-30 minutes of baking time. So, in about 40 minutes, you will have a delicious, colorful meal ready to serve!
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, you can prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with cooking spray.
2. Make the Spice Mix:
In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This will be your flavorful seasoning blend for the chicken.
3. Prepare the Chicken:
Take each chicken breast and place it on a large piece of aluminum foil. Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the chicken to keep it moist. Then, rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts until well coated.
4. Add the Vegetables:
Around each seasoned chicken breast, evenly distribute the corn, black beans, diced red and green bell peppers, and halved cherry tomatoes. Make sure each packet has a colorful variety of veggies.
5. Sprinkle the Cheese:
Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of the chicken and veggies, making it ooey and gooey when cooked.
6. Add Extra Flavor:
If you like some heat, place the sliced jalapeño on top. Now, squeeze the juice of one fresh lime over the entire mixture for that zesty touch.
7. Seal the Packets:
Fold the aluminum foil around the chicken and veggies tightly to create sealed packets. Make sure there are no openings for steam to escape!
8. Bake Your Packets:
Place the sealed foil packets onto your prepared baking sheet and slide them into the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (reach an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
9. Serve and Enjoy:
When the time is up, carefully open the foil packets to avoid hot steam. Garnish your delicious meal with chopped fresh cilantro and serve right from the foil packets. Enjoy your tasty, colorful Santa Fe Chicken!
Happy cooking! Enjoy your vibrant and flavorful Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets!
FAQ for Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Thaw in the fridge overnight or use the microwave for a quick defrost. Cooking times may vary slightly if it’s not fully thawed.
Can I Make These Foil Packets Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prep the foil packets the night before and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if they are coming straight from the fridge.
What Can I Substitute for Black Beans?
If black beans are not your preference or if you need a different option, you can use kidney beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas for a delightful twist. Just make sure to drain and rinse any canned beans before using!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm in the microwave or oven until heated through. You can also enjoy these leftover packets cold in a salad!
