These Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets are a fun way to make dinner! You wrap chicken, beans, corn, and delicious spices in foil and bake. Easy clean-up, too!
What’s better than a meal that cooks itself? Just toss everything in, seal it up, and wait for the yummy smells! I love serving these with rice for a perfect, tasty dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. If you’re looking for a quicker option, shredded rotisserie chicken works great, too. You could also use chicken thighs for a juicier result.
Black Beans: Canned black beans are convenient, but you can substitute with pinto beans or kidney beans if desired. For a lighter option, try using chickpeas instead!
Corn: Fresh corn off the cob provides great sweetness, but frozen or canned corn is perfectly fine. If corn isn’t your thing, diced zucchini or yellow squash can work well too.
Cheese: Cheddar adds a deliciously creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using reduced-fat cheese or even skipping it altogether. Dairy-free cheese can also be used for a vegan version.
How Do You Seal Foil Packets Properly?
Sealing your foil packets correctly is key to keeping everything juicy. Start with a piece of foil that’s large enough to fold over the filling.
- Place your filling in the center of the foil.
- Bring the long sides of the foil up over the filling.
- Fold the ends tightly, making sure there are no gaps for steam to escape.
- To avoid burning your hands, make sure the edges are sealed well and form a pocket.
This technique helps trap all the flavors and moisture inside, making for a deliciously succulent meal. Happy cooking!
Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets
Ingredients:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning or Santa Fe seasoning blend
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Lime wedges (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare and around 25-30 minutes to cook in the oven, making it perfect for a quick dinner that’s ready in about an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). It’s important to have the oven ready so the packets cook evenly.
2. Prepare the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces, black beans, corn, diced red bell pepper, and thinly sliced red onion. This colorful mix is not only healthy but also looks great!
3. Add Seasoning:
Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture. Then, add the taco seasoning, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until all the ingredients are nicely coated in the flavorful seasoning — it should smell amazing!
4. Prepare Foil Sheets:
Cut four large sheets of aluminum foil, each about 12×12 inches in size. This will create enough space for each serving. Divide the chicken mixture evenly among the foil sheets, piling it in the center of each sheet.
5. Add Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over each packet. This gooey cheese will melt perfectly while baking.
6. Seal the Packets:
Fold the foil over the ingredients to create packets. Make sure to seal them tightly so that nothing escapes during cooking — this is where all the yummy steam is locked in!
7. Bake:
Place the sealed foil packets on a baking sheet and pop them in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. It’s always a good idea to check the chicken is no longer pink in the center!
8. Garnish:
Once cooked, carefully open the packets (watch out for hot steam!) and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro. A squeeze of lime juice adds a refreshing touch!
9. Serve:
Enjoy these delicious foil packets hot on their own, or serve them with rice, tortillas, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Happy eating!
Enjoy your flavorful, easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets!
FAQ for Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely beforehand! Thaw frozen chicken in the fridge overnight or in cold water in a sealed plastic bag. Make sure to pat it dry before cooking to reduce excess moisture.
Can I Prepare These Packets in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the foil packets ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to cover them well to keep everything fresh. Cook them straight from the fridge, but you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover foil packet contents can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, either microwave until warmed through or heat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
What Can I Substitute for Black Beans?
If you don’t have black beans, feel free to substitute with pinto beans, kidney beans, or even chickpeas. Each option will still deliver delicious flavor and texture to your foil packets!
