These Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets are a fun and tasty meal! Packed with chicken, black beans, corn, and tasty spices, they are all sealed up and ready to bake.
Cooking in foil makes clean-up a breeze! I love tossing in some cheese right before serving for some extra goodness—who can resist melted cheese? 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts keep this dish lean and easy to cook. If you want a different protein, try using chicken thighs or even shrimp for a fun twist!
Canned Corn and Black Beans: These add protein and fiber. If you’re out, frozen corn and cooked dried beans are excellent alternatives—just thaw the corn and cook the beans beforehand.
Bell Peppers: I use both green and red for color and flavor. Other options include yellow or orange bell peppers. You can even mix in some diced zucchini for extra veggies!
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro gives a lovely finish to the dish. If you’re not a fan, replace it with fresh parsley or omit it completely—this dish is still delicious without it.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken properly is crucial for a great meal. Here’s how to make sure it’s cooked through and juicy:
- Ensure your oven is preheated to 400°F (200°C) before putting the packets in.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F (74°C) internal temperature.
- If you prefer a little extra flavor, marinate the chicken in your spice mix for an hour before cooking.
After removing the packets from the oven, let them rest a few minutes before opening. This helps keep the chicken juicy!
Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup canned corn kernels (drained)
- 1 cup canned black beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lime, sliced into rounds
- 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional for heat)
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to cook in the oven, making it a quick and delicious meal. Start to finish, you can enjoy your Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets in about 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your chicken cooks evenly and thoroughly.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
In a mixing bowl, combine the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Take your chicken breasts and rub this spice mix all over them. This will give your chicken tons of flavor!
3. Set Up Your Foil Packets:
Tear off four large pieces of aluminum foil. Each piece should be large enough to fold over the chicken and vegetables and seal tightly. Place a chicken breast in the middle of each foil sheet.
4. Assemble the Packets:
Now, start adding ingredients! Divide the corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, green and red bell peppers, diced onion, and minced garlic evenly among each packet. Make sure to spread everything around and over the chicken.
5. Add Olive Oil and Lime:
Drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil over each packet’s contents. Then, place a couple of lime slices and jalapeño slices on top of each chicken breast—this will brighten the flavor!
6. Create the Packets:
Fold the aluminum foil over the chicken and vegetables, pinching the edges together to create a sealed packet. Make sure it’s tight so no steam escapes while cooking.
7. Bake:
Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by ensuring the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8. Add Cheese:
Once cooked, carefully open the foil packets (watch out for hot steam!) and sprinkle shredded cheese over the hot chicken and veggies. Close the foil again and let it sit for 3-5 minutes so the cheese melts beautifully.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, garnish each packet with chopped fresh cilantro before serving. Lay out the packets on a plate and watch everyone dig in! Enjoy your colorful and flavorful Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets—perfect for busy weeknights or outdoor grilling!
FAQ for Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Instead?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the chicken completely before seasoning. For quick thawing, place the chicken in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for about an hour.
What Can I Use Instead of Black Beans?
If you don’t have black beans on hand, you can substitute with pinto beans or kidney beans. You can also use an extra cup of corn for additional sweetness and flavor.
How Can I Make This Recipe Low-Carb?
To lower the carb content, you can omit the corn and beans. Instead, load up on low-carb vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or spinach. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if using different veggies!
Can I Make These Packets Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the foil packets in advance, up to a day ahead. Just keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. Allow a few extra minutes for cooking if they go in cold.
