This Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets recipe is all about tasty chicken, colorful veggies, and zesty flavors—all wrapped up in a neat package! Perfect for quick dinners!
It’s like a little gift from the oven! 🎁 Just toss everything together, seal them in foil, and let them bake. Cleanup’s a breeze, and your taste buds will thank you!
I love making these on busy nights. They’re easy to prep, and you can customize them with your favorite veggies. Talk about a dinner that’s both fun and delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great here. You can use chicken thighs if you prefer them for extra juiciness.
Corn: Fresh corn tastes amazing, but frozen corn works just as well! Canned corn is another option if that’s what you have.
Black Beans: These are perfect for adding protein and fiber. You can replace black beans with kidney beans or pinto beans if needed.
Bell Peppers: I often use red and green bell peppers, but yellow ones or even diced zucchini can add a nice twist.
Cheese: I love using cheddar, but you could also try Monterey Jack or a dairy-free cheese if you’re going for a lighter option.
Jalapeño: This adds spice, but feel free to leave it out if you want a milder dish. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper instead.
How Do I Ensure the Chicken is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking chicken in foil packets keeps it juicy and flavorful. Here are my tips:
- Preheat your oven completely for even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Bake the packets undisturbed; opening them allows steam to escape.
- If you’re not sure, you can cut into the chicken to check that it’s no longer pink inside.
These steps will help you avoid dry chicken and make your dish a success every time!
Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
- 1 fresh jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional, adjust for spice preference)
- 1 lime, sliced (for garnish and added flavor)
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and 25-30 minutes to cook in the oven. So you’ll spend around 40 minutes in total to enjoy a delicious, hassle-free meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). It’s important to have it nice and hot for even cooking!
2. Prepare the Spice Mix:
In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This will add lots of flavor to the chicken and veggies!
3. Prepare the Chicken:
Grab four large pieces of aluminum foil. Place a chicken breast on each piece of foil. Drizzle some olive oil over the chicken and rub the spice mixture evenly across each breast to coat them well.
4. Add The Veggies:
Now it’s time to add the fun stuff! Divide the corn, black beans, diced red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and halved cherry tomatoes among the foil packets. Make sure to surround the chicken with the veggies for full flavor!
5. Top it Off:
Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese on top of each chicken breast and add a few jalapeño slices for some heat if you’d like.
6. Seal the Packets:
Fold the foil over the chicken and vegetables, pinching the edges together to create a sealed packet. This will trap all the delicious steam and flavors inside as they cook!
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 fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, carefully open the packets (watch out for hot steam!). Garnish with lime slices and chopped cilantro. You can serve these tasty foil packets directly or alongside your favorite sides like rice or tortilla chips.
Enjoy your flavorful and easy-to-make Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets!
FAQ for Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to fully thaw them before cooking. Thaw them in the fridge overnight or in a sealed bag submerged in cold water for faster results. It’s important to avoid cooking from frozen to ensure even cooking!
How to Customize the Veggies?
Feel free to mix and match your favorite vegetables! Zucchini, mushrooms, and red onions work great too. Just chop them into similar sizes for even cooking. You can also add vegetables that are in season for the best flavor!
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the foil packets in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if they’re starting out cold!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, you can either use a microwave or heat them gently in the oven until warmed through.
