These Santa Fe chicken foil packets are a fun and tasty way to make dinner! Packed with juicy chicken, colorful bell peppers, and zesty spices, they are sure to please everyone.
It’s like a mini fiesta on your plate! 🎉 Just toss everything in foil, seal it up, and pop it on the grill or in the oven. Clean-up is a breeze, and you’ll have dinner ready in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are ideal, but you can use thighs for a juicier bite. If you want a vegetarian option, substitute with firm tofu or portobello mushrooms!
Cherry Tomatoes: These add sweetness and color. If they’re out of season, try diced canned tomatoes or even halved regular tomatoes instead.
Corn Kernels: Fresh corn is great, but canned or frozen corn works just as well. If you’re avoiding corn, try diced zucchini or asparagus for a crunchy texture.
Black Beans: Canned black beans are convenient. You can swap them with pinto beans or kidney beans, or for a lighter option, use cooked quinoa.
Bell Peppers: I love using a mix of green and red for flavor and color. Feel free to use other colors or even sliced onions if you prefer.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar adds a nice melt. You could use pepper jack for a kick or any cheese you enjoy, such as Monterey Jack or mozzarella!
How Do You Seal the Foil Packets Properly?
Sealing the foil packets well is key to keeping moisture in and heat circulating. Here’s how to do it:
- Use large, heavy-duty foil for better strength.
- Place the chicken and toppings in the middle, leaving some space around the edges.
- Fold the long sides over the filling first, then fold over the shorter ends to close the packet tightly.
- Make sure there are no big holes; steam escapes if there are!
For extra assurance, you can double-wrap the packets with another layer of foil. This helps avoid any leaks and keeps your meal nice and juicy!
Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets for Quick Dinners
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional, for heat)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
- Aluminum foil for wrapping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare and around 20-25 minutes to cook, depending on your cooking method. So, you’ll have a complete meal ready in about 35-40 minutes, perfect for a quick dinner any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Cooking Surface:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat or your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your chicken will cook evenly and quickly!
2. Prepare the Seasoning Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This flavorful blend will coat the chicken and add delicious taste to your dish!
3. Assemble the Chicken Packets:
On a large piece of aluminum foil, place each chicken breast. Brush them generously with the seasoned olive oil mixture. Make sure every piece is nicely coated for the best flavor.
4. Add the Colorful Veggies:
Top each chicken breast with black beans, corn, diced green and red bell peppers, and halved cherry tomatoes. Distributing these toppings evenly will make sure every bite is packed with flavor!
5. Cheese and Spice it Up:
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the toppings on each packet. If you like a little heat, add sliced jalapeños on top!
6. Seal the Foil Packets:
Carefully fold the foil over the chicken and veggies, crimping the edges tightly to seal them securely. This helps keep all the moisture in, creating a deliciously steamy cooking environment.
7. Cook the Packets:
Place the foil packets on your preheated grill or a baking sheet if using the oven. Cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, carefully open the foil packets (beware of the hot steam). Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side. Squeeze some lime over the top for a fresh burst of flavor!
Now you can enjoy your flavorful and easy Santa Fe chicken foil packets! Perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a complete meal without much fuss.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it completely before cooking. Thaw frozen chicken safely in the refrigerator overnight or place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for a quicker option. Pat it dry before seasoning!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or oven until heated through. For the best texture, try reheating in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the foil packets ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just make sure to seal them well. Cooking straight from the fridge might require a little extra time, so check that the chicken is fully cooked.
What Can I Serve With Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets?
These packets are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them over rice, quinoa, or with warm tortillas for a fun, complete meal. A side salad or some steamed veggies would also complement it nicely!
