These Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets are perfect for a quick and fun meal! Juicy chicken, colorful veggies, and zesty spices come together, all packed up in foil.
Cooking in foil means easy cleanup, and I just love how the flavors blend. Perfect for camping or a busy weeknight. Just toss everything together, wrap it up, and let the oven do the work!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe, but you can substitute with chicken thighs for more flavor and tenderness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey breast can also work!
Corn: Fresh corn is sweet and juicy, but frozen corn is just as convenient and works perfectly—no need to thaw! You could even use canned corn in a pinch; just make sure to drain it well.
Black Beans: Canned black beans are a time-saver! Drain and rinse them well. If you’re not a fan of black beans, kidney beans or pinto beans can be good alternatives.
Bell Peppers: Red and green bell peppers add color and sweetness. If you want a different flavor, try using yellow or orange peppers. For a spicier kick, consider adding some diced jalapeño or serrano peppers.
Cheese: Cheddar is delicious here, but you can replace it with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a bit more heat. Vegan cheese can also be used to make it dairy-free.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Tender and Juicy?
The key to tender chicken in foil packets is to bake it right without overcooking. Always preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for consistent cooking. Here are some additional tips:
- Use even-sized chicken breasts; this helps them cook evenly.
- Wrap the foil packets tightly to lock in moisture, but not too tight to avoid compressing the ingredients.
- Using a meat thermometer, ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for perfect doneness.
- If you have thicker chicken breasts, consider slicing them in half horizontally to speed up cooking.
Enjoy making these Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets—easy, fun, and packed with flavor!
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 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (seeds optional, for heat level)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 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)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to bake in the oven. In total, you’ll need around 40-45 minutes for a delicious and satisfying meal that everyone will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake your packets.
2. Prepare the Veggie Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the corn, black beans, diced red and green bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Stir everything together until it’s mixed well and the veggies are coated with the spices.
3. Assemble Your Foil Packets:
Take 4 large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil, approximately 12×18 inches each. Lay them out flat on a baking sheet. This will help catch any drips and make it easier to take in and out of the oven.
4. Place the Chicken:
Put one chicken breast in the center of each foil sheet. If you want, sprinkle a bit of extra salt and pepper on each chicken breast to enhance the flavor.
5. Add the Veggies and Cheese:
Evenly distribute the vegetable and bean mixture over and around each chicken breast. Then, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of each one. For an extra spicy kick, add a few slices of jalapeño on top of the chicken breasts.
6. Seal the Packets:
Carefully fold the sides of the foil over the chicken and veggies to create a sealed packet. Make sure there are no openings to keep the moisture in. Place the packets seam side down on the baking sheet.
7. Bake the Packets:
Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through, and the veggies should be tender. Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached 165°F (75°C).
8. Serve and Enjoy:
When the time is up, carefully open the foil packets (be cautious of the hot steam!). Garnish each packet with fresh chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top. Enjoy your delicious Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets!
This recipe is a fantastic one-dish meal with vibrant flavors and easy cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights or fun gatherings!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thoroughly thaw the chicken before assembling the foil packets. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or in a sealed bag submerged in cold water for a quicker option.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you’d like more heat, add extra sliced jalapeños or even a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the veggie mixture. You can also substitute the cheddar cheese with pepper jack cheese for an added kick!
Can I Prepare These Packets in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prep the foil packets ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if they go into the oven straight from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Any leftover foil packet ingredients can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stove until heated through.
