This fun Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets recipe combines juicy chicken with colorful veggies and taco seasoning. Perfect for an easy dinner with minimal cleanup!
Cooking in foil is like a little gift—everything stays juicy and delicious! My family loves unwrapping these tasty packets at dinner time. 🎁
I love how simple these are to make. Just toss everything in the foil, seal it up, and let it bake. It feels like a party on a plate with all those yummy flavors!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish. If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs for extra juiciness or even swap them for turkey or tofu to make it vegetarian.
Corn: Fresh corn gives great flavor, but if that’s not available, canned or frozen corn works just fine. Just make sure to drain and rinse canned corn before use.
Black Beans: These add a nice protein boost. If you’re not a fan of black beans, try using kidney beans or pinto beans instead. Both will complement the dish nicely.
Pepper and Onion: Red bell peppers and onions provide sweetness and crunch. Feel free to mix it up with green bell peppers or even add a spice kick with diced poblano peppers!
Cheese: Cheddar is great for this recipe, but Mexican blend cheese adds even more flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could use reduced-fat cheese or skip the cheese altogether.
How Do You Seal the Foil Packets Properly?
Sealing the foil packets correctly is crucial to keep all the flavors in. Here’s how to do it easily:
- Take a sheet of foil and lay it flat.
- Add your chicken and veggies to the center.
- Fold the long sides of the foil over the ingredients tightly, but don’t squish them. This keeps the steam inside.
- Then, fold the short ends up and over each other to fully seal the packet.
- Make sure there’s a little space inside for steam to circulate – this helps cook everything evenly.
By following these steps, your packets will cook perfectly, keeping the chicken juicy and veggies tender!
Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
- 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional for heat)
- 1 lime, sliced (for garnish and flavor)
- 2 tsp taco seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 25-30 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at around 40 minutes before you can enjoy your delicious Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your packets cook evenly and get that nice roasted flavor.
2. Prepare the Foil Sheets:
Lay out four large sheets of aluminum foil on a baking sheet. This makes it easy to assemble your packets and catch any spills.
3. Mix the Seasoning:
In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, taco seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This mix will give your chicken and veggies tons of flavor!
4. Assemble the Packets:
Place one chicken breast on each foil sheet. Generously brush both sides of the chicken with your seasoning mixture. This will keep it moist and flavorful.
5. Add the Veggies:
Evenly distribute the corn, black beans, diced red pepper, cherry tomatoes, and diced onion over and around the chicken on each foil sheet. Scatter them well to ensure every bite has a bit of each ingredient!
6. Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of each packet and add jalapeño slices if you like a little spice.
7. Seal the Packets:
Fold the foil neatly to create sealed packets, making sure to leave a little space inside for steam to build up during cooking.
8. Bake the Packets:
Place all the packets on the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they are done when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
9. Unwrap and Serve:
Once cooked, carefully open the foil packets (watch out for hot steam!). Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top and sprinkle with chopped cilantro for a fresh touch.
10. Enjoy!
Serve your foil packets as they are or with a side of rice or tortillas. Either way, you’re in for a tasty treat!
Enjoy your colorful, flavorful, and easy-to-clean-up Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to thaw it completely before assembling your foil packets. You can thaw chicken overnight in the fridge or quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a mild flavor, you can skip the jalapeños or reduce the amount of taco seasoning you use. For more spice, consider adding extra jalapeño slices or including some crushed red pepper flakes in the seasoning mix.
What Can I Substitute for Black Beans?
If you’re not a fan of black beans or need a substitute, you can use kidney beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas. Just be sure to rinse and drain them before adding them to your packets!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the packets or warm them in the oven until heated through.
