These Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets are a tasty and colorful dinner option! Packed with juicy chicken, black beans, corn, and spices, they are sure to please everyone.
Cooking in foil makes clean-up a breeze! I love how the flavors meld together while baking. Just toss in your ingredients, seal them up, and let the oven do the work. Dinner how easy is that?!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the main protein here. You can swap them with boneless thighs for more flavor and juiciness.
Corn: Fresh, frozen, or canned corn all work! If you’re avoiding corn, you can replace it with diced zucchini or bell peppers for added veggies.
Black Beans: They bring fiber and protein to the dish. If you want a different bean, pinto beans or kidney beans are great alternatives. You can also skip them for a lighter option.
Cheddar Cheese: I love using shredded cheddar, but feel free to try Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a twist. For a non-dairy option, vegan cheese products can work well too!
How Do You Make Sure the Chicken is Juicy and Tender?
Cooking chicken in foil helps seal in moisture, making it tender. Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked chicken:
- Season chicken well before adding other ingredients to enhance flavor.
- Drizzle with olive oil to keep the chicken moist during baking.
- Seal the foil packets tightly to create steam while cooking.
- Bake until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Let the packets rest for a few minutes once out of the oven. This helps redistribute the juices, keeping everything delicious and moist!
Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets for Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 small jalapeño, sliced (optional, adjust to heat preference)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Aluminum foil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 10 minutes to prep and around 25-30 minutes to cook in the oven. So, all in all, you can have a delicious and healthy dinner ready in about 40-45 minutes! Perfect for a busy evening!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s hot and ready for cooking your delicious packets!
2. Prepare the Seasoning Mix
In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This blend will add a fantastic flavor to the chicken and veggies.
3. Assemble the Chicken Packets
Take a large piece of aluminum foil for each chicken breast. Place a chicken breast in the center of the foil. Drizzle a bit of olive oil over each piece. Then, sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken.
4. Add the Veggies and Cheese
Now, it’s time to load up the chicken! Distribute the corn, black beans, diced red bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes around and on top of the chicken. Don’t forget to sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over everything for that yummy cheesy goodness!
5. Top with Jalapeños
If you like a little heat, add jalapeño slices on top for extra spice. It’s totally optional, so feel free to skip this step if you prefer a milder dish.
6. Seal the Foil Packets
Carefully fold the foil over the chicken and veggies, making sure to seal the packets tightly so all the delicious steam stays inside while baking.
7. Bake and Cook
Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and put them in the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear (aim for an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Once done, carefully open the foil packets (be cautious of the hot steam!). Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side. You can eat directly from the foil for an easy clean-up or transfer to plates if you prefer. Enjoy your flavorful and easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets!
FAQ About Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen chicken, be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator beforehand. This will ensure even cooking and a tender texture in your dish.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the packets ahead of time! Assemble the chicken and vegetables in the foil, seal them up, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to eat, just pop them in the oven straight from the fridge. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What If I Don’t Have Black Beans?
No worries! You can substitute black beans with any other type of beans you have on hand, like pinto or kidney beans. If you’re looking for something different, try adding extra veggies or quinoa instead!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, allow the foil packets to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven or microwave until heated through.
