These Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets are a fun way to cook dinner! Juicy chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and tasty spices come together for a colorful meal.
What I love most about these packets is how simple they are. Just toss everything in, wrap it up, and let the oven do its magic. Cleanup is a breeze too—who doesn’t love that? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect here for easy cooking. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try boneless, skinless chicken thighs—they’re juicier and add great flavor!
Corn: Fresh corn is delicious, but frozen corn works just as well. It’s super convenient and saves prep time. Canned corn can also work, just make sure to drain it well.
Black Beans: Canned black beans are a major time-saver! You could switch them out for kidney beans or pinto beans if that’s what you have on hand, or leave them out for a lighter dish.
Peppers: Green and red bell peppers add color and sweetness. Feel free to use yellow or orange peppers, or even zucchini for a twist. They both add nice flavor and texture!
Cheese: Cheddar cheese is a classic choice for this recipe. For a different flavor, use pepper jack for spicy cheese or Monterey Jack for a milder taste.
How Do I Make Sure the Chicken is Cooked Just Right?
Cooking chicken to the right temperature is key to enjoying it safely and deliciously. Here’s how to ensure it’s cooked perfectly:
- Use a meat thermometer! Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for chicken to be fully cooked. This ensures it’s safe to eat but also juicy.
- Cooking time can vary. If your chicken breasts are thicker, they may need extra time—up to 35 minutes.
- Let it rest! After removing the packets from the oven, let them sit for a few minutes before opening. This helps keep the juices inside.
Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 fresh jalapeño, sliced
- Fresh lime wedges, for serving
- Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
- Aluminum foil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal is quick to prepare—about 15 minutes for prep, plus 25-30 minutes baking time in the oven. Just pop it in, relax, and let the flavors meld while your kitchen fills with delicious aromas!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure it’s perfectly hot when you’re ready to bake your packets.
2. Prepare the Spice Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This blend gives your chicken that delicious Santa Fe flavor!
3. Set Up the Chicken:
Lay out a large sheet of aluminum foil for each chicken breast. Place a chicken breast in the center of each sheet.
4. Drizzle and Season:
Pour olive oil over the chicken breasts, then generously sprinkle the spice mixture on top, making sure each piece of chicken is well-coated.
5. Add the Vegetables:
Top the chicken with the corn, black beans, diced bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. Spread them around and on top of the chicken evenly.
6. Cheese It Up:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over all the ingredients. This will melt beautifully while baking!
7. Add Some Heat:
Place the sliced jalapeños on top of the cheese for a little extra kick, if you like it spicy!
8. Seal the Packets:
Fold the aluminum foil over the chicken and vegetables to create sealed packets. Make sure they’re well-sealed to keep all the moisture in.
9. Bake:
Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and pop them in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes—or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
10. Open Carefully:
After baking, carefully open the packets to avoid hot steam escaping. Garnish the dish with fresh chopped cilantro for extra flavor.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets with lime wedges to squeeze over the top for a burst of freshness. Enjoy this colorful, easy meal with loved ones!
This recipe not only delivers a scrumptious dinner but also makes cleanup a breeze. Happy cooking!
FAQ for Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen chicken, make sure to thaw it completely before seasoning and wrapping in foil. The best way to thaw is overnight in the refrigerator or quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water.
What Vegetables Can I Substitute?
Feel free to mix it up! You can swap out the bell peppers for zucchini, use diced onions, or even add sliced mushrooms. Just make sure to adjust cooking times if you use sturdier veggies!
Can I Prepare These Packets Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prep the foil packets in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just seal them tightly in the fridge until you’re ready to cook!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the packet on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.
