Name: Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (7-8 oz each); 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese or Monterey Jack; 1 cup canned whole kernel corn, drained; 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup salsa or Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies; 2 medium bell peppers, diced; 1 teaspoon chili powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, and sliced jalapeños for garnish (optional); Cooking spray

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets are an easy, hands-off meal that’s packed with flavor. The combination of chicken, vegetables, black beans, and cheese makes for a hearty and satisfying dish, while the foil packet cooking method locks in all the delicious flavors. The flexibility to cook these packets on the grill, in the oven, or even on a campfire makes this recipe incredibly versatile. Plus, with minimal clean-up and a quick 30-minute cooking time, it’s a dinner win for busy nights or outdoor adventures.

Ingredients

To make these flavorful Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets, you will need:

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (7-8 oz each)
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese or Monterey Jack
1 cup canned whole kernel corn, drained
1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup salsa or Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies
2 medium bell peppers, diced
1 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, and sliced jalapeños for garnish (optional)
Cooking spray

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Grill:

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

2. Prepare the Foil:

Spray four large pieces of aluminum foil with cooking spray. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

3. Assemble the Packets:

Place one chicken breast in the center of each piece of foil. Season each chicken breast with chili powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Then, top each chicken breast evenly with black beans, corn, salsa (or Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies), and diced bell peppers.

4. Seal the Packets:

Fold the foil over the chicken and vegetables, sealing tightly to form packets. Make sure the packets are well-sealed to trap all the juices inside.

5. Grill the Packets:

Place the foil packets on the grill, vegetable side down. Grill for 10 minutes, then flip and grill for another 10–12 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.

6. Add the Cheese:

Carefully open the foil packets, and sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top of each chicken breast. Close the foil loosely and grill for another 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Garnish and Serve:

Remove the foil packets from the grill and carefully open them. Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, and sliced jalapeños, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and use extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and sweet potatoes to make a vegetarian version of the foil packets.
Spicy Kick: Add some diced jalapeños to the packet before grilling for a spicier version.
Different Cheese: Use a different type of cheese like cheddar or pepper jack to add a different flavor to the dish.
Add Rice: Add cooked rice to the foil packets for a complete one-dish meal.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the foil packets in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through, or microwave for 2-3 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I bake these in the oven instead of grilling them?

Yes! You can bake these foil packets in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.

2. Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

It’s best to use thawed chicken breasts for this recipe, as frozen chicken may not cook evenly in the foil packets. If using frozen chicken, make sure to cook them a little longer.

3. Can I prepare the foil packets in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the foil packets a day ahead and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook.

4. Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute the chicken with other proteins such as turkey, or even fish like salmon or tilapia.

5. How do I know when the chicken is cooked?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check the doneness.

6. Can I cook these foil packets over a campfire?

Yes! If you’re camping, you can cook the foil packets over a campfire or on a grill grate. Just be sure the fire is medium-high heat and monitor the cooking time.

7. Can I make these foil packets in advance and freeze them?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled foil packets before cooking. Just freeze them flat on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When ready to cook, thaw them in the refrigerator and then grill as directed.

8. Can I add more vegetables to the packets?

Absolutely! Feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as corn, zucchini, or even spinach, to customize the dish to your taste.

9. How do I store leftover foil packets?

Store any leftover foil packets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them by placing them in the oven or microwave.

10. Can I use different types of salsa or canned tomatoes?

Yes, you can use your favorite salsa or canned tomatoes with green chilies for a different flavor profile. Mild, medium, or hot salsa will work depending on your heat preference.

Conclusion

Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets are a simple, flavorful, and customizable meal perfect for grilling, baking, or even campfire cooking. The combination of juicy chicken, black beans, corn, and cheese wrapped up in a foil packet makes for an easy and delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or outdoor gatherings. Whether you cook them on the grill or in the oven, these packets will bring a taste of Mexican cuisine to your dinner table with minimal effort. Enjoy!