This Easy Santa Fe Chicken is a fun and tasty meal cooked in foil packets. With juicy chicken, vibrant peppers, and spicy salsa, it’s like a little party in each bite!
I love how simple it is to make! You just toss everything in a foil packet and let it bake. Perfect for busy nights or when you don’t want to do a lot of dishes. Plus, who doesn’t love opening up a surprise? 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe as they cook evenly and stay juicy. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you could use turkey breasts instead!
Corn: Fresh sweet corn adds a snap, but canned or frozen works just as well. For a twist, try using canned diced green chilies for a spicy kick.
Black Beans: These add protein and texture. If you prefer, you can substitute with pinto beans or even cooked quinoa for a plant-based option.
Cheese: I love cheddar for its sharpness, but other cheeses like Monterey Jack or a dairy-free cheese can work too. Keep in mind that each cheese will slightly change the flavor.
Bell Peppers: I use green and red peppers for color, but you can mix it up with yellow or orange peppers. If you’re not a fan of peppers, zucchinis or mushrooms are tasty alternatives!
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Juicy and Flavorful?
The secret to juicy chicken in foil packets is both seasoning and how it’s cooked. Start by rubbing the chicken with olive oil; this helps the spices stick and adds moisture.
- Make sure to sprinkle the spice mix generously on both sides of the chicken. This is where all the flavor comes from!
- Sealing the foil pouches tightly helps keep all the juices inside during cooking. This steams the chicken perfectly.
- Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for it to be safe to eat.
Also, let it rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps redistribute the juices in the chicken, making every bite tender and juicy!
Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese
- 1 jalapeño pepper, sliced (optional for heat)
- 1 lime, sliced (for garnish and fresh flavor)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to cook, making it a quick and hassle-free dinner option. That means you can have a delicious meal ready in about 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Foil
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, tear off 4 large squares of aluminum foil, each large enough to wrap around a chicken breast and its accompanying veggies.
2. Mix Your Spices
In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This spice mix will give your chicken a lovely flavor!
3. Season the Chicken
Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil. Then, sprinkle the spice mixture generously over both sides of the chicken. This step ensures that every bite is packed with flavor.
4. Assemble the Foil Packets
In the center of each foil square, place a seasoned chicken breast. Surround the chicken with equal portions of corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, green bell peppers, and red bell peppers. Top everything off with shredded cheese and jalapeño slices if you want some extra heat!
5. Seal the Packets
Carefully fold the foil over the chicken and vegetables to create a sealed pouch. Make sure to leave some space inside for steam to circulate while cooking. This is key for keeping everything juicy and tender!
6. Bake the Packets
Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and pop them in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), and the veggies are cooked to your liking.
7. Unwrap and Serve
Once cooked, carefully open the foil packets (watch out for steam!), and garnish with fresh cilantro and lime slices. Serve your delicious Santa Fe Chicken right away, spooning the tasty juices over everything. Enjoy your colorful and flavorful meal!
This Easy Santa Fe Chicken is not just delightful; it also brings a bit of Southwestern flair to your dinner table. Perfect for any weeknight dinner!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. To quickly thaw, place the chicken in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for about 30 minutes. Pat dry with paper towels before seasoning.
Can I Make These Foil Packets Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the foil packets in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, let them cool completely before transferring the contents to an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Can I Customize the Veggies in This Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preferences or what’s in season. Zucchini, mushrooms, or even spinach are great substitutions. Just chop them to a similar size so they cook evenly with the chicken.
