Description
These Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets are a flavorful, easy-to-make grilled or baked meal that combines tender seasoned chicken breasts with black beans, corn, bell peppers, and salsa, all cooked in foil for juicy, mess-free serving. Topped with melted cheese and optional garnishes like sour cream and guacamole, they make a perfect family-friendly dinner that’s both colorful and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (7–8 oz each)
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups frozen corn kernels, thawed
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
- ¾ cup salsa or 10 oz can of Rotel Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies, drained
- ½ cup shredded Mexican cheese blend or Monterey Jack
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Black olives
- Jalapeños
- Cilantro
- Tomatoes
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the foil packets.
- Prepare Foil Packets: Cut four large pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil approximately 10″x10″ each.
- Apply Cooking Spray: Lightly spray the center of each foil piece with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Place Chicken: Place one chicken breast in the center of each piece of foil.
- Season Chicken: Sprinkle chili powder, salt, and pepper evenly over each chicken breast for flavor.
- Assemble Packets: Distribute black beans, thawed corn, diced bell peppers, and salsa evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Seal Packets: Fold the foil over the ingredients and tightly seal the edges to create a packet.
- Grill the Packets: Place the packets on the grill, vegetable side down, and cook for 10 minutes. Flip and grill for another 10–12 minutes or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Bake Option: Alternatively, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and bake for 30–35 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Add Cheese: Carefully open each packet and sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend or Monterey Jack over the chicken.
- Melt Cheese: Return the packets to the grill, open, for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Serve: Top with optional garnishes such as sour cream, guacamole, black olives, jalapeños, cilantro, and tomatoes as desired.
- Complete the Meal: Serve the foil packets over cilantro lime rice or alongside warm corn or flour tortillas for a full, satisfying dinner.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Foil packets can be customized with other vegetables or toppings as preferred.
- Use heavy-duty foil to prevent tearing during grilling or baking.
- Leftover packets can be refrigerated and reheated carefully in an oven or microwave.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken breasts with some lime juice or taco seasoning before assembling.
