Description
This Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets recipe features tender chicken breasts cooked with a vibrant mix of black beans, corn, bell peppers, and onions, seasoned with taco spices, then baked or grilled inside foil packets. Topped with melted Mexican blend cheese and garnished with fresh cilantro and lime, this dish offers a flavorful, gluten-free, and easy-to-make meal perfect for weeknight dinners or outdoor grilling.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small red onion, sliced
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
- Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Veggies: Preheat your oven to 400°F or heat a grill to medium-high. In a large bowl, combine the black beans, corn, diced red and green bell peppers, sliced red onion, olive oil, and taco seasoning. Stir everything well to evenly coat the vegetables.
- Assemble Foil Packets: Lay out four large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil or double layer regular foil for sturdiness. Place one chicken breast in the center of each foil sheet. Season each chicken breast with salt and pepper to taste. Spoon the seasoned vegetable mixture evenly over each chicken breast.
- Seal and Cook: Fold up the sides of each foil sheet to create a sealed packet, ensuring no steam escapes. Place the foil packets onto a baking sheet if using the oven, or directly on the grill if cooking outdoors. Bake or grill for 25 to 30 minutes, until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Add Cheese and Rest: Carefully open each foil packet to avoid steam burns and sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese evenly over the chicken and vegetables. Close the packets loosely and let them sit for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice before serving. Enjoy your flavorful, juicy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets hot from the oven or grill.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in lime juice and taco seasoning for 30 minutes before assembling the packets.
- You can add cooked rice to the vegetable mixture, or serve the packets over quinoa for a more filling meal.
- These foil packets are perfect for camping trips or as a convenient make-ahead meal that can be reheated.
