Description
Delicious and easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets packed with flavorful black beans, corn, bell peppers, and seasoned chicken, topped with melted Mexican blend cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or outdoor grilling, these foil packets offer a convenient, healthy, and mess-free meal with vibrant Southwestern flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade)
Vegetables and Beans
- 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
Toppings & Garnish
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 400°F or heat your grill to medium-high. In a large mixing bowl, combine black beans, corn kernels, diced red and green bell peppers, sliced red onion, olive oil, and taco seasoning. Stir well to coat all the veggies evenly, enhancing their flavors.
- Arrange Foil and Chicken: Lay out four large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil (or double-layer regular foil). Place one chicken breast in the center of each foil sheet. Season each chicken breast generously with salt and pepper.
- Add Veggie Mixture: Spoon the prepared black bean and vegetable mixture evenly over each chicken breast, ensuring each packet is well-filled without overcrowding.
- Seal Foil Packets: Fold up the sides of each foil sheet carefully to create a sealed packet, making sure no openings remain to keep the steam and flavors inside during cooking.
- Cook the Packets: Place the foil packets on a baking sheet if using the oven, or directly on the grill grates if grilling. Cook for 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring it is fully cooked and juicy.
- Add Cheese and Rest: Carefully open each foil packet, sprinkle shredded Mexican blend cheese over the hot chicken and veggies, then reseal loosely to allow the cheese to melt for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Open the packets completely, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for brightness. Serve immediately for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in lime juice and taco seasoning for 30 minutes before cooking.
- You can add cooked rice into the packets or serve these foil packets over quinoa or your favorite grain for a heartier meal.
- These foil packets are perfect for convenient outdoor camping meals or easy make-ahead meal prep.
