Description
These Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets bring together tender, spice-rubbed chicken breasts with a colorful medley of corn, black beans, tomatoes, and bell peppers, all topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro. Conveniently cooked in foil packets in the oven, this recipe is perfect for a flavorful, healthy, and effortless weeknight meal served with warm tortillas.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables and Add-ins
- 1/2 cup corn kernels
- 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
To Serve
- 2 large tortillas
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the foil packets.
- Prepare Foil Sheets: Lay out two large sheets of aluminum foil on a clean, flat surface for assembling the packets.
- Season Chicken: Place chicken breasts on a cutting board, drizzle with olive oil on both sides, then sprinkle chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly over them. Rub the spices into the chicken thoroughly to coat.
- Assemble Packets: Place each seasoned chicken breast in the center of a foil sheet. Distribute corn, black beans, diced tomatoes, red onion, and bell pepper evenly over each chicken breast.
- Add Cheese: Top each chicken breast with 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese to melt during baking.
- Seal Foil Packets: Carefully fold the foil edges around the chicken and toppings, sealing the packets securely to lock in moisture.
- Bake Chicken: Place foil packets on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Warm Tortillas: While chicken bakes, heat tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side until warm and slightly crispy.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove foil packets from oven carefully to avoid steam. Open packets and squeeze fresh lime juice over the chicken, then sprinkle with chopped cilantro.
- Serve: Place each chicken breast on a warm tortilla and enjoy your flavorful Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
- Use fresh corn kernels for sweeter flavor if in season.
- Check chicken temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure safety and juiciness.
- Foil packets make cleanup easy and keep the chicken moist and tender.
- Serve with a side of avocado or sour cream for extra creaminess.
