Description
Delicious and easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets grilled to perfection with black beans, corn, bell peppers, and salsa, topped with melted Mexican cheese blend. These foil packets are perfect for a quick, flavorful meal with customizable garnishes and can also be baked in the oven.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (7–8 oz each)
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Vegetables and Beans
- 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
Cheese and Toppings
- 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 evenly.
- Prepare Foil Packets: Cut four large pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil, approximately 10 inches by 10 inches each, to create individual packets.
- Spray Foil: Lightly spray the center of each foil piece with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Place Chicken: Position one chicken breast in the center of each piece of foil.
- Season Chicken: Evenly season each chicken breast with chili powder, salt, and pepper according to your taste.
- Assemble Packets: Distribute the black beans, thawed corn, diced bell peppers, and salsa over the top of the seasoned chicken breasts.
- Seal Packets: Fold the foil tightly over the ingredients and seal all edges well to form secure packets.
- Grill Packets: Place the foil packets on the grill with the vegetable side down. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip and grill for another 10 to 12 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Alternative Baking Method: For oven cooking, preheat to 375°F (190°C). Place foil packets on a baking sheet and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Add Cheese: Carefully open each cooked packet and sprinkle shredded Mexican cheese blend over the chicken.
- Melt Cheese: Return the open packets to the grill for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts perfectly.
- Serve and Garnish: Top each packet with optional garnishes like sour cream, guacamole, black olives, jalapeños, cilantro, and fresh tomatoes for added flavor and freshness.
- Complete the Meal: Serve the packets over a bed of cilantro lime rice or alongside warm corn or flour tortillas to make a satisfying and complete meal.
Notes
- Using heavy-duty foil is important to prevent leaks and tearing during cooking.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Salsa or Rotel tomatoes can be substituted based on your preferred spice level.
- Optional toppings can be customized to suit dietary preferences or to add extra flavor.
- This recipe works well on the grill or in the oven for flexibility.
- Let packets rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain juices before opening.
