The aroma of grilled chicken mingling with zesty spices and fresh veggies fills the air, making your mouth water in anticipation. Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets are a delightful explosion of flavors wrapped in convenient foil, perfect for weeknight dinners or backyard barbecues. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.
Picture this: a sunny day, laughter echoing, and the grill sizzling away while delicious packets of chicken await their moment to shine. These foil packets not only simplify cleanup but also pack a punch of vibrant ingredients that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The simplicity of Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets makes them a go-to for busy weeknights
- Customize your packet with seasonal vegetables for a fresh twist
- The colorful presentation is sure to impress at any gathering
- They cook quickly on the grill or in the oven, making meal prep a breeze
My family couldn’t stop raving about these flavorful packets during our last barbecue; even the picky eaters went back for more.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use 3-4 breasts depending on your crowd; they absorb flavors beautifully and cook evenly.
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Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers add sweetness and crunch; mix red, yellow, and green for visual appeal.
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Red Onion: Sweet and slightly tangy red onions enhance the flavor profile; slice them thin for better caramelization.
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Corn: Use fresh or frozen corn; it adds a burst of sweetness and pairs perfectly with the spices.
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Black Beans: Canned black beans are convenient; rinse them well to remove excess sodium and enhance flavor.
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Fiesta Seasoning Mix: A blend of spices elevates the dish; feel free to use homemade seasoning if you’re feeling adventurous!
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Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens up all the flavors; always opt for fresh over bottled when possible.
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Olive Oil: A drizzle helps keep everything moist while grilling; choose high-quality oil for better flavor.
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Fresh Cilantro: Add right before serving for freshness; it brings everything together with its herby goodness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. While it warms up, wash and chop all your veggies into bite-sized pieces. Having everything ready makes assembly quick.
Assemble Your Packets: Lay out pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil (about 12×18 inches). Place one chicken breast in the center of each piece, then layer on bell peppers, onions, corn, and black beans evenly around it.
Season Generously: Sprinkle each packet with fiesta seasoning mix and drizzle olive oil over the top. Squeeze fresh lime juice all over – trust me, it’s like sunshine in a packet!
Seal It Up: Fold the foil over all ingredients tightly to prevent any steam from escaping while cooking. Make sure it’s sealed well to keep those tasty juices inside.
Cook on Grill: Place packets on the preheated grill and close the lid. Cook for 20-25 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and veggies are tender.
Serve with Style: Carefully unwrap each packet (watch out for steam) and top with freshly chopped cilantro before serving. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you!
Enjoy these Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets at your next gathering or even as an easy weeknight meal! The burst of flavors wrapped in colorful ingredients is sure to bring joy to any table. Just remember—sharing is caring unless you’re really hungry!
You Must Know
- Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets are not only flavorful but also a game-changer for busy weeknights
- The vibrant mix of spices and veggies creates a delightful aroma that fills your kitchen
- Plus, clean-up is a breeze—just toss the foil!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes. Preheat your grill while you chop veggies and assemble your foil packets for optimal timing.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap chicken for shrimp or tofu. Add extra spices like cumin or lime juice for a zesty kick that personalizes your meal.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover foil packets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15 minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh ingredients to enhance flavor and texture, ensuring each bite bursts with freshness
- Avoid overcooking the chicken; it should be juicy and tender, not dry
- Experiment with different vegetable combinations to find your perfect blend
Sometimes, I whip up these Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets for my friends during game nights—they rave about how easy they are to make and how delicious they taste!
FAQ
Can I prepare Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep them a few hours in advance; just refrigerate until ready to cook.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No worries! You can bake them in the oven at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes.
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
It’s best to thaw frozen chicken first for even cooking and better flavor absorption.
Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets
Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets are a delicious and convenient meal option, bursting with zesty flavors and colorful veggies. Perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings, these foil packets deliver tender chicken, sweet bell peppers, and hearty black beans—all enhanced by a tangy lime dressing. Grill or bake them for a quick, cleanup-friendly dinner that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup bell peppers (mixed red, yellow, green), diced
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed
- 2 tbsp fiesta seasoning mix
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Chop all vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
- Lay out heavy-duty aluminum foil (12×18 inches) and place one chicken breast in the center of each piece.
- Top with bell peppers, onions, corn, and black beans.
- Sprinkle with fiesta seasoning mix and drizzle with olive oil and lime juice.
- Fold the foil tightly to seal the packets.
- Grill packets for 20-25 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and veggies are tender.
- Carefully unwrap packets and garnish with cilantro before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 packet (approx. 300g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: For added flavor, marinate the chicken in lime juice and spices for at least 30 minutes before grilling. Feel free to swap chicken for shrimp or tofu and experiment with spices like cumin for a unique twist.
