Name: Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (7-8 oz each); 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese or Monterey Jack; 1 cup canned whole kernel corn, drained; 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup salsa or Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies; 2 medium bell peppers, diced; 1 teaspoon chili powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, and sliced jalapenos for garnish (optional); Cooking spray

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Looking for a quick, satisfying, and ridiculously tasty dinner option? Well, you’re in the right place, my friend. These Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets are about to become your new favorite meal prep hack. With the magic of foil packets, you can whip up a flavorful dinner in no time—and you can cook them on the grill, in the oven, or even over a campfire (because why not?). You get tender chicken, zesty salsa, hearty black beans, sweet corn, and a sprinkle of cheese. Sounds dreamy, right? Let’s dive in!

Close-up of Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets in aluminum foil, featuring grilled chicken breasts topped with melted cheese, black beans, corn, diced red peppers, onions, jalapeno slices, and cilantro. — These Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets make for a simple and delicious one-pan meal with minimal cleanup.

Why You’ll Love These Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets

These Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets are everything you want in a meal: quick, easy, and loaded with flavor. They’re also super customizable, so whether you’re trying to sneak in some extra veggies or you’ve got picky eaters in the house, this dish will win everyone over.

Imagine this: You’ve had a crazy day, and you’re running out of time. You still want something delicious and nutritious for dinner. Enter the foil packet! Toss everything on a sheet of foil, fold it up, and let the grill (or oven) do its magic. 30 minutes later, you’ve got a meal that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients: Everything You Need for Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets

You don’t need a bunch of fancy ingredients to make this meal. In fact, I bet you already have most of these in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

Chicken breasts (about 7-8 oz each)
Shredded Mexican cheese or Monterey Jack (cheese makes everything better, am I right?)
Whole kernel corn (this adds the perfect sweetness and texture)
Black beans (drained and rinsed—hello, fiber!)
Salsa or Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (for that zesty kick)
Bell peppers (any color, but I love a mix!)
Chili powder (for a little warmth)
Salt and pepper (because even foil packets deserve some seasoning)
Fresh cilantro, tomatoes, and jalapenos for garnish (optional, but totally recommended)

How to Make Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets

Step 1: Preheat that grill of yours to medium-high heat. You want to get it nice and toasty for the packets to cook evenly.

Step 2: Take four large pieces of foil and spray each one with cooking spray. This will help everything come out easily.

Step 3: Place one chicken breast on each piece of foil and season it with chili powder, salt, and pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasonings—this is your time to shine!

Step 4: Now for the fun part—pile on the goodness! Divide the black beans, salsa, corn, and peppers evenly over the chicken breasts. Fold the foil at the ends and seal each packet. You want to make sure it’s tight enough to keep all that flavor inside.

Step 5: Pop the packets on the grill, vegetable side down, for about 10 minutes. This gives the chicken time to cook through without getting dried out.

Step 6: Flip the packets over and grill for another 10-12 minutes. You’ll know the chicken is done when it reaches 165°F. Pro tip: If you’re unsure, just cut into one of the chicken breasts and check the center.

Step 7: Once done, carefully open each packet (watch out for the steam!). Sprinkle shredded cheese on top and let it melt for about 2 minutes on the grill.

Step 8: Serve with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, a few tomatoes, and some jalapenos for that extra flair.

Voilà! You’ve got yourself a beautiful, tasty dinner that’s both satisfying and effortless.

Cooking Tips: Easy Peasy, Lemon Squeezy

Mix it up: Feel free to swap the veggies if you’ve got some you need to use up. Zucchini? Great. Mushrooms? Sure. Go wild!
Need more heat? Add a few extra jalapenos or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
Don’t have a grill? No worries. You can also cook these packets in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes. Same great flavor!

Personal Story: This Recipe is a Keeper!

I first made these Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets on a busy weeknight when I was just too tired to deal with a complicated dinner. My kids loved it, and it quickly became our go-to “I-don’t-have-time-for-a-cooking-disaster” meal. It’s a total win-win—easy to make, flavorful, and everyone gets exactly what they want. Plus, no dishes to wash afterward (because, foil packet—hello)!

FAQs About Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets

Can I use a different protein in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap out the chicken for turkey, pork, or even shrimp. Just adjust cooking times accordingly, especially for seafood.

Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Assemble the foil packets and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Then just pop them on the grill when you’re ready to cook.

How do I store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove—just make sure the chicken is heated through.

You’ve just unlocked a dinner game-changer with these Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets. Whether you’re grilling outside, baking in the oven, or cooking over a campfire, this recipe is sure to impress. With simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s a must-try for anyone looking to add a little flavor to their weeknight meals.

Now, who’s ready to dig in? Enjoy!