Description
Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets are a vibrant and flavorful meal that encapsulates the essence of Southwestern cuisine. This dish combines tender chicken breasts seasoned with chili powder, nestled among a medley of colorful vegetables such as black beans, corn, and bell peppers, all topped with salsa and melty cheese. Cooked within the cozy confines of a foil packet, this recipe offers a deliciously steamy infusion of flavors, making it a perfect choice for a hassle-free dinner on the grill or in the oven.
Ingredients
4 chicken breasts (7-8 ounces each)
½ teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
15 ounces black beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups whole kernel corn
1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
¾ cup salsa (or 10 ounces Rotel Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies, drained)
½ cup Mexican cheese or Monterey Jack, shredded
Cilantro, tomatoes, & jalapenos for garnish
Instructions
Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
Place four large pieces of foil on a work surface and spray each with cooking spray. Place 1 chicken breast on each piece of foil and season with chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Divide beans, corn, peppers, and salsa over the top of the chicken breasts.
Fold in the ends to seal each packet. Place packets on the grill, vegetable side down, for 10 minutes.
Flip packets over and grill for an additional 10-12 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and reaches 165°F.
Place packets on a large baking pan. Carefully open packets and top with cheese. Place the baking pan back on the grill to melt the cheese.
Garnish as desired and serve.
Notes
- Prep Time: The preparation time for this recipe is about 15 minutes, which involves chopping the vegetables, seasoning the chicken, and assembling the packets.
- Cook Time: The cook time is approximately 20-25 minutes, depending on your cooking method (grill or oven).
- Servings: This recipe serves four, making it ideal for a family meal or for individual servings that can be enjoyed over several meals.
- Cooking Options: While grilling is the recommended method, offering a subtle smoky flavor, the foil packets can also be baked in the oven, making this dish versatile throughout the year regardless of the weather.
- Customization: Feel free to swap out or add different vegetables according to taste or seasonality. Similarly, the protein can be substituted with fish, beef, or plant-based options like tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or on the grill for best results, as microwaving may make the ingredients soggy.
- Nutritional Information: This meal is high in protein and fiber, with moderate calories, making it suitable for those keeping an eye on their dietary intake. The specific nutritional values can vary based on the ingredients used, especially the type of salsa and cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 541 kcal