Sizzling Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets Recipe for Happy Campers

Spicy aromas of santa fe chicken foil packets dance through my kitchen, promising an adventure for hungry souls.

Aluminum wrappings seal in southwestern flavors that burst with zesty personality.

My culinary experiments often lead to unexpected delights like these simple yet vibrant meal pouches.

Fresh ingredients combine effortlessly, creating magic without complicated techniques or extensive cleanup.

Southwest-inspired seasonings infuse each tender bite with bold, authentic character.

Peppers, corn, and perfectly seasoned chicken meld into a meal that feels like a fiesta on your plate.

Unwrap these delectable parcels and let the excitement of a quick, delicious dinner unfold.

Santa Fe Chicken Packets Highlights

• Quick and Easy Meal Prep: Whip up this Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packet recipe with minimal kitchen mess and super simple preparation steps that anyone can master.
• Grill-Friendly Convenience: Perfect for outdoor cooking, these packets transform grilling into a hassle-free experience with zero cleanup and maximum flavor packed inside.
• Nutritious One-Packet Dish: Combine protein-rich chicken with colorful vegetables and zesty salsa, creating a balanced meal that delivers essential nutrients in every delicious bite.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable for family dinners, casual gatherings, or summer cookouts, this recipe satisfies different taste preferences while keeping meal preparation stress-free.

Santa Fe Packet Ingredient List

• Chicken Breast: Lean and tender meat that forms the base of the dish.

• Black Beans: Hearty and protein-packed legume.
• Corn: Sweet and fresh summer vegetable.
• Bell Peppers: Colorful and crunchy vegetable.

• Chili Powder: Warm and spicy seasoning blend.
• Salt: Essential flavor enhancer.
• Black Pepper: Classic spice with mild heat.
• Salsa: Zesty and tangy sauce.

• Cheese: Melty and rich topping for added creaminess.

• Cooking Spray: Non-stick surface helper.
• Aluminum Foil: Convenient cooking and serving packet material.

Making Santa Fe Chicken Packets

Step 1: Fire Up the Grill

Crank your grill to medium-high heat, creating the perfect cooking environment for these sizzling Santa Fe chicken packets.

Step 2: Prep the Foil Fortress

Grab four generously sized foil sheets and give each a light spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

This creates a non-stick cooking surface for your flavor-packed meal.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

• Chili powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Massage the seasonings into the chicken to ensure maximum flavor infusion.

Step 4: Layer the Southwest Goodness

• Black beans
• Corn kernels
• Colorful bell peppers
• Zesty salsa

This creates a colorful and delicious mix of southwestern flavors.

Step 5: Seal the Flavor Packets

Carefully fold the foil edges, creating a tight seal that locks in all the delicious moisture and prevents any tasty juices from escaping.

Step 6: Grill the First Side

Place the packets on the grill with the vegetable side facing down.

Cook for 10 minutes, allowing the ingredients to start melding together.

Step 7: Flip and Finish Cooking

Turn the packets over and continue grilling for another 10-12 minutes.

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 8: Melt the Cheese

Transfer the packets to a large baking pan.

Carefully open the foil, sprinkle with cheese, and return to the grill to create a melty, gooey topping.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with your favorite toppings like fresh cilantro or green onions.

Serve directly from the foil for a rustic, no-cleanup meal that brings the flavors of Santa Fe right to your plate.

Tips For Chicken Foil Packets

• Assemble foil packets earlier in the day and refrigerate until ready to grill, saving precious dinner preparation time.
• Always use a meat thermometer to verify chicken reaches 165°F for safe, perfectly cooked protein without overcooking.
• Swap black beans for kidney beans or add quinoa for extra protein and variety in your Santa Fe chicken packet.
• Replace chicken with firm tofu or portobello mushrooms to create a delicious plant-based version of this recipe.
• Adjust heat by selecting mild or hot salsa, and adding extra chili powder or jalapeños for those who love a spicier kick.

Save And Reheat Santa Fe Packets

• Store leftover chicken packets in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual packets tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months to maintain best quality and flavor.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place packets on baking sheet and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Transfer chicken and vegetables to microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed. Add fresh cheese on top for extra flavor.

What Pairs With Chicken Packets

• Pair Zesty Margaritas: Craft a tangy lime margarita that complements the spicy Santa Fe chicken, cutting through the richness with bright citrus notes.
• Serve Southwest Slaw: Prepare a crisp coleslaw with cilantro, lime juice, and a hint of jalapeño to add fresh crunch and balance the packet's warmth.
• Match Creamy Avocado Dip: Whip up a smooth avocado-based dip with Greek yogurt, creating a cool counterpoint to the grilled chicken's bold flavors.
• Select Amber Craft Beer: Choose a local amber ale with subtle caramel undertones that harmonize with the dish's smoky and spicy southwestern profile.

Foil Packet Twist Ideas

• Vegetarian Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or black bean patties, maintaining the same seasoning and grilling method for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute beans and corn with cauliflower rice and zucchini, keeping the spicy Santa Fe flavor profile while reducing carbohydrate intake.
• Oven-Baked Version: Transfer the entire recipe to a preheated 400°F oven, baking foil packets for 20-25 minutes instead of grilling, perfect for indoor cooking.
• Spicy Lovers' Adaptation: Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper to intensify the heat and create a more intense Santa Fe-style kick for those who enjoy spicier meals.

FAQs

• How do I know if the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and prevents undercooking.

• Can I make these foil packets in the oven instead of a grill?

Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake the packets for 20-25 minutes until chicken is fully cooked. The cooking method is similar and will give you the same delicious results.

• What type of salsa works best for this recipe?

A medium or mild chunky salsa is ideal. It adds moisture and flavor without making the packet too watery. Fresh or jarred salsa both work well in this recipe.

• Do I need to use heavy-duty foil for these packets?

While heavy-duty foil is recommended, regular aluminum foil can work. Just be extra careful when handling to prevent tearing and make sure to spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets deliver a southwest flavor explosion with juicy chicken, zesty peppers, and bold spices. Sealed packets lock in moisture, creating a simple yet memorable meal that brings Mexican-inspired comfort straight to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 4 chicken breasts (7–8 ounces each)

Vegetables and Beans:

• 15 ounces black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups whole kernel corn
• 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)

Seasonings and Toppings:

• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3/4 cup salsa (or 10 ounces Rotel Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies, drained)
• 1/2 cup Mexican cheese or Monterey Jack, shredded
• Cilantro, tomatoes, & jalapenos for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare a medium-high heat grill and arrange spacious aluminum foil sheets on your work surface, lightly coating each with non-stick spray.
2. Position chicken breasts centrally on each foil sheet, generously seasoning with chili powder, salt, and ground black pepper.
3. Create a vibrant vegetable medley by evenly distributing black beans, sweet corn kernels, colorful bell peppers, and zesty salsa directly atop the seasoned chicken.
4. Carefully fold and crimp the foil packet edges, ensuring a tight seal to lock in moisture and flavors.
5. Place packets on the grill with vegetable side facing downward, allowing indirect heat to infuse the ingredients for approximately 10 minutes.
6. Gently flip the packets and continue grilling for an additional 10-12 minutes, monitoring until chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
7. Transfer the fully cooked packets onto a large baking pan, delicately opening each to reveal the steamed contents.
8. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over the hot chicken and vegetables, returning the pan to the grill to create a perfectly melted topping.
9. Garnish with fresh herbs, chopped cilantro, or green onions for added freshness and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Adjust chili powder levels to match personal heat tolerance, adding more or less for desired spiciness.
• Create gluten-free version by using corn tortillas instead of traditional flour tortillas when serving.
• Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs as a tender alternative to chicken breasts for richer flavor and juicier results.
• Prepare foil packets in advance and refrigerate for convenient meal prep, allowing marinade flavors to intensify before grilling.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-22 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg