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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare a medium-high heat grill and arrange spacious aluminum foil sheets on your work surface, lightly coating each with non-stick spray.
- Position chicken breasts centrally on each foil sheet, generously seasoning with chili powder, salt, and ground black pepper.
- Create a vibrant vegetable medley by evenly distributing black beans, sweet corn kernels, colorful bell peppers, and zesty salsa directly atop the seasoned chicken.
- Carefully fold and crimp the foil packet edges, ensuring a tight seal to lock in moisture and flavors.
- Place packets on the grill with vegetable side facing downward, allowing indirect heat to infuse the ingredients for approximately 10 minutes.
- Gently flip the packets and continue grilling for an additional 10-12 minutes, monitoring until chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Transfer the fully cooked packets onto a large baking pan, delicately opening each to reveal the steamed contents.
- 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.
- 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