Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets
Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets are a quick, easy, and flavorful dinner idea featuring juicy chicken, black beans, corn, and southwest spices cooked together in a convenient foil packet. Perfect for grilling, baking, or campfire cooking, this recipe is customizable, healthy, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 40–45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup sweet corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned, drained if canned)
- 1 large red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 fresh lime, zested and juiced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: Jalapeño slices, for topping
- Optional: Sour cream or Greek yogurt, for serving
- Optional: Diced avocado or guacamole, for serving
- Optional: Crushed tortilla chips, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat grill to medium-high (about 400°F). For campfire, let it burn down to hot coals.
- Tear off 4 large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil, about 16 inches long. Double up if using regular foil.
- In a large bowl, combine black beans, corn, diced red bell pepper, sliced red onion, and halved cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, mix taco seasoning, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, lime zest, salt, and pepper.
- Pat chicken breasts dry. Rub each with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sprinkle seasoning mix evenly over both sides of chicken, pressing gently.
- On each foil sheet, spoon 1/4 of the veggie mixture in the center. Top with one seasoned chicken breast. Squeeze about 1/4 lime juice over each. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Add jalapeño slices if using.
- Bring long sides of foil up and over chicken, folding twice to seal. Fold in short ends tightly, leaving space for steam. Ensure seams are tight.
- Place packets on a baking sheet (oven) or directly on grill grates. Bake or grill for 25–30 minutes, until chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temp). For campfire, check at 20 minutes.
- For extra char (oven only), open packets and broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
- Let packets rest 2–3 minutes before opening. Carefully open (watch for steam), garnish with cilantro and extra lime juice. Serve in foil or on plates with desired toppings.
Notes
For even cooking, use chicken breasts of similar thickness or pound to even out. Add a tablespoon of water to each packet if you prefer softer veggies. Customize with your favorite toppings or swap in different veggies. Packets can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated. For dairy-free, omit cheese or use a plant-based alternative. For low-carb, skip beans and corn and add more peppers or zucchini.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 foil packet (1 chicken breast with veggies and toppings)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 820
- Fat: 13
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 8
- Protein: 38
Keywords: Santa Fe chicken, foil packets, easy dinner, grill, oven, healthy, meal prep, southwest, chicken breast, family meal, gluten-free