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Tex-Mex Chicken and Veggie Foil Packets with Ranch

Tex-Mex chicken and veggie foil packets - featured image
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These Tex-Mex chicken and veggie foil packets with ranch are a quick, flavor-packed weeknight dinner with juicy chicken, colorful veggies, and bold ranch-Tex-Mex flavor. Everything cooks together in a tidy foil parcel for easy cleanup and customizable results.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 medium bell peppers, assorted colors, sliced
  • 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1.5 cups fresh corn kernels (from 2 ears) or 1.5 cups frozen corn, thawed
  • 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons Tex-Mex seasoning (chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, cayenne)
  • Salt & pepper to taste (about 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish, optional)
  • Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) or preheat grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Cube chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces. Slice bell peppers and onion thinly, halve cherry tomatoes, slice zucchini, and cut corn kernels if using fresh. Thaw and drain frozen corn if using.
  3. In a large bowl, combine chicken, peppers, onion, corn, zucchini, tomatoes, and black beans. Drizzle with olive oil and ranch dressing, sprinkle with Tex-Mex seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss until everything is well-coated.
  4. Cut 4 large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil (about 12 x 18 inches each). Divide the mixture evenly among the sheets, piling it in the center of each. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over each pile.
  5. Fold the long sides of the foil up and over the mixture, then fold the ends in and crimp tightly to seal, leaving a little room inside for steam.
  6. Oven method: Place packets on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes. Grill method: Place packets directly on the grill and cook for about 20 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
  7. Carefully open the packets (watch out for hot steam!). Squeeze fresh lime juice over each, sprinkle with cilantro, and add extra cheese if desired. Let rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, add sliced jalapeños or smoked paprika. Use double foil if grilling to prevent leaks. For dairy-free, use vegan ranch and cheese. Packets can be assembled ahead and refrigerated until ready to cook. Let packets rest 2 minutes before opening to avoid burns.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tex-Mex, chicken, foil packets, ranch, easy dinner, weeknight, healthy, gluten-free, grill, oven, meal prep

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/tex-mex-chicken-and-veggie-foil-packets-with-ranch-easy-weeknight-dinner-recipe/