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Get The Product!There’s something magical about the aroma of Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets wafting through the kitchen. Picture this: tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and a medley of spices all wrapped in foil, sizzling away like a surprise party for your taste buds. Every bite bursts with flavor, making you wonder how something so simple can be so darn delicious. For more inspiration, check out this lunch recipes recipe.
When I first whipped up these Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets for my family, I knew I was onto something good. The excitement on their faces when they unwrapped their packets was priceless. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends—just toss everything in a foil packet and let the oven do all the work while you kick back and relax.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights
- Packed with flavors that pop, each bite is a fiesta in your mouth
- The vibrant colors of the dish make it visually appealing and Instagram-worthy
- They are versatile enough to customize based on your favorite ingredients or what’s left in your fridge
I remember one evening when my kids were skeptical about dinner. But as soon as they opened those foil packets and saw the colorful veggies alongside perfectly cooked chicken, their frowns turned into smiles! For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Aim for 3-4 breasts which can easily feed a family of four.
- Bell Peppers: Choose vibrant colors—red, yellow, and green—for a beautiful presentation.
- Red Onion: This will add a sweet bite that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
- Corn (fresh or frozen): Adds sweetness and texture; fresh corn is best in summer!
- Black Beans: Rinse canned beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium before adding.
- Taco Seasoning: Use store-bought or make your own blend for a personal touch.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle helps keep everything moist and flavorful while cooking.
- Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens all the flavors beautifully.
For the Sauce:
- Salsa Verde: Choose your favorite brand or make homemade salsa for extra zing!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Get out some sturdy aluminum foil—this part is essential because we want our packets to be leak-proof!
Prepare Your Ingredients: Chop your bell peppers and red onion into bite-sized pieces while admiring their vibrant colors. Toss them into a large bowl along with corn and drained black beans.
Season the Chicken: Cut chicken breasts into cubes and add them to the bowl of veggies. Drizzle olive oil over everything, followed by taco seasoning and lime juice, mixing well until coated.
Create Your Foil Packets: Tear off large sheets of foil (about 18 inches long) and place equal portions of the chicken-veggie mixture in the center of each sheet. Fold up the sides tightly to form secure packets.
Bake Away! Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and transfer them into your preheated oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes until chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
Serve with Flair: Carefully unwrap each packet (watch out for steam!) and serve hot with additional salsa verde drizzled on top. Enjoy your colorful feast!
Cooking should be fun, not stressful! With these Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets, you’ll have a delicious meal ready without breaking a sweat or activating any smoke alarms—a win-win situation if you ask me!
You Must Know
- Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets are a game-changer for easy dinners
- They’re not just flavorful; they’re colorful and customizable, making them perfect for any occasion
- Plus, cleanup is a breeze, leaving you more time to enjoy your meal and less time scrubbing pots
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by grilling the chicken to lock in juices, then add veggies in the last few minutes for perfect tenderness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap chicken for shrimp or add black beans for extra protein and flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F until warm.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Keep your chicken pieces even in size for uniform cooking
- Don’t skip marinating—it enhances flavor depth immensely
- Always check internal temperature: it should reach 165°F for safe eating
Cooking these foil packets brings back memories of summer barbecues with friends, where we laughed as much as we feasted on delicious food.
FAQ
Can I use other proteins in Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets?
Yes! Shrimp or tofu work wonderfully and absorb flavors well.
What vegetables pair best with Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets?
Bell peppers, zucchini, and corn are delicious choices that complement the dish.
How can I make Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets spicier?
Add jalapeños or sprinkle chili powder into the mix before sealing the packets.
Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets offer a delightful blend of tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and zesty spices—all wrapped in foil for a hassle-free meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends, these packets are not only easy to prepare but also customizable based on your preferences. Each bite delivers a fiesta of flavors that will leave your family asking for seconds. Just pop them in the oven and enjoy the aromatic experience while they cook!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 cup salsa verde
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare sturdy aluminum foil sheets.
- Chop the bell peppers and red onion into bite-sized pieces. Combine with corn and black beans in a large bowl.
- Cut chicken breasts into cubes and add to the vegetable mixture. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle taco seasoning and lime juice over all ingredients. Mix well until coated.
- Place equal portions of the mixture in the center of each foil sheet and fold up tightly to create leak-proof packets.
- Arrange packets on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Carefully unwrap each packet (watch out for steam) and serve hot with extra salsa verde.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 packet (approximately 400g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
