Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets: Grill, Bake, or Campfire!

Looking for a ridiculously easy, utterly delicious, and minimal-cleanup meal? Say hello to Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets! ✨ These flavor-packed bundles are your new best friend for summer grilling, busy weeknights, camping trips, or oven baking any time of year.

Each packet is loaded with tender chicken, seasoned with zesty south-of-the-border flair, and packed with corn, black beans, bell peppers, and salsa. It’s a complete, hearty entrée cooked in its own little pouch – meaning practically no dishes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with the ease and flavor of Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets. Here’s why they’re a must-try:

• Ultimate Convenience: Prep them ahead of time, toss them on the grill (or in the oven/campfire), and enjoy a complete meal with virtually no pots or pans to scrub!
• Flavor Fiesta: A simple mix of chili powder, salt, pepper, salsa, and fresh veggies gives the chicken and beans a vibrant, zesty Santa Fe / Mexican-inspired taste.
• Healthy & Hearty: Packed with lean protein from chicken and fiber/nutrients from black beans and vegetables.
• Super Versatile: Perfect for backyard grilling, easy oven dinners, picnic prep, or cooking over a campfire while camping.
• Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level or swap in your favorite veggies.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Fun individual packets make serving easy, and everyone loves the delicious combination of flavors.

Ingredients

Gather your simple ingredients for these delightful foil packets:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 7-8 ounces each)
• ½ teaspoon chili powder (adjust for spice preference)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 can (15 ounces) canned black beans, drained & rinsed
• 2 cups frozen corn kernels, thawed
• 1 cup bell pepper, diced (any color works!)
• ¾ cup salsa (your favorite chunky or smooth variety, or 10 oz Rotel Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies, drained)
• ½ cup shredded Mexican cheese blend or Monterey Jack cheese (about 2 oz)
• Toppings as desired (such as fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, guacamole, black olives)
• Four large pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil (approx. 18″x12″ or large enough to wrap securely)
• Cooking spray

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps for perfectly cooked Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets:

1. Prepare Foil: Lay out four large pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil on a flat work surface. Each piece should be large enough to fully enclose a chicken breast and the vegetables (about 18″ x 12″ is a good size if using wider foil, or overlap two 10″x10″ pieces per packet if using standard width). Spray the center of each piece of foil generously with cooking spray.
2. Season Chicken: Place one chicken breast in the center of each prepared piece of foil. Season each chicken breast evenly with chili powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add Veggies & Salsa: Divide the drained and rinsed black beans, thawed corn, diced bell peppers, and salsa equally among the four chicken breasts. Spoon the mixture over and around each chicken breast.
4. Seal Packets: Bring the long edges of the foil together over the chicken and vegetables. Fold them over several times to create a secure seam. Then, fold the short ends up tightly against the ingredients to create a sealed packet. Ensure there are no gaps for steam or juices to escape.
5. Preheat & Grill/Bake: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat OR preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Cook Packets:
   • Grilling: Place the sealed foil packets on the preheated grill. Cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping the packets halfway through.
   • Oven Baking: Place the sealed foil packets on a baking sheet (this makes them easier to handle and catches any potential drips). Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
   • Campfire: Place packets directly on the coals (use tongs!). Cook for 20-30 minutes, flipping occasionally. Cooking time will vary greatly depending on the heat of the fire.
7. Check for Doneness: Carefully open one packet (watch out for steam!). Insert an instant-read meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast. It should register 165°F (74°C). If not, reseal the packet and cook for a few more minutes, then check again.
8. Add Cheese & Melt: Once the chicken is cooked through, carefully open all the packets fully. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the chicken and vegetables in each packet.
9. Melt Cheese:
   • Grill/Oven: Return the open packets to the grill or baking sheet and place back on the grill/in the oven for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
   • Campfire: You can carefully hold the open packet near the coals or use a pan over the fire to melt the cheese.
10. Serve: Carefully remove the hot packets from the heat source. Top with your desired toppings (cilantro, tomatoes, jalapeños, sour cream, guacamole, etc.). Serve directly in the foil packet (place on a plate or in a bowl for stability and heat protection!) or carefully transfer contents.

You Must Know

Keep these important tips in mind for the best results:

• Use Heavy-Duty Foil: Standard foil can tear easily under heat and weight. Heavy-duty foil is recommended to prevent leaks. If you only have standard foil, use two layers per packet.
• Seal Packets Tightly: Proper sealing is crucial to trap steam and cook the ingredients efficiently. Fold seams multiple times and crimp edges firmly.
• Beware of Steam: When opening the cooked packets, be extremely careful! Hot steam will escape and can cause burns. Open them away from your face.
• Doneness is Key: Always check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is safe to eat (165°F / 74°C). Cooking times are estimates and can vary based on chicken size and heat source.

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: Assemble the foil packets up to 24 hours in advance. Place the sealed packets in a single layer on a baking sheet or in a shallow container and refrigerate until ready to cook.
• Storage: Store leftover cooked chicken and vegetable mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or in a covered oven-safe dish at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Seasonal Variations

While perfect year-round, these packets are great for adapting!

• Veggies: Add diced zucchini, summer squash, mushrooms, or even small broccoli florets. Ensure veggies are cut small enough to cook through in the same time as the chicken.
• Spice Level: Increase the chili powder, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, or toss in some canned diced green chilies or pickled jalapeño slices with the veggies for extra heat.
• Beans: Swap black beans for pinto beans or kidney beans.
• Protein: This method also works well with lean ground turkey or firm white fish, but cooking times may vary.

Serving Suggestions

These foil packets are a meal on their own, but they’re even better with sides!

• Serve directly in the packets with plenty of fresh toppings like chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, avocado or guacamole, sour cream, and a squeeze of lime.
• Pair with warm corn or flour tortillas for making tacos or fajitas.
• Serve over a bed of cilantro lime rice or plain white/brown rice.
• Add a simple side salad or tortilla chips.

No-Bake Alternative

Don’t have a grill or want to cook indoors?

• Oven Baking: As detailed in the instructions, place sealed packets on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes, then open, add cheese, and bake for another 2-3 minutes to melt.
• Campfire Cooking: These are ideal for cooking directly in the embers or on a grate over a campfire, following the cooking time guidelines in the instructions (monitor heat closely!).

Pro Tips

Maximize the deliciousness and ease with these pro tips:

• Packet Size: Use large enough foil sheets to accommodate the chicken and veggies comfortably, allowing plenty of room to create tight seals.
• Uniform Chicken Thickness: If chicken breasts are uneven, pound the thicker ends slightly so they are a more uniform thickness. This helps them cook evenly.
• Cheese Placement: Adding the cheese after opening the packet allows it to melt beautifully on top without getting soggy in the cooking liquid.
• Rest Slightly: Once off the heat, let the packets sit for a minute or two before opening. This helps the juices settle.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use frozen chicken? For best results and even cooking, it’s recommended to use thawed chicken breasts.
• Can I use canned corn? Yes, drain it well before adding it to the packets.
• Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely! Just make sure they are cut into pieces that will cook in the same timeframe as the chicken (about 20-30 minutes total). Harder vegetables like carrots would need to be pre-cooked slightly.
• How do I know the chicken is done without a thermometer? While a thermometer is highly recommended, you can carefully cut into the thickest part of one chicken breast. The juices should run clear, and the meat should be opaque throughout.
• Can I use chicken thighs? Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work great and often stay even more moist. Cooking time might be similar or slightly longer depending on thickness, so always check for 165°F (74°C).

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These Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets are all about maximum flavor with minimal effort. Give them a try for your next family dinner, backyard BBQ, or camping adventure! Don’t forget to leave a review below and let me know how much you loved them!

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