Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets are a delicious all-in-one meal that’s packed with bold Tex-Mex flavors, tender chicken, and vibrant veggies. Wrapped in foil and either baked or grilled, these packets are incredibly simple to prepare and require minimal cleanup—perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or outdoor gatherings. Each packet is loaded with seasoned chicken breasts, colorful bell peppers, black beans, corn, and melty cheese—all tied together with zesty salsa and spices. Whether you cook them on the grill for a summer dinner or in the oven during colder months, they always deliver bold taste in every bite.

What Makes This Dish Special?

Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets shine because they’re so easy to customize and incredibly flavorful. Cooking everything in foil locks in moisture and allows the ingredients to steam and blend beautifully together. The result is juicy chicken, perfectly cooked vegetables, and cheesy, spicy goodness in every bite. You also get the added bonus of no pans to scrub!

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 packets

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup frozen or canned corn
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 cup salsa (mild or spicy)
1 packet taco seasoning
1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: chopped cilantro, lime wedges, sour cream for serving
Heavy-duty aluminum foil

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep the Foil

Preheat your grill to medium-high or your oven to 400°F (200°C). Tear off four large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil (about 12×18 inches each).

2. Season the Chicken

Rub each chicken breast with olive oil, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Place one breast in the center of each foil sheet.

3. Add the Veggies and Beans

Divide the black beans, corn, and sliced bell peppers evenly among the four packets, arranging them around and on top of the chicken. Spoon about ¼ cup of salsa over each.

4. Seal the Packets

Fold the sides of the foil over the chicken and vegetables to seal tightly, creating a packet. Make sure no steam can escape.

5. Cook the Packets

Grill Method: Grill the packets for about 20–25 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
Oven Method: Bake the packets on a baking sheet for 25 minutes.

6. Add Cheese and Serve

Carefully open each packet (watch for steam!) and sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. Let sit for a couple of minutes until the cheese melts. Garnish with cilantro and lime juice if desired.

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or use hot salsa.
Low Carb: Skip the beans and corn and load up on peppers and zucchini.
Add Rice: Include cooked rice in each packet for a more filling meal.
Veggie Swap: Use poblano peppers, red onions, or diced tomatoes for variety.
Different Protein: Try shrimp, steak strips, or ground turkey in place of chicken.

Equipment You’ll Need

Heavy-duty aluminum foil
Grill or oven
Mixing bowl
Tongs or spatula

Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Serving)

Calories: 380
Protein: 35g
Fat: 16g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 4g

Storage Tips

Refrigerator: Store leftover packets (unwrapped) in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: You can freeze uncooked foil packets and cook from frozen—just add an extra 10 minutes to cooking time.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F or microwave for 2–3 minutes.

My Cooking Experience

I love how fuss-free these Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets are. They’re great for camping trips and make weeknight dinners effortless. I often prep them the night before and just toss them in the oven or on the grill when I get home. The steam cooking method ensures the chicken is always juicy, and the Tex-Mex combo never fails to satisfy. Bonus: the cleanup is practically nonexistent!

Conclusion

Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets are the perfect way to enjoy a healthy, hearty meal with bold flavor and minimal cleanup. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, planning a camping trip, or just need a quick dinner idea, these packets deliver every time. Once you try them, they’re sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.

Admin