Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets Recipe
Easy lunch or dinner recipes like ones that use foil packs can be so delicious, like chicken foil packets you simply throw on the grill. That way all the ingredients cook together and make the chicken extra tasty and tender. This is just one reason to love foil packet meals.
This is a great recipe for beginners because you simply create a packet with each seasoned chicken breast and add the veggies. Cook on the grill for 15 to 20 minutes and then add cheese so it melts in the packet. It results in juicy chicken with so much flavor that it is sure to be a hit. Chicken foil packets are also an original and delicious alternative to chicken fajitas, plus it’ a complete meal!
Need an appetizer that goes well with Santa Fe chicken foil packets? Try these delicious taco cups.
The best part of foil packet recipes is that they are a fun meal that the whole family will enjoy. This Santa Fe chicken foil packet is also one of my favorite easy chicken recipes. The cheesy chicken with fresh veggies is an easy dinner that can be made in 20-25 minutes.
How do I know if the chicken is fully cooked?
This is one of the most common questions when cooking chicken with a sheet of foil. The easiest way to know is to check the internal temperature of the chicken so it reaches 65 degrees F or 73 C. Fully cooked chicken is white, not pink. The meat should not be glossy, either.
What can the Santa Fe Chicken foil packets be garnished with?
You can serve this southwestern-inspired chicken with lime, sour cream, guacamole or fresh avocado slices. You may also add red onion and chopped green peppers for extra flavor.
Can you make foil packet dinners with salmon?
If you prefer to eat salmon instead of chicken, you can easily substitute the protein in foil packet meals. I would brush the fish with olive oil first, then add some black pepper, a lemon slice and top with your favorite vegetables to make salmon foil packets.
Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets
Ingredients:
- 6 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 3 large breasts cut in half or bite-sized pieces)
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning mix, divided
- 1 ½ cup salsa
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 1 lime, zested and juiced
- ½ cup shredded Fiesta or Mexican cheese blend; you may also use cheddar cheese or Colby Jack cheese
- ½ cup chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the grill according to the manufacturer’s directions to burn at medium-high heat.
- Cut six 12 to 18 inch rectangle pieces of heavy duty aluminum foil. Spritz the foil with nonstick cooking spray on the inside where the food will rest.
- Season the chicken breast on both sides using the taco seasoning, reserving the remaining seasoning. Place each chicken breast in the middle of a piece of aluminum foil.
- In a large bowl, combine the salsa, beans, yellow bell pepper, red bell pepper, lime juice, lime zest, and the remaining taco seasoning.
- Spoon ⅙ of the mixture over each piece of chicken. To fold the pockets, bring the long sides of the aluminum foil to meet over the chicken. Fold the ends of the aluminum foil together, folding twice to create a seam. Roll up the shorter ends of the aluminum foil at least twice to create a sealed packet.
- Place the chicken packets on the grill and cover the grill. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, rotating the packets halfway if needed so they each cook evenly. Check the chicken for an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
- Remove the packets from the grill and carefully open to add cheese. Reseal the packets to allow the cheese to melt. Sprinkle with green onions prior to serving. Serve with additional lime, sour cream, avocado, or salsa if desired.
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Easy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 3 large breasts cut in half or bite-sized pieces)
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning mix, divided
- 1 ½ cup salsa
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 1 lime, zested and juiced
- ½ cup shredded Fiesta or Mexican cheese blend; you may also use cheddar cheese or Colby Jack cheese
- ½ cup chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the grill according to the manufacturer's directions to burn at medium-high heat.
- Cut six 12 to 18 inch rectangle pieces of heavy duty aluminum foil. Spritz the foil with nonstick cooking spray on the inside where the food will rest.
- Season the chicken breast on both sides using the taco seasoning, reserving the remaining seasoning. Place each chicken breast in the middle of a piece of aluminum foil.
- In a large bowl, combine the salsa, beans, yellow bell pepper, red bell pepper, lime juice, lime zest, and the remaining taco seasoning.
- Spoon ⅙ of the mixture over each piece of chicken. To fold the pockets, bring the long sides of the aluminum foil to meet over the chicken. Fold the ends of the aluminum foil together, folding twice to create a seam. Roll up the shorter ends of the aluminum foil at least twice to create a sealed individual foil packet
- Place the chicken foil packets on the grill and cover the grill. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, rotating the packets halfway if needed so they each cook evenly. Check the chicken for an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
- Remove the packets from the grill and carefully open to add cheese. Reseal the packets to allow the cheese to melt. Sprinkle with green onions prior to serving. Serve with additional lime, sour cream, avocado, or salsa if desired.
More delicious chicken recipes
- The Easiest Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Bow Tie Pasta
- Yummy and Easy Baked Chicken Thighs
- Easy baked cream cheese chicken taquitos
- The easiest chicken salad wraps (with gluten free option!)
- The Best Sheet Pan Fajitas
