Description
These Grilled Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets are a flavorful and easy-to-make meal perfect for outdoor grilling. Juicy chicken breasts are seasoned with chili powder, salt, and pepper, then topped with black beans, corn, bell peppers, and salsa, all sealed in foil packets for a delicious and mess-free grilling experience. Finished with melted Monterey Jack cheese, they make a satisfying dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 chicken breasts (2-3 pounds total)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables and Toppings
- 15 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups corn (fresh or frozen)
- 1 medium bell pepper (any color), seeded and diced
- 3/4 cup salsa
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or Mexican blend)
- Non-stick cooking spray (for foil)
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to 350°F (medium heat on gas grills) to ensure it’s ready for cooking.
- Prepare Foil Packets: Cut four large rectangles of aluminum foil. Spray each piece with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place one chicken breast in the center of each foil piece.
- Season Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning blend evenly over both sides of each chicken breast for a spicy, savory flavor.
- Add Vegetables and Salsa: Top each seasoned chicken breast with a generous amount of black beans, corn, and diced bell pepper. Spoon salsa over the top to add moisture and zest.
- Seal Foil Packets: Fold the foil in half over the chicken and vegetable toppings, then tightly twist the edges to completely seal each packet, locking in juices and flavors.
- Grill the Packets: Place the foil packets on the grill and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes. Flip the packets carefully and grill an additional 10 minutes until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the packets from the grill and let them rest on a baking sheet for 5 minutes. Carefully open the foil packets, sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the hot contents so it melts, and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can customize the vegetables with your favorites, such as diced onions or jalapeños for extra heat.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can bake the foil packets in a preheated oven at 350°F for 25-30 minutes.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F for safety.
- Use fresh or frozen corn depending on what you have available; if frozen, there’s no need to thaw before adding.
- Leftover foil packet contents can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To make this dish spicier, add cayenne pepper or use a spicy salsa variety.
