Chicken Foil Packets are the perfect easy, breezy summer grilling meal! With heart-healthy pieces of chicken, some zesty seasonings and a handful of beans and veggies, an entire entrée can be made in no time at all…with no dishes!
We serve this meal with warm corn tortillas, homemade salsa and fresh guacamole for the perfect meal!
Chicken foil packets are great to take on a picnic, camping, or even just to the backyard grill. This Santa Fe Chicken recipe grills up a super tasty south-of-the-border flair! Perfect served over a bed of cilantro lime rice or a helping of cilantro tomato rice.
What is Santa Fe Chicken?
Santa Fe Chicken is a popular entrée that lets you mix and match the veggies and level of spice you want! Go for fresh, colorful vegetables that cook at the same rate as everything else!
Try seasoning with a homemade taco seasoning recipe or homemade chili powder to control your spice level!
How to Make Chicken Foil Packets
With a quick prep time, this recipe is great for busy summer days with a delicious balance of fresh veggies and beans.
- Place large pieces of foil (about 10”x10”), on a flat work surface & spray with cooking spray.
- Put chicken in the center of each piece and season. Add Veggies and salsa over each chicken breast.
- Fold in the ends to seal the foil packets and grill.
Let’s Get Grilling
On the grill, aim for about 20-25 minutes per packet, flipping halfway through. These can also be baked in a 375°F oven for 30 minutes or longer depending on the size of your chicken breasts.
Always test for doneness with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken breast, approximately 165°F.
Once done, remove packets and carefully open each packet and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Leaving the packets open, return to the grill and cook until the cheese is fully melted (2-3 minutes).
Remove from heat and top with sour cream, guacamole, black olives, jalapeños and more salsa! Serve over a bed of rice or with heated corn or flour tortillas for a fun twist!
More Foil-Pack Meals
- Barbecue Chicken Foil Packets – loaded with bacon & cheddar
- Cabbage and Sausage Foil Packets – only 5 ingredients!
- Pineapple Teriyaki Shrimp Foil Packets – light and fresh flavor
- Asparagus Salmon Foil Packets – ready in under 30 mins!
- Hobo Dinner Foil Packets – made with hamburger & potatoes
- Parmesan Chicken Foil Packets– 15 mins prep!
- Shrimp Boil Foil Packs – so flavorful & fresh
- Sausage and Veggie Foil Packs – loaded with fresh veggies
Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts 7-8 ounces each
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- 15 ounces canned black beans drained & rinsed, 1 can
- 2 cups frozen corn kernels thawed
- 1 cup bell pepper diced, any color
- ¾ cup salsa or 10 ounces Rotel Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies, drained
- ½ cup shredded Mexican cheese blend or Monterey Jack, 2 oz
- toppings as desired such as cilantro, tomatoes & jalapenos
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Place four large pieces of foil on work surface and spray each with cooking spray. Place 1 chicken breast on each piece of foil and season with chili powder, salt & pepper.
- Divide beans, corn, peppers, and salsa over top of chicken breasts.
- Fold in the ends to seal each packet. Place packets the grill vegetable side down for 10 minutes.
- Flip packets over and grill an additional 10-12 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and reaches 165°F.
- Place packets on a large baking pan. Carefully open packets and top with cheese. Place the baking pan back on the grill to melt the cheese.
- Top as desired.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Main Course
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How would I cook this in the oven.
Bake them at 375°F for 35 minutes or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Enjoy!
This recipe is so good and easy to prepare. I have been making it for several years now and it is a family favorite. Thank you for sharing such a great recipe.
Awesome for camping
Have not made it yet but it is on my schedule.
can you bake these in an oven instead? temperature? time?
I do think these would work in the oven. Bake them at 375°F for 35 minutes or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
I wonder if I can prep everything ahead and put into packets and freeze and then take on a camping trip as it will thaw out by dinner time and then put them on the grill? Would this still be as tasty?
I have never tried freezing this recipe and then cooking on the grill so I can’t say for sure but I think it should turn out okay. Maybe another reader has tried and can offer some guidance.
I would wrap them in foil tightly, but then also put them in a freezer safe container or ziploc freezer bag. Then put them frozen in your cooler and after a day or two, they should be ready to cook over the campfire or grill!
I can’t wait to try this recipe but I was wondering can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast. Look delicious
That should work just fine Tracey, but your cook time may need to be adjusted. Be sure to cook until the chicken is 165°F. If you try it I would love to hear how it turns out!
What other bean can I use instead of black beans which we don’t like
You can replace them with a bean you prefer. White beans or pinto beans would be a delicious choice.
can these be done in the oven?
You can find this information in the post Lisa: These can also be baked in a 375°F oven for 30 minutes or longer depending on the size of your chicken breasts. Always test for doneness with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken breast, approximately 165°F.
I hope this helps!
Sounds delicious. I was wondering if these could be done in a crockpot? Any suggestions would be appreciated. High/ Low? How long? I’m trying not to be out in the heat of summer or heating up my kitchen. Thanks
I haven’t tried it so I can’t say for sure Kathryn. If you try it I would love to hear how it turns out!
We ate it with tortilla chips, more salsa, and lots of sour cream.
It’s a keeper!
Made this for family dinner and it was a hit. I will make it again.
I don’t have a grill. can I fix these chicken packets in the oven and at what temp for how long. I’m guessing 350° for maybe15 min on ea side???
You can find this information in the post Elizabeth: These can also be baked in a 375°F oven for 30 minutes or longer depending on the size of your chicken breasts. Always test for doneness with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken breast, approximately 165°F.
I hope this helps!
I make these every week. Easy to bake in parchment paper in the oven to. I do cut the chicken breast in 3/4″ cubes. I add diced bell pepper and minced jalapeno and Cilantro to the corn and beans. I make Mexican rice before hand cooking el dente, then put a 1/2 c down then chicken on top. To keep the calories down I don’t bother with the cheese. This is packed full of flavor, best diet food!
My family loved! The only change I made was I sautéed the green pepper with half of a sweet onion, put it on top of the chicken right before putting the cheese on. No bbq so we used the oven. This is a keeper recipe!
can you bake this recipe in the oven instead of the grill? I live in an apt. and we are not allowed to grill.
Absolutely Glenda. These can also be baked in a 375°F oven for 30 minutes or longer depending on the size of your chicken breasts.
Always test for doneness with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken breast, approximately 165°F.
I’m going to try it today
I have these in the oven for the 3rd time. So very good! I add fresh jalapeños because we enjoy a little heat. I am going to heat up some corn tortillas to add to the plate tonight. Thank you for a great recipe.
just wondering can these be cooked in the oven? and if so, what temp and time would you recommend?
These can be baked in a 375°F oven for 30 minutes or longer depending on the size of your chicken breasts. Enjoy Marianne!
I liked this recipe. I don’t want to cook all of the packets tonight. Can I keep them in foil safely to the next day to cook?o
I would recommend preparing the ingredients in advance and then wrapping in foil just before cooking Mimi.
Can’t wait to try this