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
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts 7-8 ounces each
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 15 ounces canned black beans drained & rinsed, 1 can
- 2 cups frozen corn kernels thawed
- 1 cup diced bell peppers 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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So easy and came out amazing! Thanks for sharing!
I am usually a tragedy in the kitchen… but this made me a rock star.
Can you use chicken strips instead of chicken breast? Also, how long would you cook the chicken in the oven?
Thanks,
Jane
Hi Jane, we have only made this recipe as listed. Chicken strips should work fine though. I would check them closer to the 8-10 min range in step 5 to see if they have reached an internal temperature of 165°F yet.
Want to try some of the wonderful looking recipes
You have come to the right place Lori ;) Check out our all recipes page for some more delicious inspiration!
Could these be prepared and frozen to cook later?
We have never tried freezing this recipe Sue but it should work! I would put the foil packs into a zippered bag before freezing and let them thaw in the refrigerator before cooking. Let us know how they turn out!
This was so good and light!!! Made it with rice!
Yum, that would be delicious Bobbie.
Can: Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets be roasted in the oven? If yes, at what temperature and for how long? Thank you.
Hi Robin, These can be baked in a 375°F oven for 30 minutes or longer depending on the size of your chicken breasts.
The photo clearly shows tomatoes, sliced lime and jalapeños?
Not in the recipe!!!
Step 7 suggests to top as desired, those are the toppings. Enjoy!
Trying these today. Rather than making foil packs, though, I am gonna throw everything in the crock pot. Then shred the chicken and put in tortillas. Looking forward to trying it!
I hope you enjoyed the recipe Lindsay! That sounds like a delicious spin on this!
Would these packets work in an instant pot? Trying to avoid turning on the oven in this summer heat. Thanks!
We have not tried making these in an instant pot Erika, if you try please let us know how it turns out!
Do you use boneless breasts?
Yes, this is made with boneless chicken breasts.
Awesome, we camp all the time and I love making foil packet dinners, and breakfast
I love foil packets for camping too Ryan! They are so handy over the campfire or on the barbecue.
I have tried a number of your recipes and been very happy but this Santa Fe foil chicken was very bland and without any flavor. I made it just as instructed both my husband and I were not fans.
I’m sorry this recipe didn’t work you for you Pamela. If you try making it again, definitely increase the chili powder for an extra kick of flavor. Let us know what you think!
What temp/time would you recommend if cooking in the oven instead of on the grill?
Emmy, you can cook these in a 375°F oven for about 30 minutes (or longer if using larger chicken breasts).
Just wondering if this can be baked in the oven and if so, how long and at what temp?
Definitely Debbie! We recommend cooking in a 375°F oven for about 30 minutes (or until chicken reaches an internal temp of 165°F)
Santa fe chicken packets look great. Can I bake these in oven?
Thanks Peggy! Try cooking them in a 375°F oven for approximately 30 minutes (or longer if using larger chicken breasts)!
Santa Fe chicken packets look amazing!
Thanks Dee. They are absolutely delicious!
I don’t always use the grill as in the Pacific Northwest one can’t count on a “no rain” day. I presume in the oven it would be 400 degrees for 35 to 45 minutes. Please correct me if I’m wrong.
You could definitely cook it that way Shirley! Depending on the size of your chicken breasts, you can also cook it in a 375°F oven for approximately 30 minutes or longer (until reaching an internal temp of 165°F).
This look amazing
Thanks Angelic! Enjoy!
I can’t add this to my recipe box or print why??