Description

Elevate your grilling game with these tantalizing Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets. Bursting with bold flavors of chili powder, salsa, and Mexican cheese, these packets are a symphony of taste and texture. Juicy chicken breasts mingle with black beans, corn, and bell peppers, creating a mouthwatering meal that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

4 chicken breasts (7–8 ounces each)
½ teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
15 ounces black beans (drained and rinsed)
2 cups whole kernel corn
1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
¾ cup salsa (or 10 ounces Rotel Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies, drained)
½ cup Mexican cheese (or Monterey Jack, shredded)
Cilantro, tomatoes, and jalapenos for garnish

Instructions

Preparation:

Preheat the grill: Fire up your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring it’s ready for cooking.
Prepare foil packets: Lay out four large pieces of foil on a work surface and give each a light spray of cooking spray.
Season the chicken: Place one chicken breast on each piece of foil and sprinkle them with chili powder, salt, and pepper.

Assembly:

4. Layer the ingredients: Divide the black beans, corn, bell peppers, and salsa over the top of the seasoned chicken breasts, distributing them evenly.

Seal the packets: Fold in the ends of the foil to seal each packet securely, ensuring none of the delicious ingredients escape during grilling.

Grilling:

6. Grill the packets: Place the sealed packets on the grill, ensuring the vegetable side is facing down. Grill for approximately 10 minutes.

Flip and continue grilling: After 10 minutes, flip the packets over and grill for an additional 10-12 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Finishing Touches:

8. Melt the cheese: Carefully transfer the packets to a large baking pan. Open each packet and sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. Return the baking pan to the grill to melt the cheese.

Garnish and serve: Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the packets from the grill. Garnish each packet with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, and sliced jalapenos for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

Serving Suggestions:

Serve Straight from the Grill: Enjoy the Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets straight from the grill for a delightful outdoor dining experience. The aroma and flavors are at their peak when served hot off the grill.
Individualized Presentation: For a personalized touch, serve each foil packet directly onto individual plates. Guests can unwrap their packets themselves, revealing the tantalizing contents inside.
Accompaniments: Serve the foil packets with a side of warm tortillas, rice, or quinoa to soak up the delicious juices. A dollop of sour cream or guacamole adds a creamy contrast to the spicy flavors.
Family-Style Meal: Place all the foil packets on a large serving platter or tray and let everyone dig in family-style. It’s a fun and interactive way to enjoy a meal together.

Storage Tips:

Refrigeration: If you have leftovers, wrap the cooled foil packets tightly in aluminum foil or transfer them to airtight containers. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Reheating: To reheat the foil packets, simply place them on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them on the grill over indirect heat for a few minutes.
Freezing: While you can freeze the foil packets, the texture of some ingredients may change upon thawing. If freezing, wrap the cooled packets tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store them in the freezer for up to 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Portion Control: If you prefer to freeze individual portions, divide the cooked contents of the foil packets into separate freezer-safe containers before freezing. This allows for easy portioning and reheating later on.
Enjoy Cold: Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets can also be enjoyed cold as a refreshing meal on a hot day. Simply unwrap, slice, and serve chilled straight from the refrigerator.