If you love bold flavors and easy clean-up, get ready to fall completely head over heels for Cheesy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packs! Packed with tender chicken, hearty beans, sweet corn, and finished with gooey cheddar, each packet is basically a flavor explosion—no plates required. Whether you’re grilling, baking, or roasting over a cozy campfire, this is one crowd-pleaser you’ll want to add to your weekly rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal Cleanup: Everything cooks inside the foil, so you can toss the mess and get right to enjoying dinner (or s’mores)!
- Family & Crowd Friendly: Every pack is a self-contained meal—easy to tweak for picky eaters and perfect for gatherings, campsites, or busy weeknights.
- Super Flavorful: The southwest combo of salsa, taco seasoning, and melty cheddar cheese infuses the chicken and veggies with bold, festive flavor in every bite.
- Versatile Cooking: Grill, oven, or campfire—these Cheesy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packs fit any occasion or weather!
Ingredients You’ll Need
No need to hunt for anything fancy—these Cheesy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packs come together with a lineup of totally accessible ingredients, each one playing a starring role in flavor and texture. Here’s what makes these foil packets so irresistible:
- Boneless Chicken Breasts (filleted): The juicy, lean base for your packets—filleting helps everything cook evenly and soak up those zesty flavors.
- Frozen Corn (or canned): Adds a sweet crunch and beautiful bursts of color; no need to thaw if using frozen!
- Black Beans (rinsed & drained): Creamy and satisfying, they give fiber, plant-based protein, and hearty southwest vibes.
- Taco Seasoning: The magic flavor packet—think smoky, spicy, and all-around fiesta!
- Salsa: Brings moisture, tang, and an extra punch of boldness. Choose your favorite heat level.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: The melty, golden, can’t-resist finishing touch that seals the deal. Go extra if you’re craving ultra-cheesy packets!
- Heavy Duty Foil: Not to eat, but an absolute essential—ensures everything cooks perfectly without leaks or sticking.
- Non-Stick Cooking Spray: A quick spritz makes unwrapping your foil packs a breeze (no stuck-on cheese here!).
Variations
One of my favorite things about Cheesy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packs is how endlessly customizable they are! Whether you’re accommodating ingredients on hand, spice levels, or dietary needs, you can truly make these foil packets your own special creation.
- Swap the Protein: Try boneless thighs, sliced steak, or even make it vegetarian with tofu or portobello mushrooms in place of chicken.
- Mix up the Cheese: Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend can bring new depths of flavor and meltiness.
- Add Fresh Veggies: Toss in chopped bell peppers, red onions, or zucchini for extra color and crunch—just keep pieces bite-sized!
- Go Low-Carb: Replace beans and corn with sautéed cauliflower florets or broccoli for a lighter, but still hearty, packet.
- Customize the Spice: Use mild salsa for sensitive palates or a chipotle or habanero salsa if you’re feeling bold and spicy!
How to Make Cheesy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packs
Step 1: Prep Your Foil and Ingredients
Start by cutting eight generous pieces of heavy duty foil and giving each a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray—trust me, this makes all the difference when unwrapping melty cheese later! Get your chicken fillets, rinsed black beans, corn, salsa, and all your toppings ready so assembly is a breeze.
Step 2: Build Your Flavor Layers
Place a filleted chicken breast in the center of each foil sheet. Spoon about 1/4 cup each of black beans and corn over the top. Sprinkle a teaspoon of taco seasoning on each, then follow with a big dollop (about 1/4 cup) of salsa. This layering locks moisture and ensures every bite bursts with flavor.
Step 3: Seal, Grill, and Sizzle!
Fold up the sides of the foil tightly to create fully closed packets—no steam should escape! Place packets seam-side up on a hot grill, campfire, or in a 425°F oven. Cook for 20-25 minutes on the grill (or up to 40 minutes in the oven), until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and juices run clear.
Step 4: The Cheesy Finale
Carefully open each foil pack (watch out for steam!) and sprinkle a generous 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese over each serving. Reseal the packs and return to the heat for about 5 minutes, just until the cheese is perfectly melted and oozy. Serve Cheesy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packs piping hot, right in their foil “bowls.”
Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packs
- Foil Folding Magic: Double-fold the edges to create tight seals—this keeps all those flavorful juices locked inside and prevents accidental leaks.
- Even Thickness, Even Cooking: Aim for chicken fillets of similar thickness so everything cooks at the same pace, giving you perfectly juicy chicken every time.
- Cheese Timing: Add the shredded cheddar only at the end to prevent burning—five minutes is just enough for that gooey cheese pull!
- Steam Safety: When opening packets, always open away from your face (and others!) to avoid the intense burst of hot steam.
How to Serve Cheesy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packs
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way and adds a fresh pop of color. Try sprinkling chopped fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a few squeezes of lime over your Cheesy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packs just before serving. For extra creaminess, a dollop of sour cream or sliced avocado on top makes it swoon-worthy.
Side Dishes
While these foil packs are hearty enough to stand alone, I love pairing them with warm flour tortillas, a tangy cabbage slaw, or classic cilantro-lime rice on the side. Some tortilla chips for scooping up those saucy bits in the bottom of the packet? Always a win.
Creative Ways to Present
Open each foil pack right at the table for a dramatic, steamy reveal! Or, for a party, transfer the fillings onto a platter and let everyone build their own tacos, burritos, or nachos. You can even use smaller foil sheets for appetizer-sized servings at picnics or potlucks. It’s as fun as it is delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any extras of these Cheesy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packs can be cooled and stored (foil and all) in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just transfer to an airtight container if you need to save fridge space. The flavors meld beautifully, making leftovers even tastier!
Freezing
You can freeze the individual uncooked foil packets for up to 2 months—just assemble, seal tightly, and pop into a freezer bag. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then cook as directed. Cooked leftover chicken doesn’t freeze quite as well (the texture can change), but it works in a pinch for meal prep lunches.
Reheating
To reheat, keep the foil packet closed and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Or, microwave the contents (removed from foil) in a covered dish for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway. Add a fresh sprinkle of cheese for best results!
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a fantastic, juicy alternative and can actually be a little more forgiving if you’re worried about overcooking. Just be sure they’re evenly sized for consistent cooking time.
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Is it possible to bake these foil packs in the oven instead of grilling?
You bet! Place the sealed foil packets on a baking sheet and bake at 425°F for about 30-40 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken. Always check that the chicken hits 165°F for food safety.
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What’s the best way to assemble these ahead for a camping trip?
Prep and seal the foil packets at home, and keep them chilled in a cooler until ready to cook at your campsite. If frozen, let them thaw overnight in your cooler for best results—they’ll cook beautifully over a campfire grate.
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Can I make Cheesy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packs dairy-free?
Yes! Simply use your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative, or skip the cheese for a still-delicious, lighter version. The combination of salsa, taco spices, and veggies will keep those flavors lively and bold!
Final Thoughts
I’m so excited for you to try Cheesy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packs—truly, they’re dinner magic in a bundle. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or even just yourself on a busy night, this vibrant, hands-off meal will have everyone coming back for more. Happy cooking, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to!
Print
Cheesy Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling, Campfire Cooking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Foil Pack Santa Fe Chicken Dinner is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish perfect for grilling or campfire cooking. Each foil packet contains tender chicken, black beans, corn, salsa, and melted cheddar cheese, creating a delicious Tex-Mex inspired meal.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 large boneless chicken breasts, filleted
Vegetables:
- 2 cups frozen corn or 2 cans of corn
- 2 cans black beans, rinsed and drained
Seasonings:
- 8 teaspoons taco seasoning
Others:
- 2 cups salsa
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Foil Packets: Coat 8 large pieces of heavy-duty foil with non-stick cooking spray.
- Assemble Ingredients: Place a filleted boneless chicken breast on each piece of foil. Top with black beans, corn, taco seasoning, and salsa.
- Seal Packets: Fold up the sides to create foil packets.
- Cook: Grill or place on a campfire for 20-25 minutes.
- Add Cheese: Open packets, add cheddar cheese, reseal, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve: Carefully open packets and enjoy!
Notes
- You can also bake the foil packets at 425°F for 30-40 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 foil packet
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
