Imagine a sizzling summer evening, the smell of grilled chicken wafting through the air, mingling with hints of smoky spices and fresh veggies. Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets are not just a meal; they’re an experience—a flavor fiesta wrapped in shiny foil, bursting with vibrant colors and textures that will make your taste buds dance. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.

Picture this: you gather around a fire pit with friends, laughter ringing out as the sun sets. You unveil these delightful packets, revealing tender chicken nestled among peppers and onions, all drizzled with zesty sauce. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone together, effortlessly elevating any gathering into a celebration.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets are easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze
- The blend of spices creates an explosion of flavor in every bite
- Their visually stunning presentation turns any meal into a feast for the eyes
- Perfect for camping trips or backyard barbecues—it’s versatile enough for any occasion
I’ve made these foil packets numerous times for family gatherings, and each time my relatives have declared them the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust based on how many people you’re feeding.
Bell Peppers: Choose vibrant red and green peppers for a splash of color and sweetness.
Red Onion: This adds a touch of sweetness when cooked; opt for firm ones without blemishes.
Olive Oil: A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil provides richness and helps the spices stick.
Taco Seasoning: You can use store-bought or homemade; either way, it packs a flavorful punch.
Fresh Cilantro: Adding fresh cilantro at the end brings brightness and freshness to every bite.
For the Sauce:
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens up all the flavors and adds zest to the overall dish.
Salsa Verde: This tangy sauce adds moisture and enhances flavor; choose one that suits your spice preference.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. While it’s heating up, chop your bell peppers and red onion into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
Season the Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil and taco seasoning. Coat your chicken breasts thoroughly in this mixture until they’re well seasoned and ready for action.
Create Your Foil Packets: Lay out large sheets of aluminum foil. Place chopped vegetables in the center followed by seasoned chicken on top. Drizzle with lime juice and salsa verde for an extra flavor boost.
Seal Them Up: Fold the edges of the foil tightly over the chicken and vegetables to create sealed packets; this traps all those delicious juices inside while cooking.
Grill to Perfection: Place packets on the grill for about 20-25 minutes or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You’ll know they’re done when you see steam escaping!
Add Freshness: Carefully unwrap each packet (watch out for steam!) and sprinkle fresh cilantro over everything before serving. The aroma will be irresistible!
Enjoying these Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets is more than just eating; it’s about savoring good food with good company under open skies!
You Must Know
- Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets are a game-changer for busy weeknights
- With bold flavors and minimal cleanup, they make dinner effortless
- Customize easily with your favorite veggies or spices for a personal touch that suits every palate
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes. Grill the foil packets over medium heat, flipping halfway through for even cooking. This ensures juicy chicken and perfectly tender vegetables.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out bell peppers for zucchini or add black beans for extra protein. A sprinkle of lime juice just before serving can elevate the flavors even more.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover packets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15 minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve maximum flavor, always use fresh herbs when possible; they brighten up any dish
- Ensure your grill is well-oiled to prevent sticking and guarantee golden brown goodness
- Lastly, don’t skip marinating; it’s key to infusing flavor into your chicken!
Cooking these Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets reminds me of a camping trip with friends, where we tossed everything together and laughed over our culinary improvisation. It became a tradition!
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken for Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets?
Yes, but thaw it completely before marinating and cooking.
What sides pair well with Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets?
Serve with rice or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
How do I make Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets vegetarian?
Substitute chicken with chickpeas or tofu for a delicious vegetarian option.
Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets
Experience the vibrant flavors of summer with Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets. This easy-to-make dish combines tender grilled chicken, colorful bell peppers, and zesty spices, all cooked to perfection in convenient foil packets. Perfect for gatherings or quick weeknight dinners, these packets are not just a meal; they’re an enjoyable experience that brings friends and family together around the grill.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium red onion, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Juice of 1 lime
- ½ cup salsa verde
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Chop the bell peppers and red onion into bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, mix olive oil and taco seasoning. Coat the chicken breasts thoroughly.
- Lay out large sheets of aluminum foil and place the chopped vegetables in the center. Top with seasoned chicken.
- Drizzle lime juice and salsa verde over the ingredients.
- Fold the edges of the foil tightly to seal each packet.
- Grill for 20-25 minutes or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Carefully unwrap each packet and sprinkle with fresh cilantro before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 packet (approximately 375g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes for enhanced flavor. Feel free to swap bell peppers for zucchini or add black beans for extra protein. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.