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Overhead shot of an open foil packet containing seared chicken, corn, beans, and peppers. (Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets)

Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets: The Easiest High-Protein Southwest Dinner

Juicy seared chicken breast chunks layered with black beans, sweet corn, and vibrant bell peppers, topped with bubbly melted cheddar jack cheese and chunky salsa in a convenient, no-mess foil packet.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American, Southwestern
Calories: 410
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1.5 lbs Chicken Breast Cut into bite-sized chunks (680g)
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil For searing (30ml)
  • 1 can Black Beans 15 oz (425g), rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup Yellow Corn Kernels Sweet corn (165g)
  • 1 cup Red Bell Pepper Diced (150g)
  • 1 cup Green Bell Pepper Diced (150g)
  • 1.5 cups Cheddar Jack Cheese Shredded blend (170g)
  • 1/2 cup Chunky Tomato Salsa 125g
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano 5g
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro Chopped (15g)

Equipment

  • 4 Heavy-Duty Aluminum Foil 12x18 inch sheets
  • 1 Cast Iron Skillet For searing the chicken

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken chunks and sear for 2-3 minutes until a light golden-brown crust forms. Remove from heat.
  2. Place chicken in the center of 4 foil sheets. Top with black beans, corn, red and green peppers.
  3. Spoon salsa over each pile and top with a thick layer of cheddar jack cheese and dried oregano.
  4. Fold foil into tight packets. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18 minutes or grill over medium heat for 15 minutes.
  5. Carefully open packets (watch for steam!) and top with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.

Notes

Always use heavy-duty foil to prevent leaking.
Sear the chicken beforehand to ensure it doesn't look gray and steamed.