Description
Fiesta Chicken Foil Packets are a simple and flavorful one-pan meal featuring seasoned chicken breasts cooked alongside black beans, corn, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes in foil packets. Finished with melted Mexican cheese and fresh garnishes, this dish offers a balanced, colorful dinner that’s easy to prepare and clean up.
Ingredients
Chicken & Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1½ tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Vegetables & Beans
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup corn
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Cheese & Garnishes
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 2 green onions, sliced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the foil packets.
- Prepare Foil Sheets: Cut four large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil, one for each chicken breast and its accompanying ingredients.
- Season the Chicken: Place one chicken breast in the center of each foil sheet. Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil and evenly sprinkle each with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper for a robust seasoning.
- Add Vegetables and Beans: Evenly divide sliced red bell pepper, corn, black beans, and halved cherry tomatoes among the four packets, layering around the chicken.
- Seal Packets: Fold the foil tightly around the chicken and vegetables to create sealed packets that will lock in moisture and flavor during baking.
- Bake: Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked.
- Add Cheese: Carefully open each packet and sprinkle shredded Mexican cheese blend over the hot contents.
- Melt Cheese: Return the opened packets to the oven for an additional 2–3 minutes, just until the cheese melts and becomes slightly bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle with sliced green onions and chopped cilantro for fresh flavor, and serve hot with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the meal.
Notes
- For more even cooking, slice thicker chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner pieces.
- Add diced jalapeños to the packets if you prefer a spicy kick.
- Serve these foil packets alongside rice, tortilla chips, or warm tortillas for a complete meal.
- Be cautious when opening the packets as hot steam will escape and can cause burns.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course, Foil Packets
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
