Foil Packets: Southwest Chicken
Grill or Bake in Oven.
Serve with my Cilantro-Lime Rice
Ingredients
- 4 heavy-duty aluminum foil, 18" x 12" long sheets
- 1-1/2 c. frozen corn
- 15 oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 t. taco seasoning (low sodium)
- dash of red pepper flakes, if desired
- 4 (5 oz.) chicken breasts or 2-3 lg. chicken tenders
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 c. salsa, divided
- 1-1/2 c. shredded pepper jack cheese
- fresh cilantro leaves (about ½ c. lightly packed)
Garnish
- sour cream, garnish
- avocado, cut in small chunks
- large lime, cut into 4 wedges
Instructions
Preheat outdoor grill to medium-high heat or preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a large bowl, stir together corn, salsa, beans and taco seasoning until evenly combined. Stir in a few red pepper flakes, if desired. Set aside.
Place four 18" x 12" pieces of heavy duty foil on counter and spray each with cooking spray. Divide the veggie mixture evenly among the 4 packets.
Season both sides of chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place each seasoned chicken breast or tenders on top of veggies; sprinkle with a few cilantro leaves, top each with ½ c. salsa and sprinkle with cheese (as much as you'd like).
Fold long sides of foil up and over chicken and bring edges together. Roll the foil together, moving downward until 1–2 inches from top of chicken. Fold both short ends together to seal the packet, but make sure to leave enough space inside the packet for steam expansion.
Place packets directly on grill or on a baking sheet in the oven. Cooking times may vary depending upon thickness of chicken breasts.
Grill: For about 30 - 35 minutes (make sure to carefully turn the packets 2 or 3 times to prevent burning).
Oven: Bake 40-45 minutes in the oven, until the center is no longer pink.
Remove packets from grill or oven, and carefully open each one to allow steam to escape.
Garnish with sour cream and avocado.
Squeeze 1 lime wedge over each packet and enjoy!
NOTE: If you’re out of heavy-duty foil you can simply double-up sheets of regular foil.