Fiesta Lime Chicken and Rice Foil Packs
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
443 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Fiesta Lime Chicken and Rice Foil Packs
Description
This recipe layers marinated chicken and seasoned rice with black beans inside tightly sealed foil packets, facilitating an even cooking environment that steams the ingredients while melding the spices. The chicken is marinated briefly in a blend of soy sauce, fresh lime juice, cooking oil, and spices like cumin, garlic powder, and chili powder, which imparts a zesty, savory profile. The rice is partially cooked, then tossed with chili powder and lime juice to complement the chicken’s flavors.
Once packed, the foil pouches are baked or grilled until the chicken is fully cooked and juicy. After opening the packets, slices of Monterey Jack cheese are added and melted under heat, adding a creamy element that contrasts with the spicy, tangy components. Optional toppings like avocado, tomato, salsa, sour cream, cilantro, and corn provide freshness and texture variations for serving.
The recipe directs thinning chicken breasts to a uniform thickness to enable even cooking in the packets. The hands-off cooking method simplifies preparation and cleanup, making it practical for a family meal or outdoor cooking. The bright lime and spice combination give this dish a lively, festive character.
The marinade and foil pack cooking allow the chicken to remain moist, while the rice absorbs flavors, yielding a balanced, flavorful portioned meal.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breast OR two large, sliced in half lengthwise, see note, small, boneless, skinless
- 1 ounce black beans canned
- avocado optional toppings, sliced avocado, tomatoes or salsa, grilled corn
- cilantro
- sour cream
- tomato
- salsa
- corn
chicken marinade
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- lime juice 2-3 tablespoons fresh lime juice, juice of 2 limes
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup neutral cooking oil generic cooking oil
- 2 teaspoons cumin ground
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
for the rice
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- lime juice of 1
- 4 Monterey jack cheese or about 1/2 cup shredded, slices
Instructions
- In a medium bowl whisk together all ingredients for the chicken marinade. Add chicken, toss to coat, cover and chill for 15-30 minutes. Prepare the rice while chicken is marinating.
- Add rice to a pot. Cover with water, bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes. Drain, stir in chili powder and lime juice, and side aside.
- Cut four 12-inch squares of foil and lay them out on a clean, flat surface. Spoon 1/4th of the rice into each packet. Add 1/4th of the beans. Top with one piece of chicken. Fold two opposite ends of the foil over the top of the fillings and pinch the seams together tightly. Fold or roll up the remaining ends of the foil to close the packet.
- Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through OR grill over medium heat, being sure to turn over halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Open the packets, top chicken with 1/4 of the cheese (one slice each) and return to oven or grill (do not close the packet) 3-4 minutes til cheese is melted.
- Add any desired toppings and serve.
Notes
- For even cooking, pound chicken breasts to about 3/4 inch thick or slice large breasts in half lengthwise before marinating.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 443 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 443kcal | 22% |
| Carbohydrates | 40g | 13% |
| Protein | 29g | 58% |
| Fat | 18g | 28% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 73mg | 24% |
| Sodium | 666mg | 28% |
| Potassium | 552mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 425IU | 9% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 43mg | 4% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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