Southwestern Chicken & Rice Foil Packets
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
30 mins
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Total Time
40 mins
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Servings
3
Southwestern Chicken & Rice Foil Packets
Description
This recipe uses chicken breasts pounded to even thickness and seasoned with taco spices, then layered over soaked brown rice mixed with water and taco seasoning. Each portion is assembled on its own foil sheet, topped with salsa, mozzarella cheese, sliced bell peppers, onions, and black beans, then drizzled with olive oil before sealing the foil packet.
Baking for 30 to 35 minutes cooks the chicken through and allows flavors to meld between the rice, vegetables, and meat. After baking, the packets are carefully opened and placed under the broiler briefly to brown the cheese and add slight crispness. The dish offers a mix of tender chicken, soft rice, and vibrant vegetables, highlighting southwestern seasoning and subtle heat.
This dish is a self-contained meal, making it ideal for easy cleanup and portion control. It can be served with lime wedges and optional garnishes like cilantro and sour cream for added freshness and creaminess.
The recipe notes mention the use of instant five-minute rice, which simplifies preparation and ensures the rice cooks fully inside the packet. Adaptations for homemade taco seasoning are provided, enabling customization of spice levels and ingredients.
Ingredients
- 3 chicken breast 4 oz, boneless, skinless
- 1 cup brown rice or white, quick
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning 1 packet, see note below
- 1/3 cup salsa
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese or cheddar cheese
- 1 cup bell pepper sliced into thin strips
- 1/4 cup onion sliced into thin strips
- 1/2 cup black beans
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lime optional, cut into wedges
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 400F. Line a baking sheet with 3 sheets of foil (about 6-8 inches) and set aside.
- Combine the brown rice, water and 2 tablespoons taco seasoning in a medium bowl and soak for 5 minutes. DIvide rice (and it's water) into 3 sheets of foil.
- Pound chicken with a meat tenderizer or a rolling-pin until they are even. Seasoning each chicken breast generously with the reaming taco seasoning. Place the chicken on the rice. Top each chicken with a few tablespoons of salsa and a sprinkle of cheese. Add the veggies and beans on the sides of the chicken. Drizzle each packet with olive oil and fold the sides of the foil over the chicken, covering completely; seal the packets closed.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until chicken's internal temperature reaches 165F. Remove from oven and carefully open up the foils; put the packets under the broiler for 3 to 4 minutes. Squeeze fresh lime juice on each packet, garnish with cilantro and sour-cream if desired and serve.
Notes
- For convenience, use instant "5 minute" brown or white rice to ensure even cooking inside the foil packets.
- Homemade taco seasoning can be made by combining chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper in the ratios provided.
- Some cooks have successfully used partially cooked regular rice as an alternative.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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