Name: Fiesta Lime Chicken and Rice Foil Packs Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 small boneless skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; juice of 2 limes; ¼ cup water; ¼ cup oil; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 2 teaspoons chili powder; 1 cup long grain white rice; ½ teaspoon chili powder; juice of 1 lime; 1 15-ounce can black beans; sliced avocado, cilantro, sour cream, tomatoes or salsa, grilled corn (optional toppings); 4 slices monterey jack cheese

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If you’re looking for a weeknight meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimum mess, get ready to fall in love with Fiesta Lime Chicken and Rice Foil Packs. This vibrant dish brings together juicy marinated chicken, tangy lime, tender rice, hearty black beans, and the creamy melt of Monterey Jack cheese—each bite is a zesty little celebration. Best of all, it all cooks right in the foil for easy prep and cleanup, making it a go-to for family dinners, backyard grills, or even fun camping nights.

Fiesta Lime Chicken and Rice Foil Packs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in Fiesta Lime Chicken and Rice Foil Packs works together to create layers of flavor and color—it’s fresh, bold, and easy to assemble. Let’s take a quick tour of these kitchen MVPs and why they’ll make your taste buds dance.

Boneless skinless chicken breasts: A lean, juicy protein that soaks up the marinade for maximum flavor in every bite.
Black beans: These add heartiness and fiber, while soaking up the southwestern vibe of the dish.
Soy sauce: It adds depth and a savory boost to the lime marinade—don’t skip this secret ingredient!
Fresh lime juice: Bright and citrusy, this is non-negotiable for that signature fiesta flavor.
Water: Helps the marinade and the pre-cooked rice stay moist and fluffy within the foil.
Oil: Locks in moisture and ensures the chicken cooks up tender and not dry.
Ground cumin: Earthy and aromatic, this spice is the backbone of Tex-Mex flavor.
Garlic powder: Adds a mellow, savory punch that ties the spices together.
Chili powder: Just enough kick to make the dish lively but totally family-friendly.
Long grain white rice: A fluffy, neutral base that soaks up every drop of delicious marinade and lime juice.
Additional chili powder & lime juice for rice: These flavor boosters turn simple rice truly fiesta-worthy.
Monterey Jack cheese: Melty and creamy, it brings richness to balance the citrus and spice.
Optional toppings (avocado, cilantro, sour cream, tomatoes or salsa, grilled corn): These add the final fresh, creamy, or crunchy note—you get to customize every pack!

How to Make Fiesta Lime Chicken and Rice Foil Packs

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by whisking together soy sauce, fresh lime juice, water, oil, cumin, garlic powder, and chili powder in a medium bowl. Add the chicken breasts, toss well to ensure they’re coated on all sides, and cover. Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for 15–30 minutes—just enough time to let the flavors seep in and prep the rice.

Step 2: Prep the Rice

While the chicken is marinating, get your rice started. Add the long grain white rice to a pot, cover it with water, and bring it to a boil. Let it cook for about five minutes, then drain it. While still warm, stir in the extra chili powder and fresh lime juice; this step transforms your rice from basic to bold and bright!

Step 3: Assemble the Foil Packs

Next, cut four big squares of foil (about 12 inches each) and lay them out. Spoon a generous scoop of your citrusy rice into each packet, then add a quarter of the black beans. Top each with one marinated chicken breast. Now comes the fun part: fold two opposite edges of the foil up over the fillings and pinch to seal tightly along the seams, then fold up the remaining ends. Each pack is now a little bundle of flavor ready to go!

Step 4: Bake or Grill

You have options here! Bake the Fiesta Lime Chicken and Rice Foil Packs in a 400 degree oven for about 20 minutes, or toss them on your grill over medium heat. Be sure to turn them over halfway through to ensure everything cooks evenly and the chicken turns out perfectly juicy every time.

Step 5: Add the Cheesy Finish

Carefully open each foil pack (watch out for steam!) and top the chicken with a thick slice of Monterey Jack cheese. Place the open packs back in the oven or on the grill, leaving them uncovered for another 3-4 minutes so the cheese can get melty and irresistible.

Step 6: Customize and Serve

Bring the Fiesta Lime Chicken and Rice Foil Packs to the table and let everyone pile on their favorite toppings—think creamy avocado, a dollop of sour cream, juicy tomatoes, or even grilled corn for a colorful crunch. Dinner just turned into a party!

How to Serve Fiesta Lime Chicken and Rice Foil Packs

Garnishes

This dish absolutely shines with a finishing touch of vibrant garnishes. Sprinkle fresh cilantro for a hit of herbaceous flavor, add slices of creamy avocado, or spoon on a little salsa for extra zest. A dollop of sour cream mellows out the spices, and grilled corn kernels or cherry tomatoes bring a burst of juicy sweetness—these are the little extras that make Fiesta Lime Chicken and Rice Foil Packs feel truly festive.

Side Dishes

Serve these foil packs alongside a light salad dressed with lime vinaigrette, some crispy tortilla chips, or even a simple grilled veggie medley for a well-rounded meal. Black beans and rice are already built in, but a side of fresh fruit or roasted sweet potatoes really completes the Southern-inspired feast.

Creative Ways to Present

When you want to impress, present each Fiesta Lime Chicken and Rice Foil Pack straight on the plate, foil and all—let everyone open their own bundles and enjoy the waft of steam. For group settings or potlucks, transfer the contents to a big platter and garnish extravagantly. Or, pack these up for a picnic or campfire meal where everyone builds their own with their favorite toppings. It’s interactive, fun, and totally customizable!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Fiesta Lime Chicken and Rice Foil Packs are a dream to store. Simply let them cool completely and keep everything sealed in their foil pouches, then transfer to an airtight container in the refrigerator. Everything stays moist, and the flavors meld even more overnight. The packs can be enjoyed for up to 3 days—making weekday lunches just as exciting as dinner.

Freezing

Yes, these foil packs are freezer-friendly! After baking or grilling, let the packs cool and wrap them extra tightly to avoid freezer burn. Store them for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a flavor-packed dinner on demand, thaw them overnight in the fridge, maintaining all that wonderful taste you worked so hard on.

Reheating

Reheating is a breeze. For best results, keep the Fiesta Lime Chicken and Rice Foil Packs wrapped and pop them in a 350 degree oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. For a quick option, unwrap and microwave in increments. Add fresh toppings after reheating to bring back that just-made feel!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs remain juicy and flavorful, making them a fantastic alternative. Just make sure to trim excess fat and adjust cooking time as needed—thighs may need a few extra minutes to cook through in the foil packs.

What if I don’t have Monterey Jack cheese?

No worries. You can swap in cheddar, pepper jack for extra spice, or even mozzarella in a pinch. Any good melting cheese will work, so feel free to make it your own!

Are Fiesta Lime Chicken and Rice Foil Packs good for meal prep?

Definitely! You can marinate the chicken, par-cook the rice, and assemble the foil packs up to a day ahead. Store them in the fridge and just pop them in the oven or on the grill when hunger strikes. It’s a meal prepper’s dream!

Can I make these Fiesta Lime Chicken and Rice Foil Packs for a crowd?

Yes—simply multiply the ingredients and assemble as many packs as you need. These are perfect for gatherings and can be cooked in batches on a large grill or in the oven, making hosting a breeze.

Is this recipe spicy?

The chili powder adds a bit of warmth but keeps things mild and family-friendly. If you like more heat, try adding sliced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the marinade or as a topping. Fiesta Lime Chicken and Rice Foil Packs are totally customizable!

Final Thoughts

Fiesta Lime Chicken and Rice Foil Packs are the kind of meal you’ll crave again and again—they’re easy, packed with bold flavor, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Give them a try, and watch how quickly they become a favorite at your table!

Fiesta Lime Chicken and Rice Foil Packs Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 15 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Fiesta Lime Chicken and Rice Foil Packs are a delicious and convenient meal cooked in foil packets for easy cleanup. Juicy chicken marinated in a zesty lime sauce, paired with flavorful rice and beans, topped with gooey melted cheese, and optional toppings for a fiesta in every bite!

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, lime juice, water, oil, cumin, garlic powder, and chili powder. Add chicken, coat well, cover, and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes.
Prepare the Rice: Cook rice in boiling water for 5 minutes. Drain, then mix in chili powder and lime juice; set aside.
Assemble the Foil Packets: Lay out four 12-inch foil squares. Divide rice, beans, and marinated chicken among the foil sheets. Seal packets tightly.
Cook the Packets: Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes or grill over medium heat, flipping halfway through.
Melt the Cheese: Open packets, top each chicken piece with a slice of cheese, and bake or grill briefly until melted.
Serve: Add desired toppings and enjoy!

Notes

Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings like avocado, cilantro, or sour cream.
Ensure foil packets are sealed tightly to retain moisture while cooking.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking or Grilling
Cuisine: Mexican