Grilled Crack Chicken Foil Packets bring cheesy, creamy chicken goodness right to your grill! Packed with chicken, bacon, and ranch seasoning, it’s a tasty treat that’s super easy to make.
Who doesn’t love a good foil packet meal? It’s like a flavor party with no messy cleanup! I love throwing these on the grill and letting the flavors mingle—so fun and yummy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I like using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe as they cook evenly and are easy to prepare. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey breast works well too, or you can go for thighs if you prefer more flavor.
Potatoes: Thinly sliced potatoes add heartiness to the dish. If you’re short on time, you can use frozen hash browns instead. Sweet potatoes are a nice twist if you want to mix up the flavors a bit!
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar brings a great melty texture. If you want a different flavor, try Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a little heat. Vegan cheese is also an option if you’re looking for a dairy-free version.
Bacon: I recommend cooked bacon for its crunch. If you need a meatless option, consider using crispy coconut bacon or even smoked paprika for a smoky flavor without the meat.
Ranch Seasoning: The ranch seasoning packet adds tons of flavor quickly! If you can’t find it, you can make your own with equal parts dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley.
How Do I Make Sure the Chicken Stays Juicy on the Grill?
Keeping your chicken juicy while grilling is essential. To achieve this, marinating your chicken for at least 30 minutes can really help. If you’re short on time, simply mixing it with cream cheese and ranch seasoning as you do in this recipe keeps it moist.
- Prep your grill correctly: Ensure it’s preheated to medium heat, and keep the lid closed during grilling to trap moisture.
- Watch the cooking time: Overcooking can dry out chicken. Aim for 25-30 minutes and always check the internal temperature.
Another tip? Using the foil packets traps steam and moisture, keeping everything nice and juicy. Enjoy your meal without worry!
How to Make Grilled Crack Chicken Foil Packets!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Filling:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 4 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
For Preparation:
- Olive oil or cooking spray (for greasing the foil)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25-30 minutes to grill. So, in total, you’ll spend about 40 minutes making these tasty, easy-to-eat foil packets that are perfect for a meal on the grill!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat, which is about 400°F. This is the perfect temperature to cook your foil packets evenly and thoroughly.
2. Prepare the Foil:
Take four large pieces of aluminum foil and lay them flat on a clean surface. Lightly grease each piece with olive oil or cooking spray to keep the food from sticking. This step is important for an easy cleanup!
3. Mix the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken, thinly sliced potatoes, softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until the chicken and potatoes are well coated in the creamy, flavorful goodness.
4. Assemble the Packets:
Now it’s time to fill the foil! Divide the chicken and potato mixture evenly among the four prepared foil pieces. Place the mixture in the center of each piece of foil to make folding easier later on.
5. Add Cheese and Bacon:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon evenly over the mixture in each foil packet. This will make the dish even more delicious and packed with flavor!
6. Fold and Seal the Packets:
Carefully fold the foil over the filling and seal the edges tightly to create secure packets. Make sure they are well-sealed to keep all the steam and juiciness inside while grilling.
7. Grill the Packets:
Place the foil packets on the grill and close the lid. Grill them for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is completely cooked through and the potatoes are tender. You can check one after about 25 minutes to see how they’re doing.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Carefully remove the packets from the grill – they’ll be hot! Allow them to cool for a few minutes. Then, open the packets and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious Grilled Crack Chicken Foil Packets!
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier option. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. If using frozen chicken, remember to thaw it completely before mixing it with the other ingredients!
What If I Don’t Have Ranch Seasoning Mix?
No worries! You can create a homemade substitute by mixing together equal parts of dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and parsley. Use about 2 tablespoons of this mix in place of the ranch seasoning for a similar flavor profile!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any uneaten foil packet contents in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or heat on a skillet until warmed through. You might want to add a splash of water to keep it moist.
Can I Add Vegetables to the Packets?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or corn. Just remember that softer vegetables may cook faster than the potatoes, so cut them into larger chunks or add them halfway through the grilling time for even cooking.
