Grilled Crack Chicken Foil Packets are a fun and tasty meal! They’re packed with tender chicken, creamy ranch, and gooey cheese, all cooked together for an easy dinner.
Making these is a breeze—just toss everything in a foil packet and let the grill do the work! I love how each bite is like a flavor party. Who doesn’t want more cheese, right? 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe since they cook evenly. However, you can substitute with thighs for a juicier result or even a plant-based option like tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.
Cream Cheese: Soft cream cheese adds creaminess and richness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider low-fat cream cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan twist. I love using herbed cream cheese for an extra flavor boost!
Ranch Seasoning Mix: Ranch is a key flavor here. You can use homemade ranch seasoning or even a different seasoning mix like garlic and herb if you prefer. Just adjust based on your taste!
Bacon: Crumbled bacon gives a crispy texture. For a healthier option, turkey bacon works well. If you’re vegetarian, try adding some smoked paprika for that smoky flavor without the meat.
Baby Potatoes: These cook nicely in foil. If you don’t have them, any potato type works; just remember to adjust the cooking time for larger pieces. Sweet potatoes are also a tasty alternative!
How Do You Seal the Foil Pack Properly?
Sealing the foil packets correctly is important to keep all the steam in, which helps cook the ingredients evenly. Here’s how to do it:
- Place your filling in the center, leaving a little space at the edges.
- Fold the sides of the foil up and over the filling, pinching them together to seal.
- Then fold the ends tightly, creating a completely closed pocket. Ensure there are no holes where steam can escape.
- If using heavy-duty foil, you can also double wrap to prevent any leaks.
Remember to be careful when opening the packets, as the steam will be hot!
How to Make Grilled Crack Chicken Foil Packets
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Packets:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 cups baby potatoes, sliced (or diced if large)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Aluminum foil
For Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and an additional 25-30 minutes to cook on the grill. In total, you’ll need around 40 minutes to enjoy these flavorful Grilled Crack Chicken Foil Packets!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures that your packets cook evenly and thoroughly.
2. Get Your Foil Ready:
Cut two large pieces of aluminum foil, each about 12 inches by 18 inches. These will hold all the tasty ingredients securely while they cook on the grill.
3. Mix the Creamy Base:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and ranch seasoning mix. Use a fork or spatula to mix them together until smooth. This creamy mixture will be the star of your foil packets!
4. Assemble the Potato Base:
Take one piece of foil and place half of the sliced potatoes in the center. Drizzle the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Repeat this with the second piece of foil.
5. Add Chicken to the Packets:
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Divide the chicken evenly over the potatoes in each foil packet. This will make sure you get a delicious mix of flavors in every bite!
6. Spoon on the Cream Cheese Mixture:
Take your cream cheese mixture and spoon it over the chicken and potatoes in each packet. Spread it out a bit so it covers everything nicely.
7. Finish with Bacon and Cheese:
Top each packet with crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese. This adds a lovely, crispy flavor that you’ll really enjoy!
8. Seal Your Foil Packets:
Fold the foil tightly around all the ingredients to create a sealed packet, making sure there are no openings for steam to escape. This helps everything cook perfectly together.
9. Grill ‘Em Up:
Place the foil packets on the preheated grill and cook for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the chicken is fully cooked and the potatoes are tender.
10. Serve with Care:
Use tongs to carefully remove the packets from the grill. Be cautious, as steam will escape when you open them!
11. Add the Finishing Touch:
Open up the packets and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Now you’re ready to serve these flavorful Grilled Crack Chicken Foil Packets to your family and friends. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but they need to be thawed completely before cooking for even cooking. The safest way is to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re short on time, you can also submerge the sealed package in cold water for faster thawing. Just make sure to pat them dry before cutting and using in the foil packets!
What Can I Substitute for Ranch Seasoning Mix?
If you don’t have ranch seasoning mix on hand, you can create your own by mixing 1 tablespoon of dried dill, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. This will give you a similar flavor profile without the store-bought packet!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftover foil packets can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you can either microwave them for a few minutes or warm them in the oven until heated through. Make sure to cover them to keep them moist!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Packets?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables that grill well, like bell peppers, zucchini, or corn. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking, and toss them with olive oil and seasoning the same way you did with the potatoes!
