Get ready for a tasty treat with these grilled crack chicken foil packets! They’re packed with juicy chicken, creamy cheese, and crispy bacon, all wrapped up for easy cooking.
You won’t even need dishes after dinner—just toss the foil! I love how simple it is to make and the big flavor payoff. Perfect for a fun BBQ night! 🍗🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe due to their quick cooking and tenderness. If you’re looking to save time, shredded rotisserie chicken can be a great option as well!
Potatoes: The thinly sliced medium potatoes work wonderfully here. However, you can use sweet potatoes or even pre-packaged frozen hash browns for a faster prep time. Just remember that sweet potatoes will offer a different flavor!
Ranch Seasoning Mix: A key flavor booster, but if you’re out, you can mix together equal parts dried dill, garlic powder, and onion powder as a substitute. Homemade blends are fun and super fresh!
Cream Cheese: For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt or reduced-fat cream cheese. This keeps the creaminess while cutting back on calories. Also, you can try vegan cream cheese if you prefer a plant-based option!
Cheddar Cheese: While shredded cheddar is great for flavor, you can swap it with mozzarella for a milder taste, or pepper jack for a little kick. Mixing cheeses can create even more depth!
How Do I Ensure My Chicken and Potatoes Cook Evenly?
Getting perfect cooked chicken and potatoes can be tricky, but it’s all about preparation and packing. Here are some tips to ensure even cooking:
- Cut the chicken and potatoes into similar-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly.
- Make sure your grill is fully preheated to medium-high before cooking. This allows for even heat distribution.
- When assembling the packets, try not to overcrowd them. A little space ensures the heat circulates well.
- Keep an eye on the cooking time, around 25-30 minutes is usually perfect, but check for doneness to avoid overcooking.
And don’t forget, let the packets sit for a minute after taking them off the grill, as they will continue to cook a bit in the foil!
How to Make Grilled Crack Chicken Foil Packets
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Potatoes:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other:
- Aluminum foil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes for preparation and 25-30 minutes of cooking time on the grill, making it a quick and satisfying meal that can be ready in under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by turning your grill on to medium-high heat. This ensures that your foil packets will cook evenly and thoroughly.
2. Prepare the Foil:
Cut large pieces of aluminum foil, approximately 12×18 inches. Lay them flat on a clean workspace; you’ll be filling these with your delicious mixture!
3. Mix It Up:
In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken, thinly sliced potatoes, ranch seasoning mix, softened cream cheese, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir well until everything is coated and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Assemble the Packets:
Divide the chicken and potato mixture evenly among the prepared foil pieces. Make sure to leave some space to fold the foil over.
5. Seal the Packets:
Carefully fold the sides of the foil over the mixture to create a sealed packet. Ensure it is tightly sealed to keep all the flavors in while cooking.
6. Grill the Packets:
Place the foil packets on the preheated grill. Close the lid and let them cook for 25-30 minutes. Check if the chicken is fully cooked and the potatoes are tender.
7. Add the Final Touches:
Once cooked, carefully remove the packets from the grill. Open them with caution—watch out for hot steam! Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon on top of each packet.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Optional: Top with sliced green onions for added flavor before serving. You can serve the meal directly from the foil packets, making clean-up a breeze and enjoying all the deliciousness!
Enjoy your Grilled Crack Chicken Foil Packets, a simple and flavorful meal perfect for any occasion!
Can I Use Another Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar is the classic choice, you can use other cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack for a kick, or even cream cheese for extra creaminess. Just adjust the amount based on your preference!
Can I Substitute the Chicken with Another Protein?
Yes! You can easily swap chicken for turkey, or even shrimp. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary: shrimp will cook faster, so you may want to reduce the grilling time to about 10-15 minutes.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, let the foil packets cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or on the grill until warmed through, as microwaving might make the potatoes a bit soggy.
Can I Make This Recipe in the Oven Instead of a Grill?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the foil packets on a baking sheet. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender. Just as delicious!
