These Grilled Crack Chicken Foil Packets are packed with tender chicken, creamy cheese, and crispy bacon. Plus, they’re super easy to make, perfect for a fun outdoor meal!
I love how everything cooks together in each packet, making clean-up a breeze! Just toss them on the grill and enjoy a tasty dinner without the fuss. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Diced boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe. If you want a quicker option, you can use rotisserie chicken. Just shred it, and you’ll save cooking time!
Baby Potatoes: These add heartiness. If you don’t have baby potatoes, regular potatoes cut into small cubes work just fine. Sweet potatoes can also be a tasty alternative.
Cream Cheese: This gives creaminess to the dish. You can substitute it with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter version, but it may change the flavor a bit.
Bacon: Crumbled cooked bacon is a key flavor. You can swap it for turkey bacon or even leave it out if you’re looking for a vegetarian option. Just add extra seasoning to compensate!
Ranch Seasoning: Packed with flavor, ranch seasoning is essential. If you don’t have a packet, combine equal parts dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and a little salt. Homemade versions can be just as tasty!
How Do I Seal My Foil Packets Properly?
Making sure your foil packets are sealed well is important to keep the steam inside, which cooks everything evenly. Here are some tips:
- Make sure to fold the edges of the foil up and over the filling snugly. Create a tight seal to prevent steam from escaping.
- Don’t overfill the packet. Leave some space for steam expansion – about an inch or two from the top should do!
- Double wrap it by using two layers of foil if you’re worried about spills. It adds extra protection!
How to Make Grilled Crack Chicken Foil Packets
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Foil Packets:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 6-8 medium-sized baby potatoes, sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 20-25 minutes to cook on the grill. So, in total, you’ll need around 35 minutes to have your delicious Grilled Crack Chicken Foil Packets ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. This is important for cooking the chicken and potatoes evenly.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, sliced potatoes, softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning mix, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Use a spoon to stir everything together until all the ingredients are well-coated and mixed nicely.
3. Prepare the Foil Packets:
Next, tear off two large pieces of aluminum foil, about 12×12 inches each. Place half of the chicken and potato mixture in the center of each piece of foil. Don’t forget to distribute it evenly!
4. Add Toppings:
Now, sprinkle half of the crumbled bacon and half of the shredded cheddar cheese over each packet’s mixture. This will give it a delicious cheesy and bacon flavor!
5. Seal the Packets:
Carefully fold the edges of the foil over the mixture to make a sealed packet. Make sure there are no openings so that the steam doesn’t escape while cooking.
6. Grill the Packets:
Place the sealed foil packets on the grill. Cook them for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the potatoes are tender. Keep an eye on them as they cook!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, carefully open the packets (be careful, as steam will escape!). You can sprinkle additional cheese and chopped parsley on top for extra flavor and a nice presentation. Enjoy your delicious grilled crack chicken foil packets!
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the baby potatoes with other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking. Adjust the cooking time if using faster-cooking vegetables like zucchini.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and potato mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just assemble the foil packets right before grilling to ensure fresh flavors. If using potatoes, try soaking them in water to prevent browning before combining.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just microwave the mixture until warmed through or reheat on a grill or stovetop to retain that delicious grilled flavor.
What Type of Bacon Works Best for This Dish?
You can use any cooked bacon, but thick-cut bacon adds a great texture and flavor. If you want a healthier option, turkey bacon is a good substitute, just be sure it’s cooked until crispy before adding it to the packets!
