These Chicken Foil Packets are the perfect all-in-one dinner solution—juicy chicken breasts, tender red potatoes, crisp bacon, and melty Colby Jack cheese all wrapped in foil and baked to perfection. This easy, mess-free meal is ideal for weeknight dinners or outdoor cooking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This foil packet dinner is a complete, hearty meal with minimal cleanup. Each serving is wrapped individually, sealing in flavor and moisture while allowing the cheese and bacon to finish it off with irresistible texture. The smoked paprika and chipotle chili powder offer a subtle kick, while the garlic and butter keep every bite rich and satisfying. Perfect for busy families, camping trips, or cozy oven nights.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 8 ounces petite red potatoes, quartered lengthwise
- 3 chicken breasts, cut lengthwise into 4 pieces each
- ½ yellow onion, finely chopped
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 3 cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded
- 6 strips bacon, cooked and chopped
- ¼ cup chopped chives
- Heavy-duty aluminum foil
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare 4 large sheets of heavy-duty foil and fold each in half to double the thickness. Set aside.
- Place potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Boil for 6 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken pieces, chopped onion, melted butter, minced garlic, smoked paprika, chipotle chili powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Add the pre-cooked potatoes to the bowl and toss everything until evenly coated.
- Divide the mixture evenly among the 4 foil sheets—each should contain approximately 1½ cups of potatoes and 3 chicken strips.
- Fold the foil over the mixture and seal the edges tightly to create a secure packet.
- Place foil packets on a baking sheet and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and potatoes are fork-tender.
- Carefully open each packet (watch for steam) and drain any excess liquid.
- Sprinkle each packet with shredded cheese and chopped bacon. Return to the oven, uncovered, for 2–3 minutes to melt the cheese.
- Remove from oven, top with fresh chives, and serve directly in the foil or transfer to a plate.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Calories per serving: 510 kcal
Variations
- Spicy version: Add a dash of hot sauce or more chipotle for heat lovers.
- Veggie-packed: Include chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli for added nutrition.
- Tex-Mex twist: Substitute Colby Jack with pepper jack and add corn and black beans.
- BBQ-style: Use barbecue sauce in place of the butter and seasoning blend for smoky sweetness.
- Italian flair: Swap the cheese for mozzarella and sprinkle with Italian herbs.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Assembled but uncooked foil packets can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving in foil.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the packets in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I grill these foil packets?
Absolutely. Grill over medium-high heat for 25–30 minutes, turning once halfway through.
What can I use instead of Colby Jack?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a cheese blend all work well.
Are the potatoes fully cooked before baking?
They’re parboiled to ensure tenderness without overcooking the chicken during baking.
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs are a flavorful and juicy alternative.
Can I cook these in a convection oven or toaster oven?
Yes, just be sure to monitor cooking times closely, as they may vary slightly.
Do I need to flip the foil packets during baking?
No, it’s not necessary in the oven. The heat circulates evenly when sealed.
Is the bacon added raw or cooked?
Use cooked and chopped bacon. It crisps up and blends nicely with the melted cheese.
Can I omit the chipotle powder for kids?
Yes, simply omit or replace with a mild seasoning such as paprika or Italian herbs.
What should I serve with these packets?
A simple green salad, steamed veggies, or crusty bread pairs well with this dish.
Conclusion
Chicken Foil Packets are a no-fuss, flavor-packed solution to busy weeknight dinners or outdoor meals. With juicy chicken, tender potatoes, melted cheese, and crispy bacon all wrapped in a tidy foil parcel, this recipe is the perfect balance of comfort and convenience. Whether baked in the oven or cooked over a fire, these packets deliver satisfying flavor with minimal cleanup—making them a recipe worth keeping on repeat.
Chicken Foil Packet
These cheesy Chicken Foil Packets are a complete meal wrapped in foil—featuring juicy chicken, tender red potatoes, crispy bacon, and melty Colby Jack cheese. With easy prep and cleanup, they’re perfect for weeknight dinners or camping trips.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 8 ounces petite red potatoes, cut lengthwise into 4 pieces each
- 3 chicken breasts, cut lengthwise into 4 pieces each
- 1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 3 cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded
- 6 strips bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1/4 cup chives, chopped
- Heavy-duty aluminum foil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare 4 large sheets of heavy-duty foil, folding each in half for strength.
- Add potatoes to a pot, cover with cold water, bring to a boil, and cook for 6 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine chicken, onion, melted butter, minced garlic, smoked paprika, chipotle chili powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add cooked potatoes and toss to coat evenly.
- Divide the mixture among the foil sheets (about 1½ cups potatoes and 3 pieces of chicken per packet). Fold and seal each foil sheet tightly into packets.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and the potatoes are tender.
- Carefully open each foil packet and drain any excess liquid.
- Top each with shredded cheese and chopped bacon. Return packets to the oven, open-faced, for 2–3 minutes until cheese melts.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle with chopped chives, and serve hot directly in the foil.
Notes
- Use heavy-duty foil to avoid tearing and leakage during baking.
- Packets can be prepped ahead and refrigerated until ready to bake.
- For a smoky twist, grill the packets instead of baking.
- Customize with your favorite cheese or additional vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 foil packet
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 125mg