Foil Packet Dinner

Foil Packet Dinner is a fantastic way to make a complete meal with minimal mess and effort. By wrapping your ingredients in aluminum foil, you can lock in flavors and moisture to create delicious dishes every time. This cooking method is perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or outdoor barbecues.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Foil Packet Dinner is easy and convenient. You can prep everything ahead of time, making it a great option for meal prepping. Plus, the clean-up is a breeze, as all you need to do is throw away the foil. This recipe is versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite ingredients. Whether you are craving chicken, beef, or even a sweet apple dessert, there’s a foil packet meal for everyone!

How to Make Foil Packet Dinner

Ingredients:

• 3 chicken breasts
• 1.8 lb Petite Red Potatoes
• 1/2 yellow onion
• 6 tbsp melted butter
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp chipotle chili powder
• 3 cups colby jack cheese
• 2 tsps salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 6 strips bacon
• 1/4 cup chives
• 2 lb lean ground beef
• 1 pack onion soup mix
• 1.5 lb baby gold potatoes
• 12 oz carrots
• 1 medium red onion
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 6 slices colby jack cheese
• 1 lb fingerling potatoes
• 1 onion
• 8 whole garlic cloves
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp garlic salt
• 1/3 cup parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp minced thyme
• 1 tbsp minced rosemary
• 6 cups apples
• 3/4 cup + 3 tbsp light brown sugar
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 2 tsp apple pie spice
• 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup quick oats
• 1/2 cup salted sweet cream butter
• 1/2 tsp apple pie spice
• Vanilla ice cream
• Caramel sundae

Directions:

1. For Chicken Foil Packets: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut chicken breasts into smaller pieces. In a large bowl, combine chicken, potatoes, onion, melted butter, minced garlic, smoked paprika, chipotle chili powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, bacon, and chives. Mix well. Divide the mixture among aluminum foil sheets, fold into packets, and bake for 30-35 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and potatoes are tender. Before serving, sprinkle with colby jack cheese and let it melt.

2. For Burger Dinner Foil Packets: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, mix ground beef, onion soup mix, baby potatoes, carrots, red onion, olive oil, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Combine well. Divide the mixture among aluminum foil sheets, fold into packets, and bake for 30-35 minutes. Add cheese slices on top during the last few minutes of cooking.

3. For Garlic Potato Foil Packets: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss fingerling potatoes, onion, garlic cloves, olive oil, garlic salt, parmesan cheese, thyme, and rosemary in a large bowl. Divide the mixture among aluminum foil sheets, fold into packets, and bake for 30-35 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

4. For Apple Crisp Foil Packets: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix apples, brown sugar, granulated sugar, apple pie spice, flour, oats, and butter. Divide filling among aluminum foil sheets, fold into packets, and bake for about 20-30 minutes until apples are tender. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel.

How to Serve Foil Packet Dinner

Serve your Foil Packet Dinner right out of the oven, allowing everyone to open their packets at the table. This adds an element of fun and excitement to the meal. You can pair it with a simple salad or some fresh bread for a complete dinner.

How to Store Foil Packet Dinner

If you have leftovers, let your foil packets cool and store them in the fridge in airtight containers. Enjoy them within 3-4 days. You can reheat the packets in the oven, or transfer the contents to a microwave-safe dish.

Tips to Make Foil Packet Dinner

• Use heavy-duty aluminum foil to prevent tearing.
• Be careful when opening the packets as steam can escape.
• Feel free to mix and match proteins or vegetables based on what you have at home.
• Adding different spices or sauces can elevate the flavors.

Variations

You can easily swap out the proteins and veggies in these foil packet recipes. Try using shrimp instead of chicken or zucchini instead of potatoes. You can also create a vegetarian option with your favorite plant-based proteins and seasonal vegetables.

FAQs

1. Can I make foil packet dinners on the grill?
Yes, foil packet dinners are great for grilling! Just place the packets on the grill grates and cook until the ingredients are done.

2. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check.

3. Can I prepare these packets ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the packets and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook them. They are perfect for meal prep!

Enjoy your delicious Foil Packet Dinner and have fun creating different combinations with your favorite ingredients!