If you’re craving a meal that’s packed with juicy, smoky flavor and perfect for any casual gathering, look no further than this delicious BBQ Chicken Foil Packets Recipe. Combining tender chicken breasts with hearty diced potatoes and savory onions, all slathered in rich BBQ sauce, these foil packets are a fuss-free, mess-free way to make an unforgettable dinner. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a family cookout or enjoying an outdoor adventure, this recipe brings convenience and comfort in every bite. The magic of these foil packets lies in how the flavors meld inside, locking in moisture and creating a mouthwatering dish that’s as easy to cook as it is to enjoy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right ingredients together is key to making this BBQ Chicken Foil Packets Recipe absolutely shine. Each ingredient plays an important role, bringing in layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish so satisfying and visually appealing.
- Reynolds Wrap® Heavy Duty Foil: Durable foil is essential for creating sturdy packets that hold in steam and flavor while grilling.
- Non-stick cooking spray: Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- 4 chicken breasts: The star protein that soaks up the BBQ sauce beautifully.
- 2 large Russet potatoes (peeled and diced): Adds heartiness and soft, tender bites that complement the chicken.
- 1/2 large onion (sliced/chopped): Brings sweetness and a bit of savory crunch after cooking.
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (divided): The flavor powerhouse that coats the chicken and veggies with its tangy, smoky goodness.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Simple seasoning that enhances all the other flavors.
- Chopped parsley (optional): A fresh garnish that adds a pop of color and brightness to the finished dish.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Foil Packets Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Grill and Ingredients
Start by preheating your BBQ to medium-high heat so it’s ready to give those foil packets a nice sear and steady cooking environment. While the grill is warming up, peel and dice your potatoes and chop the onion so everything is ready to assemble quickly. Having all ingredients prepped beforehand makes the process smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2: Prepare the Foil Packets
Tear off four 16-inch squares of Reynolds Wrap® Heavy Duty Foil. Lightly spray the center of each piece with non-stick cooking spray; this little step ensures your scrumptious chicken and veggies won’t stick to the foil, helping you keep every delicious bite intact and preventing any mess from ruining your feast.
Step 3: Assemble the Packets
In a medium bowl, toss one chicken breast with 4 tablespoons of BBQ sauce, making sure every bit is coated lovingly in that smoky, tangy sauce. Add one-quarter of the diced potatoes and onions, seasoning the mix with salt and pepper to taste. Combining everything together ensures each bite has a perfect balance of flavors. Place the chicken and veggie mix in the center of a foil square, then repeat this process to form four equally filled foil packets.
Step 4: Seal the Packets
Fold the long sides of the foil up to meet over the food, and then double fold the ends to tightly seal the packets but still leave enough room inside for heat circulation. This careful folding technique traps steam inside which cooks the chicken to juicy perfection and softens the potatoes and onions beautifully without drying them out.
Step 5: Grill to Perfection
Place the sealed foil packets on your preheated grill and cook for about 30 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F, and the potatoes and onions will be tender and infused with BBQ flavor. Once cooked, open the packets carefully — steam will escape and be very hot! Optionally sprinkle chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish before serving.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Foil Packets Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes elevate the look and taste of your BBQ Chicken Foil Packets Recipe. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a gorgeous burst of green that balances the smoky, savory flavors beautifully. If you’re feeling adventurous, a quick squeeze of lime juice or a dollop of creamy coleslaw on the side can also brighten up the dish wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This BBQ Chicken Foil Packets Recipe pairs deliciously with classic summertime sides. Try serving it alongside a crisp garden salad, buttery corn on the cob, or even some grilled veggies for a colorful, nutritious meal. If you want to keep the outdoor vibe going, baked beans or coleslaw are fantastic complements that bring their own unique textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For an easy, rustic presentation, serve the foil packets right on the picnic table or camping site so everyone can unwrap their own warm, steamy dinner. Alternatively, open the packets onto plates and drizzle any leftover juices over the top for a saucy finish. For a dinner party, arrange the foil packet contents on a large serving platter garnished with herbs and lemon wedges for eye-catching appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover BBQ Chicken Foil Packets store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the foil packets intact or transfer the contents to a sealed container to maintain freshness. The chicken stays juicy, and the potatoes absorb more of that delicious BBQ flavor overnight.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these packets ahead of time, you can assemble them and freeze before cooking. Wrap each sealed packet in an extra layer of foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and then grill as directed for a quick and convenient meal.
Reheating
To reheat leftover BBQ Chicken Foil Packets, unwrap and place the contents on a baking sheet, then warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Or you can place the foil packets back on the grill over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as the potatoes can become mushy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are great for this BBQ Chicken Foil Packets Recipe because they stay very juicy and tender while cooking. Just keep in mind that thighs might need a couple more minutes on the grill than breasts due to their higher fat content.
Is it necessary to peel the potatoes?
Peeled potatoes cook more evenly and absorb the BBQ sauce better, but if you love a bit of extra texture and nutrients, you can leave the skins on. Just be sure to wash them thoroughly to remove any dirt.
Can I make these foil packets in the oven?
Yes! If you don’t have access to a grill, you can bake the foil packets in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 30-35 minutes. Just check to make sure the chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
What if I don’t have Reynolds Wrap® Heavy Duty Foil?
While their heavy duty foil is ideal for this recipe, you can use any heavy-duty, food-grade aluminum foil. The foil needs to be sturdy enough to hold the juices and steam without tearing during cooking.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to include bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms along with the potatoes and onions. Just chop them into similar sizes to ensure even cooking and toss them with the BBQ sauce as you assemble the packets.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about pulling warm, savory BBQ Chicken Foil Packets Recipe straight from the grill, bursting with flavor and minimal mess. This recipe is a keeper for busy weeknights, weekend cookouts, or any time you want a comforting, flavorful meal without a lot of fuss. Give it a try soon — I promise these packets will become a fast favorite with your family and friends!
Print
BBQ Chicken Foil Packets Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These BBQ Chicken Foil Packets are a perfect easy-to-make, flavorful meal ideal for grilling. Chicken breasts are combined with diced potatoes, onions, and BBQ sauce, all wrapped neatly in foil and cooked on the BBQ grill, locking in the juices and creating a tender, smoky dish. This recipe yields four hearty servings and is perfect for outdoor cooking or a quick, fuss-free dinner.
Ingredients
Foil and Preparation
- Reynolds Wrap® Heavy Duty Foil, four 16″ pieces
- Non-stick cooking spray, as needed
Main Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 large Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1–1.5″ dice
- 1/2 large onion, sliced or chopped
- 1 cup BBQ sauce, divided
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley, optional, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Ingredients: Preheat your BBQ grill to medium-high heat to get it ready for cooking. Peel and dice the potatoes into 1-1.5 inch cubes, slice or chop the onion, and gather all other ingredients.
- Prepare Foil Packets: Tear off four 16-inch pieces of heavy-duty Reynolds Wrap® foil. Spray the center area of each piece (where the food will be placed) lightly with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the Packets: In a medium bowl, combine one chicken breast with 4 tablespoons of BBQ sauce, approximately one quarter of the diced potatoes, and one quarter of the sliced onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Place this mixture in the center of one piece of foil. Repeat this process for the remaining chicken breasts and vegetables, assembling a total of four packets.
- Seal the Foil Packets: Fold the long sides of the foil up and meet them over the food, then double fold the ends to seal, leaving some space inside for heat circulation. Double fold the short ends as well to securely close each packet, creating a sealed cooking environment.
- Grill the Packets: Place the foil packets carefully on the preheated grill. Cook for about 30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the potatoes and onions are softened and tender. Use caution when opening as steam will be very hot.
- Serve: Optionally sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the packets before serving for added freshness and color. You can serve the foil packets directly for easy cleanup, perfect for camping, or transfer the contents to plates.
Notes
- Make sure the chicken is fully cooked to 165°F to ensure food safety.
- You can adjust the amount of BBQ sauce to suit your taste preference for more or less saucy packets.
- If you don’t have Russet potatoes, Yukon Gold potatoes are a great alternative.
- Adding other vegetables like bell peppers or corn can customize the packets further.
- Be careful when opening the packets after cooking as hot steam will escape quickly.
- Use heavy-duty foil to prevent tearing during cooking on the grill.
