Caprese stuffed chicken foil packet recipe is one of my go-to dishes when I’m out camping. It’s easy to make and cooks in a foil packet over the campfire. This recipe is a my secret weapon for camping meals because it’s so simple yet packed with flavor.
The best thing about this recipe is that it’s a one-packet wonder. You don’t need to worry about bringing a bunch of pots and pans or utensils. Just throw all the ingredients in a foil packet and let the campfire do the work. It’s also super clean-up friendly – just toss the foil and you’re done!
I’ve made this recipe countless times while camping, and it never fails to cook the same. My friends and family rave about it every time. It’s also a great way to get some protein and veggies in while you’re out in the wilderness.
One of the things I appreciate about this recipe is that it’s very forgiving. If you forget an ingredient or don’t have something on hand, it’s easy to substitute or omit without affecting the overall dish. And because it’s cooked in a foil packet, you don’t have to worry about overcooking or undercooking the chicken.
I’ve experimented with different variations of this recipe, and it always turns out delicious. You can add some garlic for extra flavor or use different types of cheese. The possibilities are endless!
Cooking Instructions
- The first step of making the caprese stuffed chicken foil packet recipe is to start your fire or charcoals. You will using them for the caprese stuffed chicken foil packet recipe, so you will want to make sure you have plenty on hand.
- If using embers, get a large fire going using (preferably) hardwood and let it slowly burn down. This process from start to finish can take upwards of an hour.
- If using charcoals, fill a large chimney starter and light. This process will take approximately 20 minutes to get all the coals hot and ready. You will likely want to have some charcoals available in reserve.
- Using sharp knife, cut 4 crosswise slits about 3/4-inch apart in top of each chicken breast, carefully cutting almost to bottom of chicken breast, but not through. Place each chicken breast on center of each foil sheet.
- Spoon slightly less than 1 teaspoon pesto into each slit in chicken breast. Place 1 mozzarella slice and 1/2 tomato slice in each slit. Sprinkle evenly with Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.
- Bring up 2 sides of foil so edges meet. Seal edges, making tight 1/2-inch fold; fold again, allowing space for heat circulation and expansion. Fold other sides to seal.
- Place packs on fire grate. Cook 10 minutes. Rotate packs 1/2 turn; cook 9 to 10 minutes longer or until juice of chicken is clear when center of thickest part is cut (at least 165°F). To serve cut a large X across each foil packet. Carefully peel the foil back and serve.; garnish with fresh basil leaf.
Ingredients For the Caprese Stuffed Chicken Foil Packet Recipe
chicken breasts
pesto, basil
mozzarella cheese, sliced fresh
tomatoes, large size cut into 4 slices each
Italian dressing
salt
pepper
Fresh basil leaves
Why I Love This Caprese Stuffed Chicken Foil Packet Recipe
Cooking with foil packets is a popular method among campers for several reasons. Here are ten factual reasons why:
Ease of Preparation:
1. Minimal Prep Time: Preparing foil packet meals is usually quick and straightforward, often involving simply chopping ingredients and seasoning them before wrapping in foil.
Simple Ingredients: Many foil packet recipes require basic, readily available ingredients.
2. Convenience:
No Need for Pots and Pans: Foil packets eliminate the need for multiple cooking utensils and dishes.
Portability: Foil packets are easy to transport, making them ideal for camping trips.
3. Versatility:
Variety of Recipes: Almost any meal can be adapted for foil packet cooking, from breakfast to dessert.
Suitable for Various Cooking Methods: Foil packets can be cooked over an open flame, on a grill, or in coals.
4. Flavor Enhancement:
Sealed Cooking: The sealed packets trap steam, helping to retain moisture and enhance the flavors of the ingredients.
Even Cooking: Foil packets promote even cooking by distributing heat uniformly.
5. Easy Cleanup:
Disposable: After cooking, the foil can be disposed of, reducing the need for washing dishes.
Less Mess: The foil contains the food and any cooking juices, minimizing spills and mess.
6. Healthier Cooking:
Less Oil Needed: The steaming effect of foil packets often requires less oil or fat for cooking.
Nutrient Retention: Cooking in foil packets can help retain nutrients in the food since it cooks in its own juices.
7. Portion Control:
Individual Servings: Foil packets can be easily portioned out for individual servings, making it easier to manage meal sizes.
Customizable: Each packet can be customized to accommodate individual dietary preferences or restrictions.
8. Safety:
Reduced Risk of Contamination: Cooking food in sealed packets reduces the risk of cross-contamination, especially important when dealing with raw meat.
Controlled Cooking Environment: The packets help control the cooking environment, reducing the risk of food falling into the fire or grill.
9. Fuel Efficiency:
Shorter Cooking Times: Foil packets often require less cooking time, conserving fuel.
Efficient Heat Use: The packets make efficient use of the heat source, whether it’s a campfire, grill, or portable stove.
10. Fun and Interactive:
Group Activity: Making foil packets can be a fun group activity, allowing everyone to assemble their own meals.
Creative Cooking: Campers can get creative with their recipes, trying different ingredient combinations and cooking techniques.
These reasons make foil packet cooking a favored method among campers, providing practicality, efficiency, and enjoyment.
Campfire Foil Packet Cooking Tips
Use heavy-duty aluminum foil. This will help prevent tearing as you handle the packs and flip them over the campfire/grill.
Take advantage of indirect heat. When cooking over a campfire, you’ll want to use embers/coals, rather than placing the packets right over a roaring fire.
Flip the packets. Turn the packets over every once in a while to make sure they cook evenly.
Protect your hands: We like to use heat-resistant gloves or extra-long BBQ tongs when handling hot foil packets.
Use a meat thermometer. When it comes to foil pack recipes, we highly recommend using an instant-read thermometer to ensure that the meat is cooked through. Take a packet off the fire, carefully open it (it will be full of steam!), and check the temp of a few pieces. If the meat needs more time, re-seal the packet and put it back on the fire to cook for a while longer.
What Are Foil Packets and How Do I Use Them
Campfire foil packets are dishes prepared on a campfire or grill packaged in foil and served all at once. You might have tried them previously or seen others camping with food wrapped in tinfoil and thrown on a grill to cook together.
Like a one-pot dinner, all of the ingredients cook altogether within the foil, resulting in a steaming, tender, and wonderful all-in-one dish. Foil packages can be prepared over a campfire, on a grill, or in the oven.
This dish is extremely adjustable, so if someone doesn’t like onions, for instance, you may substitute it with green beans, making it ideal for a group. These are a few typical items found in foil packs.
It’s simple to switch out ingredients! Choose asparagus, zucchini, broccoli, snap peas, or sweet peppers. To replace fresh potatoes, use frozen cubed hashbrowns or thinly chopped sweet potatoes. Instead of Italian spice, use lemon pepper, Cajun seasoning, or your favorite barbecue sauce. In addition, instead of chicken breasts, use chicken thighs, chicken sausage, or ground chicken in chicken foil packets.
What Exactly is a Foil Pack Meal?
A foil pack dinner, also known as a hobo package or foil packet dinner? is a complete meal composed of vegetables, meats, carbohydrates, and spices wrapped in many layers of aluminum foil. It’s cooked over campfire embers, on the grill, or in the oven. The tight closure retains moisture while steam cooks the food within the package.
Additionally, there are several vegetable and protein combos that may be used to create quick foil pack camping dinners. For example, in this package, I combine asparagus, chicken, and potatoes with garlic flavor.
It’s simple to switch out ingredients! Choose asparagus, zucchini, broccoli, snap peas, or sweet peppers. To replace fresh potatoes, use frozen cubed hashbrowns or thinly chopped sweet potatoes. Instead of Italian spice, use lemon pepper, Cajun seasoning, or your favorite barbecue sauce. In addition, instead of chicken breasts, use chicken thighs, chicken sausage, or ground chicken in chicken foil packets.
How To Make Foil Packets
- Tear out a 16-inch piece of tinfoil.
- Place the meal onto the foil sheet.
- Fold up both long edges of the foil until the ends touch above the meal.
- Double fold both ends, allowing heat circulation inside.
- To close the packet, double fold the two short ends.
Make Ahead Tips For the Caprese Stuffed Chicken Foil Packet Recipe
Start The Coals / Prepare Your Fire
The first step is to start your fire or charcoals. You will using them a lot so you will want to make sure you have plenty on hand.
If using embers, get a large fire going using (preferably) hardwood and let it slowly burn down. This process from start to finish can take upwards of an hour.
If using charcoals, fill a large chimney starter and light. This process will take approximately 20 minutes to get all the coals hot and ready. You will likely want to have some charcoals available in reserve.
Campfire Cooking Tools
Kitchen Twine
Mixing Bowl
Cast Iron Skillet
Grill Grate
Knives
Campfire Cooking Utensils
Campfire Serving Utensils
Campfire Fork or Tongs
Fire Proof Cooking Gloves
Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Foil Paper Non Stick
FAQ For the Caprese Stuffed Chicken Foil Packet Recipe
Q: What is the caprese stuffed chicken foil packet recipe?
A: The caprese stuffed chicken foil packet recipe is a creative and easy-to-make dish that combines the flavors of Italy with the convenience of a foil packet meal. It consists of chicken breasts stuffed with a mixture of fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomato, wrapped in foil and baked to perfection. The result is a juicy and flavorful chicken dish with a delicious caprese-inspired twist.
Q: What are the ingredients needed for the caprese stuffed chicken foil packet recipe?
A: The ingredients needed for this recipe include: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 pint of cherry tomatoes, 8 oz of fresh mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves, 2 tbsp of olive oil, salt, and pepper. You’ll also need aluminum foil for wrapping the packets. Optional ingredients include balsamic glaze and burrata cheese for added flavor.
Q: How do I assemble the caprese stuffed chicken foil packets?
A: To assemble the packets, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise and create a pocket in each breast. Fill the pocket with a slice of mozzarella cheese, a few cherry tomatoes, and a sprig of fresh basil. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Fold the chicken over the filling and wrap each packet in aluminum foil, sealing the edges tightly. Place the packets on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
Q: Can I customize the caprese stuffed chicken foil packet recipe?
A: Yes, you can customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences! Some ideas include: adding other herbs like parsley or oregano to the filling, using different types of cheese like buffalo mozzarella or feta, or adding some sliced prosciutto or salami for added protein. You can also serve the dish with a side of pasta, roasted vegetables, or a green salad for a more complete meal.
Q: Is the caprese stuffed chicken foil packet recipe suitable for meal prep or leftovers?
A: Yes, this recipe is perfect for meal prep or leftovers! The packets can be assembled and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking, making it a great option for busy weeknights or meal prep Sundays. Additionally, the cooked packets can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months, making it easy to reheat and enjoy later. Simply thaw frozen packets overnight in the fridge or reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Other Foil Packet Recipes to Try
Easy Mediterranean Salmon Foil Packet Recipe
Peach Glazed Pork Tenderloin Foil Packet Recipe
Salsa Verde Chicken Rice Veggies Foil Packet Recipe
Honey Garlic Shrimp Zucchini Foil Packet Recipe
Cilantro Garlic Lime Seafood Foil Packet Recipe
Caprese Stuffed Chicken Foil Packet Recipe
Equipment
- Kitchen Twine
- mixing bowl
- Cast Iron Skillet
- Grill Grate
- knives
- Campfire Cooking Utensils
- Campfire Serving Utensils
- Campfire Fork Or Tongs
- fire proof cooking gloves
- Cast Iron Dutch Oven
- Foil Paper Non Stick
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts 6 oz each boneless skinless
- 1/4 cup pesto basil
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese sliced fresh
- 2 tomatoes large size cut into 4 slices each
- 1/2 tsp Italian dressing dry
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- basil leaves optional
Video
Instructions
- The first step of making the caprese stuffed chicken foil packet recipe is to start your fire or charcoals. You will using them for the caprese stuffed chicken foil packet recipe, so you will want to make sure you have plenty on hand.
- If using embers, get a large fire going using (preferably) hardwood and let it slowly burn down. This process from start to finish can take upwards of an hour.
- If using charcoals, fill a large chimney starter and light. This process will take approximately 20 minutes to get all the coals hot and ready. You will likely want to have some charcoals available in reserve.
- Using sharp knife, cut 4 crosswise slits about 3/4-inch apart in top of each chicken breast, carefully cutting almost to bottom of chicken breast, but not through. Place each chicken breast on center of each foil sheet.
- Spoon slightly less than 1 teaspoon pesto into each slit in chicken breast. Place 1 mozzarella slice and 1/2 tomato slice in each slit. Sprinkle evenly with Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.
- Bring up 2 sides of foil so edges meet. Seal edges, making tight 1/2-inch fold; fold again, allowing space for heat circulation and expansion. Fold other sides to seal.
- Place packs on fire grate. Cook 10 minutes. Rotate packs 1/2 turn; cook 9 to 10 minutes longer or until juice of chicken is clear when center of thickest part is cut (at least 165°F). To serve cut a large X across each foil packet. Carefully peel the foil back and serve.; garnish with fresh basil leaf.
Nutrition
