Campfire Chicken Bacon Ranch Foil Packets Recipe

I have been trying foil packet dinners and this chicken bacon ranch foil packets recipe has become a family favorite. I know this recipe seems crazy easy but give it a try. You can toss it on the grill for an easy grilling recipe, a campfire, or you can bake it in the oven. Either way, it is packed with flavor.

Wrap a handful of ingredients into a foil packet and toss it in the oven for a no-fail, all-in-one dinner. This recipe allows you to spend more time with your family and less time cleaning up. Since everything is wrapped in the foil, cleanup is easy.

The chicken bacon ranch foil packets are a super easy dinner option with minimal cleanup! Chicken breasts are cooked with potatoes and ranch flavored butter, then topped with melted cheese and bacon for a meal that’s sure to please any crowd.

Table of Contents

Cooking Instructions

The first step of making Dutch oven or cast iron skillet french toast recipe is to start your fire or charcoals. You will using them to both brown the sausage first and then bake the french toast, 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.
Spray 6 sheets of heavy-duty foil with cooking spray.

Place 1 boneless skinless chicken breast half in center of each sheet of foil. Sprinkle each with salt and pepper. Top each with 2 tablespoons ranch dressing, 1/4 cup cooked broccoli florets, 1/3 cup shredded Cheddar cheese and 1 tablespoon crumbled cooked bacon.
For each foil pack, bring 2 sides of foil up over chicken-broccoli mixture so edges meet. Seal edges, making tight 1/2-inch fold; fold again, allowing space on sides for heat circulation and expansion. Fold other sides to seal. Place foil packets on ungreased large cookie sheet.
Bake 30 minutes. Remove from Dutch oven; let stand 5 minutes before serving. Serve with additional ranch dressing, if desired.

To serve cut a large X across each foil packet. Carefully peel the foil back and serve.

Ingredients

chicken breasts
ranch dressing
broccoli florets
Cheddar cheese
bacon

Why I Love the Chicken Bacon Ranch Foil Packets Recipe

Cooking the chicken bacon ranch foil packets recipes is a popular method among campers for several reasons. Here are ten factual reasons why:

Ease of Preparation:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Getting The Fire Ready For the Chicken Bacon Ranch Foil Packets Recipe

Start The Coals / Prepare Your Fire

The first step of making Dutch oven lasagna is to start your fire or charcoals. You will using them to both brown the sausage first and then bake the lasagna, 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 Chicken Bacon Ranch Foil Packets

Now that you’ve got the basics of making the delicious chicken bacon ranch foil packets recipe down, let’s tackle some frequently asked questions!

Q: Can I customize my chicken bacon ranch foil packets recipe with different seasonings?

Packets are incredibly versatile, and you can experiment with various seasonings to give your chicken bacon ranch foil packets recipe a unique twist. Try adding some dried herbs like thyme or rosemary, or spice things up with a pinch of cayenne pepper. The possibilities are endless!

Q: How do I ensure my chicken bacon ranch foil packets recipe is cooked through?

Ensuring your chicken bacon ranch foil packets recipe is cooked through is a breeze. Simply check the internal temperature of the chicken, which should reach 165°F (74°C). You can also check for doneness by cutting into one of the packets; if the chicken is white and the juices run clear, it’s ready!

Seasonings aside, it’s crucial to cook your Chicken Bacon Ranch Foil Packets to the recommended temperature to avoid foodborne illness. So, don’t skip this step, folks!

Q: Can I make this chicken bacon ranch foil packets recipe ahead of time?

With a little planning, you can prep your chicken bacon ranch foil packets recipe ahead of time and save yourself some stress in the kitchen. Simply assemble the packets, refrigerate or freeze them, and then grill or bake when you’re ready. Easy peasy!

Ahead of time, you can prepare the ingredients, assemble the packets, and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours or freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw frozen packets overnight in the fridge before cooking.

Q: Is the chicken bacon ranch foil packets recipe suitable for a crowd?

The chicken bacon ranch foil packets recipe are perfect for feeding a crowd, whether it’s a backyard BBQ or a potluck dinner. Simply scale up the recipe to fit your needs, and you’ll have a delicious, stress-free meal in no time.

When cooking for a crowd, consider setting up a toppings bar with your favorite fixin’s, like shredded cheese, sour cream, and diced onions. It’s a great way to let everyone customize their own Chicken Bacon Ranch Foil Packets!

Q: Can I use different types of protein for the chicken bacon ranch foil packets recipe?

You can substitute chicken with other proteins like shrimp, steak, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. The key is to adjust cooking times and temperatures accordingly.

Instead of chicken, you can try using:

Other Foil Packet Recipes to Try

Easy Campfire Foil Packet Summertime Seasoned Vegetables Recipe

Campfire Teriyaki Salmon Foil Packets Recipe

Campfire Foil Packet Zucchini and Squash Recipe

Campfire Foil Packet Grilled Vegetables Recipe

Easy Campfire Foil Packet BBQ Salmon Recipe