The Salsa Verde chicken rice veggies foil packet recipe is a great recipe when you are camping on vacation. I’ve experimented with various camping recipes over the years, but this one has remained a in my camping cookbook for a long time.
This recipe is a game-changer. The combination of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and sautéed veggies, all wrapped with the tangy, herby flavor of Salsa Verde, is absolute perfection. It’s ridiculously easy to prepare, even in the midst of a bustling campsite. Simply season the chicken, cook the rice, and sauté the veggies, add to a foil packet and wait on the meal to cook.
You can customize the veggies to your liking. I’m a big fan of adding bell peppers and onions for a pop of color and added sweetness. And don’t even get me started on the Salsa Verde sauce – it’s like a flavor bomb just waiting to happen. I like to make my own using fresh parsley, oregano, garlic, and a squeeze of lemon juice, but store-bought works just as well.
I adore this foil packet method – it’s a set-it-and-forget-it kind of deal. Simply place the packets on the campfire grill and let the fire do the work. Before you know it, you’ll be sitting down to a delicious meal that’ll fuel your outdoor adventures.
I’ll walk you through my tried-and-true method for cooking the Salsa Verde chicken rice and veggies foil packet recipe while camping. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Cooking Instructions For the Salsa Verde Chicken Rice Veggies Foil Packet Recipe
- The first step of making the Salsa Verde chicken rice and veggies foil packet recipe is to start your fire or charcoals. You will using them for the Salsa Verde chicken rice and veggies 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.
- Generously grease with cooking spray 4 large sheets of heavy duty tin foil.
- Toss together the instant rice and water and let stand for 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, toss together all of the seasonings: cumin, garlic powder, salt, pepper, chili powder, and paprika. Dredge each chicken breast evenly in the seasonings (both sides). Better if you let them marinate for a couple of hours.
- Divide the rice and water mixture evenly among the 4 foil packets. Place the seasoned chicken on top. Slice the cream cheese into 8 equal pieces and place 2 pieces on top of each chicken breast. Pour 3 tablespoons of salsa verde on top of each chicken breast. Put 1/4 cup corn and 1/4 cup black beans next to each chicken breast. If desired add a few pieces of thinly sliced red pepper to each packet.
- Seal the packet allowing for expansion and make sure it is 100% sealed. Add to the grill grate and cook for 50 minutes or until the meat is fully cooked.
- To serve cut a large X across each foil packet. Carefully peel the foil back and serve. Mix everything around in your foil pack and top each with Pepperjack cheese. Add other optional toppings as desired.
Ingredients
Instant white rice
water
chicken breasts
cumin
garlic powder
sea salt
black pepper
chili powder
paprika
cream cheese
salsa verde
corn
black beans
pepperjack cheese
Why I Love This Salsa Verde Chicken Rice Veggies 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 Salsa Verde Chicken Rice and Veggies 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 Salsa Verde Chicken Rice and Veggies Foil Packet Recipe
Q: What is a Salsa Verde chicken rice and veggies foil packet recipe?
A: Salsa Verde is a tangy and herby sauce made from ingredients like parsley, oregano, garlic, red pepper flakes, red wine vinegar, and olive oil. In this Salsa Verde chicken rice and veggies foil packet recipe, it adds a burst of flavor to the chicken and veggies by infusing them with its zesty and slightly spicy taste. The acidity in the vinegar helps to break down the proteins in the chicken, making it tender and juicy, while the herbs add a fresh and aromatic flavor to the dish.
Q: Can I customize the veggies in the Salsa Verde chicken rice and veggies foil packet recipe to my liking?
A: Absolutely! The beauty of this Salsa Verde chicken rice and veggies foil packet recipe lies in its versatility. You can use any combination of veggies you like or have on hand. Some other options you might consider adding include bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, carrots, or broccoli. Simply adjust the cooking time based on the veggies you choose and their density. For example, if you’re using thicker veggies like carrots, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Q: How do I ensure the chicken in the Salsa Verde chicken rice and veggies foil packet recipe is cooked through and safe to eat?
A: To ensure the chicken in the Salsa Verde chicken rice and veggies foil packet recipe is cooked through, make sure to cook the foil packet for at least 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). You can check the temperature by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast or thigh. Additionally, make sure the chicken is opaque and firm to the touch, and the juices run clear when you cut into it.
Q: Can I make this Salsa Verde chicken rice and veggies foil packet recipe ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it?
A: Yes, you can make this Salsa Verde chicken rice and veggies foil packet recipe ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later use. If refrigerating, assemble the foil packets and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. If freezing, assemble the packets and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook, simply thaw the packets overnight in the fridge or cook them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Q: What are some serving suggestions for this Salsa Verde chicken rice and veggies foil packet recipe?
A: This Salsa Verde chicken rice and veggies foil packet recipe is a complete meal in itself, but you can also serve it with some crusty bread or a side salad for a more filling dinner. Consider adding some diced avocado or a sprinkle of queso fresco on top for extra creaminess and flavor. You could also serve it with some roasted vegetables or a side of sautéed greens for a more substantial meal.
Other Foil Packet Recipes to Try
Grilled Honey Chipotle Salmon Foil Packets Recipe
Tex Mex Chicken Fajita Foil Packets Recipe
Honey Lime Tilapia and Corn Foil Pack Recipe
Honey Mustard Chicken Tomato Zucchini Foil Packs Recipe
Campfire Surf and Turf Foil Packs Recipe
Salsa Verde Chicken Rice Veggies 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 cup white rice Instant
- 4 cups water
- 4 chicken (8 ounces each) large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tsp cumin
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp sea salt
- 2 tsp black pepper fresh ground
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 8 oz cream cheese full fat
- 12 tbsp salsa verde
- 2 cup roasted corn can replace with frozen
- 2 cup black beans
- 2 cup pepperjack cheese
Instructions
- The first step of making the Salsa Verde chicken rice and veggies foil packet recipe is to start your fire or charcoals. You will using them for the Salsa Verde chicken rice and veggies 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.
- Generously grease with cooking spray 4 large sheets of heavy duty tin foil.
- Toss together the instant rice and water and let stand for 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, toss together all of the seasonings: cumin, garlic powder, salt, pepper, chili powder, and paprika. Dredge each chicken breast evenly in the seasonings (both sides). Better if you let them marinate for a couple of hours.
- Divide the rice and water mixture evenly among the 4 foil packets. Place the seasoned chicken on top. Slice the cream cheese into 8 equal pieces and place 2 pieces on top of each chicken breast. Pour 3 tablespoons of salsa verde on top of each chicken breast. Put 1/4 cup corn and 1/4 cup black beans next to each chicken breast. If desired add a few pieces of thinly sliced red pepper to each packet.
- Seal the packet allowing for expansion and make sure it is 100% sealed. Add to the grill grate and cook for 50 minutes or until the meat is fully cooked.
- To serve cut a large X across each foil packet. Carefully peel the foil back and serve. Mix everything around in your foil pack and top each with pepperjack cheese. Add other optional toppings as desired.
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1 comment
How much do you love food cooked with Salsa Verde, I have never tried it before.
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