Tex Mex Chicken Fajita Foil Packets Recipe

$Tex Mex chicken fajita foil packets recipe$

The Tex Mex chicken fajita foil packets recipe is my go-to meal whenever I’m out camping. I loves to combine the simplicity of foil packet cooking with great flavors. I can’t stress enough how versatile and easy this dish is to prepare. Whether you’re a seasoned camper who likes outdoor cooking or a busy home cook seeking convenience, this recipe delivers with minimal effort and maximum payoff.

Imagine biting into marinated chicken, seasoned with a perfect blend of Tex Mex spices, nestled among tender bell peppers and onions. This recipe locks in all the flavors and juices, creating a mix of tastes and textures. The magic lies in the cooking method: once you place these foil packets over a campfire or a grill, the heat infuses adds a smoky flavor to the meal.

The prep work couldn’t be easier. Combine the chicken, vegetables, and spices in foil, seal them up, and let the heat work its magic. The best part is that cleanup is a breeze—just dispose of the foil and you’re done! This approach allows you to spend more time enjoying the great outdoors or relaxing at home instead of being cooped up in the kitchen.

The next time you pack up for an adventure or need a quick and delicious meal idea, give thes Tex Mex chicken fajita foil packets recipe a try. You’ll wonder how you ever managed without this gem of a recipe.

Table of Contents

Cooking Instructions

The first step of making the Tex Mex chicken fajita foil packets recipe is to start your fire or charcoals. You will using them for the Tex Mex chicken fajita foil packets 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.
In a large bowl, mix together chili powder, paprika, salt, oregano, garlic powder, granulated sugar, and cumin.

Place four (16″-by-12″) pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil on a level surface. Mist the foil with cooking spray. Divide the potatoes among foil sheets. Top the potatoes with bell pepper and onion. Sprinkle each with approximately 1 teaspoon spice mixture.
Toss the chicken with the remaining spice mixture until coated. Divide the chicken among the foil and top with 1 tbsp butter. Fold and seal the edges of the foil to form a package.

Ingredients

chili powder
sweet paprika
kosher salt
dried oregano
garlic powder
granulated sugar
ground cumin
potatoes
bell peppers
red onion
chicken thighs
butter
flour tortillas
sour cream
cheddar cheese
avocados
limes
cooking spray

Why I Love This Tex Mex Chicken Fajita Foil Packets 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.

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 Tex Mex Chicken Fajita Foil Packets Recipe

Q: What is the Tex Mex chicken fajita foil packets recipe, and how does it work?

A: The Tex Mex chicken fajita foil packets recipe is a simple and convenient way to prepare a delicious meal. It involves placing chicken breast, bell peppers, onions, and fajita seasoning in foil packets, which are then baked in the oven. This method allows for easy cooking and cleanup, while also ensuring that the flavors are infused into the chicken and vegetables. The result is a flavorful and spicy Tex Mex-inspired dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.

Q: Can I customize the Tex Mex chicken fajita foil packets recipe to suit my taste preferences?

A: Absolutely! The Tex Mex chicken fajita foil packets recipe is highly customizable. You can adjust the level of heat to your liking by adding more or less fajita seasoning, or by using different types of peppers. You can also add your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, salsa, avocado, or shredded cheese, to give the dish an extra boost of flavor. Additionally, you can substitute chicken breast with chicken thighs or tenders, or use beef or shrimp for a different protein option.

Q: How do I ensure that the Tex Mex chicken fajita foil packets recipe is cooked through and safe to eat?

A: To ensure that the Tex Mex chicken fajita foil packets recipe is cooked through, make sure to cook the foil packets in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can check the temperature by inserting a food thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast. It’s also important to make sure that the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature to avoid foodborne illness.

Q: Can I make the Tex Mex chicken fajita foil packets recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the Tex Mex chicken fajita foil packets recipe ahead of time, but it’s recommended to cook them just before serving. You can assemble the packets up to a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, simply place the packets in the oven and bake according to the recipe instructions. This makes the recipe perfect for meal prep or for busy weeknights when you need a quick and easy dinner solution.

Q: Are the Tex Mex chicken fajita foil packets recipe disposable, and how do I dispose of them?

A: The foil packets used in the Tex Mex chicken fajita recipe are disposable, making cleanup a breeze. After cooking the Tex Mex chicken fajita foil packets recipe, simply remove the food from the packets and discard the foil. Make sure to recycle the foil if possible, and dispose of any leftover food waste according to your local regulations. This convenient aspect of the recipe makes it perfect for outdoor gatherings, camping trips, or picnics where cleanup can be a challenge.

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