Ah, the smell of sizzling bacon—it’s like a warm hug for your soul, isn’t it? These Easy Bacon Ranch Chicken Foil Packets offer a symphony of flavors that dance together, kind of like that unexpected viral video of a cat dancing to jazz that you can’t stop watching. (If you haven’t seen it, you should!) This recipe is perfect for those nights when you want something delicious but can’t be bothered with a mountain of dishes.
Steps
- Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F or get your grill ready at medium-high heat. In a small bowl, combine melted butter with ranch seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Take four large foil squares and coat each with nonstick spray. Place halved or quartered red potatoes in a bowl, drizzle them with most of the prepared ranch butter, and mix well.
- Place a chicken breast on each foil square and season with salt and pepper. Distribute the prepared potatoes evenly around each chicken breast.
- Drizzle the remaining ranch butter over the chicken. Fold the foil around the chicken and potatoes to form a sealed packet.
- Cook the packets in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or on the grill for 30 minutes. Open the foil packets and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken and potatoes.
- Leave the packets open and return them to the heat for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt. Garnish with crumbled bacon and chopped parsley before serving.
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 4 ounces each)
- 1 pound small red potatoes, halved or quartered
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2040kcal | Carbohydrates: 88g | Protein: 144g | Fat: 112g | Saturated Fat: 60g | Cholesterol: 644mg | Sodium: 3140mg | Potassium: 4020mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 3360IU | Vitamin C: 44.4mg | Calcium: 904mg | Iron: 6mg
FAQ
- What ingredients are needed for Bacon Ranch Chicken Foil Packets?
- Bacon ranch chicken foil packets are typically made with chicken breasts, ranch seasoning, melted butter, red potatoes, cheddar cheese, cooked bacon, and parsley.
- At what temperature should I cook chicken foil packets?
- Foil packets with chicken are cooked at 425 degrees Fahrenheit. They can be prepared using a gas grill, a charcoal grill, or in a conventional oven.
- Can I use different proteins instead of chicken in this recipe?
- Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts with boneless skinless chicken thighs or pork tenderloin for a different protein option in this recipe.
- What should I do if I don’t have ranch seasoning?
- If you don’t have ranch seasoning, you can marinate the chicken and potatoes using alternative mixes like jerk chicken marinade or chicken fajita marinade. You can also use Greek or Creole seasoning as a substitute. Alternatively, drizzle ranch dressing over the finished dish for added flavor.
- How should I store leftovers and for how long?
- Leftover bacon ranch chicken foil packets should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will remain fresh for up to three days.
Tips
- For even cooking, ensure each chicken breast is around 4 ounces. This will help them cook evenly alongside the potatoes.
- If your potatoes are larger than 1.5 inches in diameter, cut them into quarters to ensure they cook through in the same time as the chicken.
- Utilize a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken is fully cooked; it should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, maintaining their freshness.
Equipment
- Instant-read meat thermometer
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Aluminum foil (heavy-duty recommended for foil packets)
