Foil packets, also known as tin foil dinners, make the perfect summer meals. You put them together ahead of time and cook when ready. They can be cooked in the oven, on a grill, or even on an open fire which makes them perfect for camping. And you know those grills at the park? These are perfect for them too! They are self-contained so you don’t have to worry about how gross the grill is. Does anyone else worry about that? 

If you love foil packet dinners, check out our Steak and Potato Foil Packets.

Why Our Recipe

  • A ranch-lover twist on the classic tinfoil dinner.
  • The ranch dressing combined with a few extra ingredients makes this foil packet a finger-licking good meal.
Cheesy Ranch Chicken in the foil packet.

This recipe is all about the sauce. This flavorful ranch sauce tenderizes the meat and brings a lot of flavor to both the chicken and the veggies. And who doesn’t love ranch? It’s a classic flavor combination for a reason.

Ingredient Notes

The ingredients for cheesy ranch chicken foil packets laid out on a table.
  • Chicken Breasts: This is a very simple option with no trimming necessary. You could use chicken thighs if you prefer, but thighs do have a longer cooking time.
  • Red Potatoes: Be sure to slice them thin so that they cook at the same rate as the chicken. Too big and you’re going to be left with a part crunchy and raw potato. 
  • Other Vegetables: You can mix and match veggies to your liking. Zucchini, carrots, or even whole cloves of garlic would work well in a tin foil packet.
  • Sauce: All of these ingredients play an important part in making the perfect sauce.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nice saltiness, but you could replace with cheddar or mozzarella.
A process shot of the cheesy ranch chicken foil packets.

Potato Types

Red and golden potatoes with thin, edible skins are best for foil packets. When using potatoes, be sure to slice your potatoes thin so that they cook at the same rate as the chicken. Alternatively, you can also dice them into 1/2-inch cubes. If you leave the potato pieces too big, you’re going to be left with a part crunchy and raw potato, and nobody likes that. 

Campfire Cooking Instructions

Place on hot coals and cook for 20-30 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until meat is cooked through and veggies are tender. 

A close view of cooked cheesy ranch chicken foil packet.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days.

Reheat by placing it back in a foil packet in a 300-degree oven until it is thoroughly warmed through, about 10 to 15 minutes.

More Delicious Chicken Dinners…

Watch the video below where Rachel will walk you through every step of this recipe. Sometimes it helps to have a visual, and we’ve always got you covered with our cooking show. You can find the complete collection of recipes on YouTube, Facebook Watch, or our Facebook Page, or right here on our website with their corresponding recipes.