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Picture this: you're nestled in the woods, the crackling campfire providing a warm glow, and the aroma of garlic and parmesan fills the air. One of my fondest memories involves a family camping trip where my dad, usually relegated to dish duty, decided he was going to try to make something 'fancy'. He whipped out these foil packets and, honestly, I was skeptical. Turns out, it was the BEST chicken I'd had in ages—even better than what Mom makes dont tell her I said that! The simplicity of cooking in foil packets, combined with the smoky flavor from the campfire, creates a culinary experience that's hard to beat. So, dust off your camping gear, and let's get cooking!
I've tweaked my dad's original method over the years and landed on a version that is the perfect balance of flavor and convenience, and it is now a go to meal that the whole family enjoys. The garlic parmesan sauce is incredibly rich and flavorful, creating a juicy and tender chicken. You might be tempted to just throw everything in the foil, but taking the time to pre-mix the sauce ensures every bite is coated in that deliciousness. Plus, the foil packets help to keep the chicken moist and prevent it from drying out over the intense heat of the fire. Lets dive into the recipe and tips for making this a regular occurence for your family too!
These Campfire Garlic Parmesan Chicken Foil Packets are an easy and delicious way to enjoy a flavorful meal while camping. Tender chicken breasts, coated in a rich garlic parmesan sauce, are cooked to perfection in foil packets over the campfire, making cleanup a breeze!
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:1 servings
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
Prepare the campfire: Start by building a campfire and allowing it to burn down to hot embers. You want a consistent, medium heat for cooking. If using charcoal, let the briquettes ash over slightly.
Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into even, bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly and quickly.
Make the garlic parmesan sauce: In a bowl, melt the butter in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or until completely melted. Add the minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the melted butter. Mix well until everything is evenly combined. Taste, and adjust seasonings as desired – a little extra garlic never hurt anyone!
Combine chicken and sauce: Add the cut chicken pieces to the bowl with the garlic parmesan sauce. Toss to coat the chicken thoroughly, ensuring each piece is well-covered.
Prepare the foil packets: Cut four large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil (about 12x12 inches each). If you only have regular foil, use two layers to prevent tearing.
Assemble the packets: Place a portion of the coated chicken in the center of each foil sheet. Distribute the chicken evenly among the four packets.
Seal the packets: Fold the foil over the chicken, creating a tightly sealed packet. Fold the edges over several times to ensure no steam escapes. A good seal is crucial for even cooking and preventing flare-ups from the campfire.
Cook over the campfire: Place the foil packets directly on the hot embers of the campfire. Ensure they are not directly in the flames, as this can burn the chicken. If using a grill grate over the campfire, you can place the packets on the grate instead.
Cook time: Cook the packets for 20-25 minutes, turning them occasionally with tongs to ensure even cooking. The chicken should be cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Be careful when turning the packets as hot steam can escape.
Check for doneness: Carefully open one of the foil packets to check the chicken for doneness. If the chicken is still pink inside, reseal the packet and continue cooking for another 5-10 minutes.
Serve: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the foil packets from the campfire using tongs. Let them cool slightly before opening. Be cautious of the hot steam when opening the packets. Serve the garlic parmesan chicken directly from the foil packets, or transfer to plates.
Optional additions: Add vegetables like broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, or diced zucchini to the foil packets along with the chicken for a more complete meal. Adjust cooking time accordingly, adding a few extra minutes if needed. A squeeze of lemon juice over the cooked chicken adds a nice touch of brightness.
📝 Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the garlic parmesan sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Be careful when opening the foil packets, as steam will escape.