"We made this when we were camping last summer and all of the kids begged to do it again this year. Ridiculously easy!

 

Campfire Foil Packet Cheesy Chicken and Potatoes – The Ultimate Camping Family Favorite

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Introduction

“We made this when we were camping last summer and all of the kids begged to do it again this year. Ridiculously easy!”

That single line could sum up so many cherished food memories. Camping trips are about more than tents, sleeping bags, and marshmallows; they’re about shared experiences around a fire. And nothing makes those experiences more memorable than a simple, delicious meal that brings everyone together.

Among the dozens of meals you can make outdoors, one recipe stands out as a family camping staple: Campfire Foil Packet Cheesy Chicken and Potatoes. It’s budget-friendly, customizable, kid-approved, and requires almost no cleanup.

Imagine juicy chicken pieces, tender potatoes, melted cheese, and smoky seasoning all wrapped up in a foil packet and cooked right in the campfire coals (or on a grill). The smell alone will have everyone hovering around the fire, eagerly waiting for their packet to come off the heat. The best part? Each camper gets their own packet — no fighting over servings, no fancy plating needed, just good food eaten straight out of the foil with a fork or even just a piece of bread.

In this article, we’ll dive into the recipe, share step-by-step guidance, explore variations, and even include camping-specific tips so you can recreate the magic on your next trip.

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Ingredients

The beauty of foil packet cooking is its flexibility. Here’s the classic ingredient list:

For Each Packet (1 Serving):

• 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast (or 2 chicken thighs), cut into bite-sized cubes

• 1 medium potato, thinly sliced or diced

• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite melty cheese)

• 2 tablespoons onion, diced

• 2 tablespoons bell pepper, diced

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for smoky flavor)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Foil sheets (heavy-duty, 12x12 inches or larger)

Optional extras: corn, zucchini, mushrooms, broccoli, or even jalapeños for spice.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

At home before camping, chop vegetables and chicken if you prefer less prep on-site. Store them in zip-top bags in your cooler. Shredded cheese should also be portioned into small bags.

Step 2: Build the Packets

1. Tear off a large square of heavy-duty foil. Double-layer if using standard foil.

2. Place potato slices in the center. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

3. Layer chicken cubes on top. Add onions and bell peppers.

4. Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over everything.

5. Fold foil over the food, sealing tightly. Fold edges over multiple times so no liquid escapes.

Step 3: Cook Over the Fire

• Campfire method: Place packets directly on hot coals (not open flames). Cook for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.

• Grill method: Place packets over medium-high heat for 20–25 minutes.

• Oven method (at home): Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes.

Step 4: Serve

Carefully open packets — watch for hot steam. Stir everything inside with a fork, sprinkle extra cheese on top if desired, and dig in!

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Why Kids Love It

• Interactive cooking: Kids can build their own packets, choosing their own toppings.

• Cheese factor: Melted cheese makes almost anything irresistible.

• No veggies “hidden”: Instead, they’re roasted and softened, making them sweeter and tastier.

• Personal servings: No arguing about portion sizes — everyone gets their own.

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Camping Tips for Success

• Heavy-duty foil is non-negotiable. Regular foil often tears in the fire. Double up if needed.

• Label packets with initials. A Sharpie or a quick tear in the corner makes sure each person gets their own customized packet.

• Cook on coals, not flames. Flames burn food quickly. Coals provide steady, even heat.

• Bring tongs and gloves. Handling hot packets without them is nearly impossible.

• Pre-cook potatoes slightly. If you’re worried about undercooked potatoes, microwave or parboil them at home before the trip.

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Flavor Variations

This recipe is endlessly adaptable. Try these fun twists:

• BBQ Chicken Packets: Swap cheese for shredded mozzarella and drizzle in BBQ sauce.

• Southwest Style: Add black beans, corn, and sprinkle with taco seasoning. Serve with salsa.

• Italian Packets: Use chicken, zucchini, tomatoes, mozzarella, and Italian seasoning.

• Buffalo Chicken Packets: Toss chicken with buffalo sauce, add potatoes, and top with ranch dressing after cooking.

• Vegetarian Option: Skip chicken and bulk up with mushrooms, corn, zucchini, and chickpeas.

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Troubleshooting

• Chicken undercooked? Cut into smaller cubes before cooking.

• Potatoes too hard? Slice thin or pre-cook.

• Burnt food? Move packets away from direct flames; coals are gentler.

• Too watery? Leave a small gap at the top of the foil when sealing to let steam escape.

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Serving Ideas

Even though these packets are a full meal, you can pair them with:

• Grilled corn on the cob (throw it right on the fire)

• Garlic bread or campfire rolls for scooping

• Fresh fruit salad for a refreshing side

• S’mores or campfire cones for dessert

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Storage & Make-Ahead

• Make ahead: Assemble foil packets at home and keep them in the cooler until ready to cook.

• Leftovers: Store cooked packets in the cooler (or fridge at home) for up to 2 days. Reheat in foil over the fire or in a skillet.

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Why This Recipe Works So Well

1. Balanced meal: Protein + carbs + veggies in one package.

2. Minimal cleanup: No pots or pans needed.

3. Customizable: Everyone builds theirs to taste.

4. Camping-friendly: Works equally well in campfire coals, on a grill, or in the oven at home.

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A Story of Food & Memory

Every family has that recipe that sticks with them. For us, this was it. Last summer, we were camping near a lake. The kids were exhausted from swimming, the fire was glowing, and we decided to try foil packet dinners.

It turned out to be the easiest meal of the trip. Each child added their own cheese, chose how many veggies they wanted (some heavy on potatoes, some skipping peppers entirely), and then we tossed them into the coals.

When the packets came out, the smell was incredible — smoky, cheesy, savory. The kids devoured them so fast that we ended up making extras the next night. By the end of the trip, they were already asking if we could do the same meal next summer.

And here’s the thing: they didn’t just remember the food. They remembered making it themselves, unwrapping their packet like a present, and sharing laughter around the fire. That’s the power of recipes like this — they don’t just feed stomachs, they feed memories.

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Conclusion

Camping food doesn’t need to be complicated. In fact, the best meals are usually the simplest. Campfire Foil Packet Cheesy Chicken and Potatoes is proof of that: ridiculously easy, ridiculously delicious, and ridiculously memorable.

Whether you’re camping in the woods, grilling in your backyard, or baking these at home, this recipe is a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike. It’s flexible, fuss-free, and deeply satisfying.

So the next time you pack up for an outdoor adventure, make sure foil, chicken, potatoes, and cheese are on your list. Because once you make this, you’ll hear the same thing I did:

“Can we please do this again next year?”