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Easy Flavor-Packed Campfire Foil Packet Dinners

campfire foil packet dinners - featured image

These foil packet dinners are quick, easy, and packed with bold flavors, perfect for camping, grilling, or indoor cooking. They combine juicy proteins, fresh vegetables, and simple seasonings sealed in foil for a fuss-free, delicious meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs (skinless)
  • 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1 lb fresh shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • 1 lb firm white fish fillets (cod or tilapia)
  • Bell peppers (red, yellow, or green, sliced)
  • Zucchini (medium, sliced)
  • Baby potatoes (halved)
  • Sweet corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • Cherry tomatoes (halved)
  • Sliced mushrooms (cremini or button)
  • Olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • Unsalted butter
  • Fresh garlic (minced)
  • Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, or parsley)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Smoked paprika
  • Chili flakes (optional)
  • Lemon or lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  • Soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce (optional)
  • Shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella, optional)
  • Diced onions (red or yellow, optional)
  • Sliced jalapeños (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients (10-15 minutes): Wash and chop vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Slice chicken or fish into 4-5 oz portions. Form ground beef into patties or loose crumbles. Mince garlic and chop herbs.
  2. Make the foil packets (10 minutes): Tear off 12×12 inch sheets of heavy-duty foil. Lightly brush center with olive oil. Place protein in center, layer veggies on top, sprinkle with garlic, herbs, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Add butter or drizzle olive oil. Finish with lemon or lime juice.
  3. Seal the packets: Fold foil over ingredients and crimp edges tightly to seal. Double-wrap for extra protection.
  4. Cook over campfire or grill (20-30 minutes): Place packets on hot coals or grill grates. Cook 20-25 minutes for chicken and fish, 30 minutes for ground beef or thicker cuts. Flip packets halfway through.
  5. Check for doneness: Carefully open a packet and check meat is cooked through and vegetables are tender. Chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). If not done, reseal and cook longer.
  6. Serve hot: Transfer packets to plates and enjoy straight from foil or open onto serving dish. Garnish with fresh herbs or shredded cheese if desired.

Notes

Double-wrap foil packets to prevent leaks. Layer heavier vegetables like potatoes on the bottom for even cooking. Add a splash of water or broth inside the packet to keep ingredients moist. Check packets early to avoid overcooking. For indoor cooking, bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 25 minutes. Packets can be assembled ahead and refrigerated or frozen before cooking.

Nutrition

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