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Southwest BBQ Chicken Foil Packets – Easy Cheddar Ranch Dinner Recipe

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These Southwest BBQ Chicken Foil Packets are a quick, flavorful dinner featuring juicy chicken, sweet corn, peppers, black beans, cheddar, and ranch seasoning, all cooked together in easy-to-clean foil packets. Perfect for grilling, baking, or campfire cooking, this customizable meal is a crowd-pleaser and ideal for busy weeknights or outdoor gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each), cut into halves or thick strips
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 packet (or 3 tbsp) ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 large red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup frozen or fresh corn kernels (or canned, drained)
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • Optional add-ins: sliced jalapeños, lime wedges (for serving), avocado (for topping after cooking)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F) or oven to 425°F. Allow 10 minutes for preheating.
  2. Tear 4 large pieces of heavy-duty foil (about 12 x 18 inches each). Brush the center of each with a little olive oil.
  3. Pat chicken breasts dry. Toss in a bowl with half the ranch seasoning, 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spoon 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce over each piece and rub to coat.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine bell pepper, corn, black beans, and onion. Sprinkle with remaining ranch seasoning and toss. Divide evenly among foil sheets.
  5. Lay seasoned chicken on top of veggies in each packet. Spoon any leftover BBQ sauce from the bowl over the chicken.
  6. Fold long sides of foil up and over chicken, then fold ends tightly to seal, leaving a little room for steam.
  7. Grill packets seam side up for 18-22 minutes, turning once halfway, or bake on a baking sheet for 20-25 minutes. Chicken should reach 165°F and veggies should be tender.
  8. Carefully open each packet (watch for steam). Sprinkle about 1/4 cup cheddar over each. Reseal loosely and return to grill or oven for 2-3 minutes, until cheese is melted.
  9. Remove from heat and let rest a few minutes. Top with fresh cilantro, extra ranch, and lime wedges if desired. Serve straight from the foil.

Notes

For even cooking, use chicken pieces of similar thickness. Double-wrap with foil if using regular foil to prevent leaks. Add cheese at the end for best texture. Customize with your favorite veggies or spice level. For dairy-free, use vegan cheese and ranch. For meal prep, assemble packets ahead and refrigerate or freeze before cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: foil packets, BBQ chicken, cheddar ranch, southwest, easy dinner, grilling, camping, weeknight meal, gluten-free, high protein

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/southwest-bbq-chicken-foil-packets-easy-cheddar-ranch-dinner-recipe/