Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Foil Packets

These Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Foil Packets are crafted by a flavor expert, featuring juicy buffalo chicken and cheesy veggies all dipped in ranch crema that has readers raving, โ€œWOW! Made this tonight! LOVED it!, and “our new favorite meal!โ€

This recipe expertly avoids many common pitfalls, such as bland, dry, or overcooked chicken, as well as uneven cooking and crunchy vegetables. The post is packed with helpful tips, cooking variations, and everything you need to pull off a foolproof, flavor-loaded meal, whether you’re grilling, baking, or camping.

CHICKEN FOIL PACKETS RECIPE VIDEO

EASY Baked or Grilled Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Foil Packets bursting with juicy chicken and tender, flavorful veggies all smothered in cheddar and dipped in Ranch Crema!  these are SO addictingly delicious!!!   

You Will Love these Chicken Foil Packets!

  • Bold, complex flavor: A flavor-loaded marinade combines buffalo sauce, lime juice, and brown sugar for the perfect balance of heat, tang, and subtle sweetness, rounded out with a rainbow of spices to infuse the chicken with smoky, zesty depth.
  • Juicy chicken: Marinating the chicken and following precise internal temperature instructions ensures juicy, flavorful results every time.
  • Layers of yum: The chicken is layered with melty cheese, cooked with buffalo seasoned potatoes and broccoli, then all dipped in intoxicating ranch crema.
  • NEVER crunch veggies: My expert technique of steaming the potatoes and broccoli for a few minutes in the microwave first ensures tender results every time. Otherwise, the chicken has to cook longer to cook the vegetables, which creates dry chicken – not on my watch!
  • Versatile cooking methods: Perfect for the oven, grill, or campfire.
  • Customizable: Easily swap veggies, adjust spice level, or add your favorite toppings.
  • Meal prep and freezer-friendly: Assemble ahead and cook when ready.

EASY Baked or Grilled Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Foil Packets bursting with juicy chicken and tender, flavorful veggies all smothered in cheddar and dipped in Ranch Crema!  these are SO addictingly delicious!!!   

ingredient icon

What You’ll Need for Foil Wrapped Chicken

Let’s take a closer look at what you need to make this recipe (measurements in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):

FOR THE chicken 

  • Chicken breasts: Use two 8-ounce chicken breasts, sliced in half, or four 4-ounce chicken breasts. Pound the chicken to an even thickness so it cooks evenly.
  • Olive oil: Adds moisture and richness to the marinade, helping the spices cling to the chicken and keeping it juicy during cooking.
  • Buffalo Sauce: I use Frankโ€™s BUFFALO WINGS Hot Sauce-not original. This version is thicker and creamier than the original, with a buttery, tangy heat that defines that classic Buffalo flavor.
  • Lime juice: Brightens the marinade and adds acidity to tenderize the chicken, balancing the richness. Fresh is always best but bottled will also work.
  • Brown sugar: Just a touch of sweetness to mellow the heat and round out the bold flavors.
  • Spices: The spice blend in this recipe is what takes the flavor to the next level. It combines garlic powder, chili powder, and salt for a bold, savory base; smoked paprika and cumin for smoky, earthy depth; onion powder for a subtle sweetness; and black pepper for a mild kick.

For the veggies

  • Red potatoes, Cut into small, even cubes for quicker cooking and more surface area for the marinade to season.
  • Broccoli florets: Chop to a uniform size so they cook evenly and steam to perfection.
  • Sharp cheddar cheese: Use freshly shredded cheese for superior flavor and melting ability.

EASY Baked or Grilled Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Foil Packets bursting with juicy chicken and tender, flavorful veggies all smothered in cheddar and dipped in Ranch Crema!  these are SO addictingly delicious!!!   

How to Make Chicken Foil Packets in Oven

Let’s take a closer look at how to make this recipe with step-by-step photos (full recipe in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):

  • Step 1: Marinate Chicken. Whisk together the Buffalo Marinade ingredients in a shallow dish or freezer bag. Remove ยผ cup of the Marinade for the vegetables. Add chicken to the marinade and marinate room temperature up to 30 minutes while you prep your veggies or 2-4 hours in the refrigerator.

EASY Baked or Grilled Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Foil Packets bursting with juicy chicken and tender, flavorful veggies all smothered in cheddar and dipped in Ranch Crema!  these are SO addictingly delicious!!!   

  • Step 2: Steam Vegetables. Add potatoes to a large microwave-safe bowl. Add one tablespoon of water. Cover and microwave 3 minutes. Add broccoli. Microwave for an additional 2 minutes. Drain.
  • Step 3: Season Vegetables. Add ยผ cup reserved Buffalo Marinade to the vegetablesโ€”season with freshly cracked salt and pepper. Toss to coat.
  • Step 4: Assemble Foil Packets. Double line 4 large pieces of foil on your counter (8 pieces total), approximately 18 inches long. Spray foil with nonstick cooking spray. Add one piece of chicken to each piece of foil. Evenly divide the veggies between foil packets, placing them around the chicken. Seal foil packets closed and transfer to a baking sheet.
  • Step 5: Bake. Bake at 400ยฐF until the veggies are tender and the chicken is cooked through.
  • Step 6: Add Cheese. Carefully open each foil packet and sprinkle chicken and veggies with cheese. Leave foil open and broil until cheese is melted. Serve with Ranch Crema and additional Buffalo Sauce if desired.

EASY Baked or Grilled Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Foil Packets bursting with juicy chicken and tender, flavorful veggies all smothered in cheddar and dipped in Ranch Crema!  these are SO addictingly delicious!!!   

Foil Wrapped Chicken Variations

You can use the same technique to cook endless variations of chicken foil packets! Here are just a few:

  • Italian Chicken Packets: Use this recipe for marinated Italian dressing chicken, zucchini, carrots, and potatoes smothered in mozzarella cheese.
  • BBQ Chicken Packets: Swap the Buffalo sauce for your favorite barbecue sauce and add sliced red onions and corn for a smoky-sweet twist.
  • Mexican Chicken Packets: Use my Chipotle Chicken or Chile Lime Chicken recipe and include black beans, bell peppers, corn, and pepper jack cheese.
  • Teriyaki Chicken Packets: Use my Teriyaki Chicken or Hawaiian Chicken recipe and pair with bell peppers, snap peas, and pineapple for a sweet-savory combo.
  • Greek Chicken Packets: Use my Greek Chicken and add olives, red onions, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta for Mediterranean flavor.
  • Lemon Herb Chicken Packets: Use my Lemon Basil Chicken marinade with green beans and potatoes. Par-cook the potatoes in the microwave using this recipe’s technique.
  • Pesto Chicken Packets: Coat chicken with basil pesto and add grape tomatoes and green beans, finishing with a sprinkle of mozzarella.
  • Ranch Bacon Chicken Packets: Use ranch seasoning, top with crumbled bacon and cheddar, and add broccoli and diced potatoes.

How to serve a Chicken Packet

  • Carefully unwrap the foil packetโ€”watch out for hot steam!
  • Serve the chicken and veggies right in the foil for a casual, fun presentation, or transfer to a plate for a more polished look.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, a squeeze of lemon or lime, or a drizzle of your favorite sauce for extra flavor.
  • Enjoy immediately while everything is warm and juicy!
  • Pair with a side of crusty bread, garlic bread, or breadsticks to mop up the extra juices.
  • Serve with a fresh salad, such as Garden Salad or Caesar Salad, to round out the meal.

EASY Baked or Grilled Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Foil Packets bursting with juicy chicken and tender, flavorful veggies all smothered in cheddar and dipped in Ranch Crema!  these are SO addictingly delicious!!!   

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ยฉCarlsbad Cravings by CarlsbadCravings.com

EASY Baked or Grilled Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Foil Packets bursting with juicy chicken and tender, flavorful veggies all smothered in cheddar and dipped in Ranch Crema! ย these are SO addictingly delicious!!! ย ย 

Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Foil Packets with Veggies and Ranch Crema (Baked or Grilled)

EASY Baked or Grilled Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Foil Packets bursting with juicy chicken and tender, flavorful potatoes and broccoli all smothered in cheddar and dipped in Ranch Crema! These chicken foil packets are SO addictingly delicious and aย meal-in-one that are quick to throw together and even quicker to clean up!ย 
Servings: 4 servings
Total Time: 50 minutes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

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Ingredients

  • 2 8 oz. chicken breasts sliced horizontal OR 4 4 oz. chicken breasts pounded to an even thickness

Buffalo Marinade

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup Frank’s BUFFALO WINGS Hot Sauce not original
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tsp EACH garlic powder, chili powder, salt
  • 1/2 tsp EACH ground cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder
  • 1//4 teaspoon pepper

Veggies

  • 2 1/2 cups red potatoes cut into 1/4-1/2โ€ cubes
  • 3 1/2 cups medium broccoli florets uniform size
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese

Ranch Crema

  • 1/2 cup sour cream (may sub Greek yogurt)
  • 2 tablespoon mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

Marinate

  • Whisk together all the Buffalo Marinade ingredients in a shallow dish or freezer bag (whichever you will use for marinating the chicken). Remove ยผ cup of the Marinade for the vegetables. Add the chicken to the marinade in the bag, remove excess air, and turn to coat evenly. Marinate at room temperature for up to 30 minutes while preparing your veggies, or refrigerate for 2-4 hours.
  • Meanwhile, add potatoes to a large microwave-safe bowl. Add one tablespoon of water. Cover and microwave 3 minutes. Add the broccoli and microwave for an additional 2 minutes. Drain.
  • Add ¼ cup reserved Buffalo Marinade to the vegetables. Season with freshly cracked salt and pepper. Toss to coat. Refrigerate if not using immediately.

Assemble

  • Double line 4 large pieces of foil on your counter (8 pieces total), approximately 18 inches long. Spray foil with nonstick cooking spray. Add one piece of chicken to each piece of foil. Evenly divide the veggies between foil packets, placing them around the chicken. Seal foil packets closed and transfer to a baking sheet.

BAKING INSTRUCTIONS

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Bake at 400ยฐF for 20-25 minutes, or until the veggies are tender and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 160ยฐF). Carefully open each foil packet and sprinkle chicken and veggies with cheese. Leave foil open and broil until cheese is melted. Serve with Ranch Crema and additional Buffalo Sauce if desired.

GRILLING INSTRUCTIONS

  • Heat grill to medium-high heat. Add foil packets, close the lid, and grill at 400ยฐF for 15-20 minutes, or until the veggies are tender and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 160ยฐF). Carefully open each foil packet and sprinkle chicken and veggies with cheese. Leave the foil open and close the grill lid until the cheese is melted. Serve with Ranch Crema and additional Buffalo Sauce if desired.

Video

Notes

Don’t miss the “how to make” recipe video at the top of the post!

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30 Comments

  1. Danica says

    This looks wonderful. The ranch crema is very interesting to me, and I can’t wait to make it. Hope you continuing forward in your recovery and are feeling better!

    • Jen says

      Thank you so much for your kind words Danica! I am feeling really well, thank you! I hope you love this recipe as much as us, can’t wait to hear what you think!

  2. Abbey says

    I just made these tonight for my hubby and I, and it’s our new favorite meal!

    I just want to say that I’ve honestly printed out about 25-30 of your recipes over the past two years or so and put them in a cook book because we loved them so much! I make about two of them every week. We both work night shift in an ER, and your website has made it SO EASY to pick out meals for the week without worrying about anything turning out poorly, or wasting our time and money. Literally every recipe I’ve tried has turned out perfectly cooked and crazy delicious. It’s by far the greatest site online for recipes, and my whole family agrees! Thank you so, so, so much! ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Jen says

      Wahoo! I loved waking up to your awesome comment Abbey, thank you so much! I am thrilled this is your new favorite meal and more so that you have tried so many of my recipes and they’ve made it into the “binder” ๐Ÿ™‚ I am honored you trust my recipes and that they are making your life easier and more delicious – the ultimate compliment! Thank you so much for your flattery and for making me smile eary to ear! xo

  3. Holly Randazzo says

    WOW! Made this tonight! LOVED it!

    I didn’t have Frank’s Buffalo Wing Sauce, just made it with Frank’s Original. I will be looking forward to trying it with the Wing Sauce version, but honestly, I don’t think it could be any better!! I use Penzeys Spices and used the Chili 3000, for my chili powder. I also didn’t have ranch dressing seasoning, but used Green Goddess Seasoning , in the crema. I also used Greek yogurt, in place of the mayo, the sauce was divine! I am getting Buttermilk Ranch dressing mix and the wing sauce version of Frank’s, today! Totally making it your way, as soon as the end of the week! What a GREAT recipe! Thanks for all your inspiration, in the kitchen, and in LIFE! Stay well!

    Holly Randazzo

    • Jen says

      Thank you so much Holly, I am so happy it was such a hit! I’m glad it was so delicious with your substitutions and now I’m curious which version you will end up liking better! I have never used Greek Goddess Seasoning but now I am totally intrigued and have to try it! Thank you so much for taking the time to comment and for the well wishes! All the best to you and yours as well xo

  4. Meg says

    I can’t wait to try this! It’s marinading as we speak. I’m always on the hunt for new recipes and I’m so glad I found your site. I’m big into making home cooked meals for my family despite an insane schedule. I just started a blog of my own and this week I’m testing out new recipes- almost all yours. Can’t wait to see how they go!

    • Jen says

      I hope you loved them Meg! and congrats on the adventure of starting a blog – its a lot of work – but its fun and rewarding!

  5. Kelsey says

    We made this a couple days ago and it was SO good!!!! The ranch crema was a perfect sauce to go with it!! Making the Italian chicken packet tonight! Thanks for all the great recipes!!

    • Jen says

      You are so welcome Kelsey, thanks for making them and thanks for taking the time to comment! I am so happy you loved these Buffalo packets and hopefully love the Italian ones too!

  6. layne says

    Super delicious! I loved the crema with the chicken!

    • Jen says

      Thanks Layne! I can’t turn down a good crema, they make everything better!

  7. Ariella says

    Eating this as we speak and it is so delicious! I agree with most other commenters here that your recipes are all consistently wonderful. I used to go to Pinterest for new recipe ideas, and now I just go straight to your website instead. Everything I have ever made has been out-of-this-world incredible. My favorites include the shredded Mexican slow cooker chicken and Greek chicken, as well as this dish! Thank you for sharing your amazing recipes with us!

    • Jen says

      I am so happy you love these foil packets Ariella, thank you! Thank you also for your super thoughtful words! I am so flattered my site is your go-to for recipes and that you have loved everything you have made – that is the ultimate compliment!

  8. Amber says

    Could I cut up the chicken into chunks and do it that way?

    • Jen says

      Absolutely! You’ll just want to make sure you don’t overcook the chicken as it will cook faster that way.

  9. Dolores Gaona says

    Can you freeze the chicken with marinade for future meals?
    I was thinking of preparing the chicking ahead of time and storing in the freezer so that we can take with us when we go camping.

    • Jen says

      Absolutely! That would work great!

    • Rosie says

      I was thinking the same thing! And thinking I microwave the veggies before freezing so theyโ€™re ready to go. Hope it works!

  10. Christy says

    This was great; thank you. Do you have the nutrition information?

  11. Diane says

    This looks delish. I’m wondering if it would work in a slow cooker?

  12. Deborah Van Petegem says

    I made this when I was camping. It was easy and so very delicious. I will definitely make it again.

    • Jen says

      Yay! I am so glad you loved it Deborah!

    • Kari Radder says

      Can I ask how you heated it up when camping? Or did you pre cook at home and just reheat while camping?

  13. Kelly says

    We’re a busy family with lots of activities so I’m always looking for recipes that will easily feed us when we can’t wall eat together. I love foil packet meals since I can prep them ahead of time and we can each bake them when we need them. These were easy and delicious, my whole family really enjoyed them!

    • Jen says

      Thanks for taking the time to leave a review! I am so happy to hear that this was just the thing for your family!