Barbecue Chicken Packets

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Juicy grilled chicken breasts topped with sweet barbecue sauce, combined with corn and green peppers, wrapped in foil for easy, flavorful outdoor or oven cooking.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (1 to 1 1/4 lb.)
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1 (10 oz.) package frozen whole kernel corn or 1 (15 1/4 oz.) can whole kernel corn, drained
  • 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat the grill or oven to medium-high heat.
  2. Place each chicken breast on a sheet of 12 x 18-inch aluminum foil.
  3. Spread 1/4 cup of barbecue sauce over each chicken breast.
  4. Top each with 1/4 cup of drained corn and 2 tablespoons of chopped green bell pepper.
  5. Fold the foil over to seal each packet securely.
  6. Place the foil packets on the grill or in the oven.
  7. Cook for about 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
  8. Carefully open the foil packets and serve hot.

Tips & Substitutions

For a smokier flavor, try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke to the barbecue sauce. You can substitute the chicken with boneless, skinless thighs for a juicier option. If you're short on time, use pre-cooked, shredded chicken and reduce the cooking time to just heat through. This dish is versatile and can easily incorporate seasonal vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the barbecue chicken packets with a side of coleslaw or a fresh garden salad for a refreshing contrast. For a heartier meal, consider pairing it with corn on the cob or baked potatoes. This dish pairs beautifully with the Moist Garlic Chicken for a delightful dinner spread.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover barbecue chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat for 1-2 minutes until warmed through. It can also be reheated in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Barbecue Chicken Packets contains roughly 141 calories, with 9g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (60% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 569mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).

141 kcal 7% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 9g 18% DV
Total Fat 2.2g 3% DV
Carbs 24.3g 9% DV
Fiber 3.1g 11% DV
Sugar 6.1g 12% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 569.4mg 25% DV
Potassium 414.5mg 9% DV
Cholesterol 18.2mg 6% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 15mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 53.8mg 60% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 24.9mg 2% DV
Iron 1mg 6% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these packets ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the packets a few hours in advance and keep them in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook. Just be sure to seal them tightly to prevent any leaks.

What can I use instead of barbecue sauce?

If you're looking for a different flavor profile, you can substitute the barbecue sauce with teriyaki sauce or a homemade marinade. Just ensure that the consistency is similar for even cooking.

Can I cook these in the oven instead of on the grill?

Absolutely! You can bake the packets in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes. Just keep an eye on them to ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

American recipes → Chicken recipes → All recipes →