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BBQ Chicken Foil Packs with Potatoes

BBQ Chicken Foil Packs combine juicy chicken thighs, tender potatoes, peppers, and smoky barbecue sauce.
Season the ingredients, divide among foil sheets, and seal into individual packets.
Grill at 425°F for 20–25 minutes or bake for 25–30 minutes, until chicken reaches 165°F and potatoes are tender.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American-inspired

Ingredients
  

  • 1½ lb 680 g boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1–1½-inch pieces
  • ¾ cup 225 g halal-friendly BBQ sauce, divided
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1½ lb 680 g Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 1 green bell pepper sliced
  • 1 red onion sliced

Instructions
 

Step 1: Preheat the grill

  • Preheat your grill to 425°F (220°C). If you prefer baking, preheat your oven to the same temperature and prepare a large baking sheet.

Step 2: Prepare the chicken and vegetables

  • Cut the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1–1½ inches each.
  • Wash the Yukon Gold potatoes and cut them into evenly sized 1-inch chunks. Slice the green bell pepper and red onion into thin strips.
  • Keeping the potato pieces uniform helps them cook evenly alongside the chicken.

Step 3: Season the chicken

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with ½ cup BBQ sauce, vegetable oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
  • Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated in the smoky barbecue seasoning.

Step 4: Add the vegetables

  • Add the cubed potatoes, sliced green bell pepper, and red onion to the bowl.
  • Gently toss until the vegetables are lightly coated with the seasoned BBQ sauce.

Step 5: Prepare the foil packets

  • Cut four large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil, approximately 12 × 18 inches each.
  • Divide the chicken and vegetable mixture evenly among the four sheets, placing each portion in the center.

Step 6: Seal the packets

  • Bring the short sides of each foil sheet together and fold the seam over twice.
  • Fold the remaining ends inward and upward to create tightly sealed packets.
  • Leave a little space inside each packet so steam can circulate while the ingredients cook.

Step 7: Grill the packets

  • Place the BBQ Chicken Foil Packs on the preheated grill.
  • Cook for approximately 20–25 minutes, carefully flipping each packet halfway through.
  • The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and the potatoes should be fork-tender.
  • For the oven method, place the sealed packets on a baking sheet and bake at 425°F (220°C) for approximately 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the potatoes are tender.

Step 8: Add the finishing sauce

  • Carefully open each foil packet, keeping your hands and face away from the escaping steam.
  • Drizzle or brush the remaining ¼ cup BBQ sauce over the cooked chicken and vegetables.
  • Serve immediately while everything is hot, tender, and juicy.

Notes

  • Chicken breast substitution: Replace chicken thighs with boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into similar-sized pieces. Check for doneness early to prevent the chicken from drying out.
  • Potato alternatives: Baby potatoes, red potatoes, or other waxy potatoes work well in this recipe. Cut them into small, uniform pieces for even cooking.
  • BBQ sauce variations: Choose smoky, sweet, honey-style, or spicy halal-friendly barbecue sauce according to your family's preference.
  • Extra heat: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, chili powder, or crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning mixture for a spicier dinner.
  • More vegetables: Sliced zucchini, mushrooms, corn, or yellow bell peppers can be added for extra color, flavor, and texture.
  • Serving suggestions: Serve with fresh coleslaw, cucumber salad, a simple green salad, or warm bread for a more substantial meal.
  • Oven preparation: These chicken foil packets in oven are a convenient alternative when outdoor grilling isn't an option. Place the sealed packets on a baking sheet and bake until the chicken is fully cooked and the potatoes are tender.