Unleash the magic of hassle-free cooking with our incredible Foil Pack Cheesy Broccoli and Chicken recipe! This summer staple is ingeniously crafted to deliver a burst of smoky sausage flavor, tender-crisp broccoli, and irresistible gooey cheese, all perfectly infused within a single, convenient packet. Whether you’re gathered around a crackling campfire, heating up the grill, or simply using your home oven, this dish promises a delightful meal with minimal cleanup.
Craving more effortless outdoor dining ideas? Be sure to explore some of our other beloved foil pack meals like Tin Foil Sausage and Veggies or our classic Hobo Foil Packets for more inspiration.
Cheesy Broccoli & Chicken Foil Packs: The Ultimate Easy Meal
Summer means enjoying the great outdoors for my family, and camping trips are our absolute favorite. There’s nothing quite like the experience of cooking and dining under the open sky. Over the years, I’ve made it my mission to discover and perfect new campfire meal ideas that are both delicious and incredibly easy to prepare. These Cheesy Broccoli & Chicken foil packs were an absolute sensation on our last adventure, quickly becoming a new family favorite!
What makes these foil packs truly remarkable is their simplicity. They are incredibly easy to assemble, requiring minimal ingredients and zero pre-cooking. Thanks to a clever store-bought shortcut – instant rice – you can even add uncooked rice directly to the foil packs! This eliminates extra pots and pans, ensuring that your time is spent enjoying nature, not scrubbing dishes. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility; it’s equally delicious whether cooked over glowing campfire coals, on a backyard grill, or conveniently in your home oven, making it perfect for any occasion.
The Secret to Quick Foil Pack Meals: Uncooked Rice That Cooks Perfectly!
One of the most common questions I get about this recipe is about the rice. “Uncooked rice… will it really cook in time?” The answer is a resounding yes! The secret ingredient here is **Minute® (instant) rice**. This type of rice is partially cooked and then dehydrated, meaning it cooks much faster than traditional white rice. It’s designed for speed and convenience, and rest assured, it will cook to be wonderfully nice and tender within the foil pack.
It’s crucial to use instant rice for this recipe. Regular white rice, brown rice, or other specialty rice varieties simply won’t work in the same timeframe or with the same method. The magic happens by soaking the instant rice in chicken broth (or water) for just 10 minutes while you prep the other ingredients. This pre-soaking step is key: it softens the rice and allows it to absorb a significant amount of the flavorful broth, setting it up for perfect cooking and infusing it with deep, savory notes.
Quick Tip: Maximize Your Instant Rice!
Don’t let any leftover instant rice go to waste! It’s a versatile ingredient perfect for other quick and easy foil pack recipes. Try incorporating it into dishes like our flavorful Tin Foil Jambalaya or our zesty Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice for more delicious and convenient meal ideas.
Essential Ingredients for Your Foil Pack Delight
Crafting the perfect Cheesy Broccoli and Chicken foil pack relies on a selection of simple, yet flavorful ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating a balanced and satisfying meal. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why:
- Instant Rice: As discussed, this is the cornerstone for quick cooking in foil. It’s essentially pre-cooked and dehydrated rice, free of artificial additives. Its ability to absorb liquid quickly makes it ideal for this method, ensuring a perfectly tender texture without extra steps.
- Chicken Broth: Far superior to plain water, chicken broth adds a rich, savory depth to the rice and the entire dish. It infuses every grain with robust flavor, contributing significantly to the overall deliciousness. You can use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness.
- Smoked Sausage: This ingredient is a flavor powerhouse, bringing a wonderful smoky, savory richness to the dish. I personally love Aidell’s Italian Style chicken sausage for its delicious blend of spices and cheese, but any regular smoked sausage (chicken, turkey, or pork) will work beautifully. Choose a pre-cooked variety for maximum convenience.
- Fresh Vegetables: For vibrant color, fresh texture, and optimal flavor, fresh, chopped vegetables are a must. In this recipe, we focus on tender broccoli florets and finely diced yellow onion. Avoid frozen vegetables as they release too much water and can make the foil packs watery.
- Essential Seasonings: A carefully chosen blend of spices elevates this dish from good to great. We combine garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, chicken bouillon powder, and Italian seasoning to create a wonderfully aromatic and flavorful profile that complements all the ingredients. These spices are pantry staples, making this recipe easy to whip up anytime.
- Olive Oil: More than just a lubricant, olive oil adds a subtle fruity note, helps distribute the seasonings evenly, and ensures that the ingredients cook perfectly without sticking to the foil. It also contributes to the rich texture of the cooked rice and vegetables.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The “cheesy” in Cheesy Broccoli and Chicken is paramount! For the most robust and satisfying flavor, we recommend freshly shredded sharp or extra-sharp Cheddar cheese. Its pungent notes beautifully cut through the richness of the sausage and complement the broccoli, melting into a delightful, gooey topping.
Mastering Cheesy Broccoli & Chicken Foil Packs: A Simple Guide
Creating these delightful foil packs is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect meal every time, whether you’re at a campsite, firing up the grill, or baking in the comfort of your kitchen.
- Soak the Rice for Maximum Flavor: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of instant rice with 1 cup of chicken broth. Give it a quick stir to ensure all the rice is submerged. Let this mixture sit for at least 10 minutes. This crucial step not only jump-starts the cooking process but also allows the rice to absorb the savory broth, infusing it with delicious flavor. There’s no need to drain it afterward; the liquid will help cook the other ingredients.
- Prepare Your Ingredients with Precision: While the rice soaks, finely dice your yellow onion to ensure it cooks through and blends seamlessly into the dish. Chop the broccoli into small, bite-sized florets (about 1-inch pieces) so they become tender without getting mushy. Slice your smoked sausage into uniform ½-inch-thick rounds for even cooking and distribution of flavor.
- Combine and Season: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced onion, chopped broccoli, and sliced sausage. Drizzle with 5 tablespoons of olive oil. Add your seasonings: ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon powder, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Gently toss everything together until the vegetables and sausage are well coated. Finally, add the soaked rice, along with any remaining chicken broth, to the mixture. Stir carefully until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Assemble Your Perfect Foil Packs: Tear off four sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil, each approximately 2 feet long. For best results and to prevent sticking, lightly spray the center of each foil sheet with cooking spray. Divide the mixture evenly among the four foil sheets, aiming for about 1 ½ cups per packet. To seal, bring the two shorter sides of the foil together over the mixture and fold them down several times to create a tight seam. Then, roll up the remaining open ends to form securely sealed packets, ensuring you leave a little room for steam to circulate inside.
- Cook to Perfection:
- Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the sealed foil packs on a baking sheet and bake for 23–29 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the broccoli is cooked through.
- Grill Method: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (400–425°F / 200–220°C). Place the foil packs directly on the grill grates and cook for 15–20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until the rice and vegetables are tender.
- Campfire Method: Place the foil packs directly onto glowing campfire coals (not direct flames) or on a grill grate over the coals. Cooking time will vary significantly based on heat intensity; start checking after 7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until done.
- Finish with Irresistible Cheese: Once cooked, carefully open each foil pack, being mindful of the hot steam that will escape. Evenly sprinkle ¼ cup of freshly shredded Cheddar cheese over the mixture in each pack. Gently tent the foil back over the contents (don’t reseal tightly) and let it stand for 3–4 minutes. This allows the residual heat to perfectly melt the cheese into a luscious, gooey layer. If desired, garnish with fresh parsley. Let the packs cool slightly before serving. Always taste and adjust seasonings, adding an extra pinch of salt or pepper if needed, especially depending on the saltiness of your chosen sausage. Serve hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Perfect Cheesy Broccoli & Chicken Foil Packs
Achieving consistently delicious foil pack meals is easy with a few expert tips. These suggestions will help you maximize flavor, ensure even cooking, and make cleanup even simpler:
- Seal Them Securely, But Leave Room: When assembling your foil packets, it’s essential to seal them tightly to trap all the moisture and flavor. Fold the edges over multiple times to create strong seams. However, don’t press the foil directly onto the ingredients. Leave a little space, a “tent” of sorts, above the food. This allows steam to circulate, cooking the contents evenly and preventing them from becoming soggy.
- Prevent Sticking with Nonstick Spray: While olive oil helps, a light coating of nonstick cooking spray on the inside of your foil can make a big difference. This is especially helpful for the rice, which can sometimes stick to the bottom of the packet, ensuring every last delicious grain makes it to your plate.
- Season to Taste & Adjust After Cooking: The amount of salt needed can vary based on the type of smoked sausage you use and whether your chicken broth is regular or low-sodium. It’s always best to start with the recommended seasoning, but be prepared to adjust. After cooking, carefully open a packet, let it cool for a few minutes, taste, and then add more salt or pepper if desired. This allows you to fine-tune the flavor profile to your liking.
- Heavy-Duty Foil is Your Friend: Invest in heavy-duty aluminum foil. It’s much less likely to tear or puncture during handling and cooking, especially over open flames or grill grates, which prevents leaks and lost flavor. If using regular foil, consider using two layers per packet for added durability.
- Chop Evenly for Consistent Cooking: Ensure your broccoli florets and onion pieces are roughly the same size. This consistency is vital for even cooking, guaranteeing that all your vegetables become tender at the same time without some being undercooked and others overcooked.
- Don’t Overfill: Resist the urge to cram too much into each foil packet. Overfilling can lead to uneven cooking, and the steam won’t circulate properly. Stick to the recommended 1 ½ cups per packet for optimal results.
More Easy & Delicious Campfire and Grill Meals
Foil packet cooking opens up a world of culinary possibilities, especially for outdoor adventures. If you loved this Cheesy Broccoli and Chicken recipe, be sure to try these other fantastic and easy-to-prepare campfire or grill meals:
- Garlic Butter Sausage & Veggies with succulent corn on the cob – a buttery, garlicky delight.
- Foil Pack Italian Sausage and Veggies featuring a robust Italian seasoning blend for a taste of the Mediterranean.
- Philly Cheesesteak Foil Packs loaded with classic flavors and gooey Provolone cheese.
- Pesto and Sausage packets brightened with sun-dried tomatoes – a gourmet twist!
- Foil Pack Garlic Herb Sausage, Shrimp, and Veggies, a seafood and sausage combo with fresh zucchini and sweet corn.
Cheesy Broccoli and Chicken
Video
Equipment
- Heavy-duty aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 1 cup Instant (Minute) Rice
- 1 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 (13-ounce) package smoked chicken sausage
- 3 cups chopped broccoli
- 3/4 cup finely diced yellow onion
- 5 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon powder see note 1
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup freshly shredded sharp Cheddar cheese or extra-sharp
- Fresh parsley optional, for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine 1 cup of uncooked instant rice and 1 cup of chicken broth. Let it stand for about 10 minutes to soak. This softens the rice and infuses it with flavor; no need to pre-cook or drain.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or prepare your grill to medium-high heat (400–425°F / 200–220°C). Tear off four sheets of heavy-duty foil, each approximately 2 feet long. Lightly spray the center of each with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Finely dice the yellow onion, coarsely chop the broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch), and slice the smoked sausage into ½-inch-thick coins.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced onion, chopped broccoli, sliced sausage, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, chicken bouillon powder, and Italian seasoning. Add the soaked rice with any remaining liquid and gently stir until all ingredients are well combined and coated.
- Divide the mixture evenly among the four prepared foil sheets, placing about 1 ½ cups of mixture into each packet. Seal the foil packs tightly by bringing the short sides together and folding them down several times, then rolling up the ends. Ensure there is a little room inside for steam to circulate.
- Oven: Bake on a sheet pan for 23–29 minutes. Grill: Cook for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway. Campfire: Place on coals (not direct flame), check after 7 minutes, and flip occasionally. Cook until rice is tender and veggies are cooked through.
- Carefully open the foil packs (watch out for steam!). Sprinkle ¼ cup of shredded Cheddar cheese evenly over the contents of each pack. Tent the foil back over the veggies (do not tightly reseal) and let stand for 3–4 minutes to allow the cheese to melt. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Let cool slightly, taste, and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper as needed. Enjoy hot!
Recipe Notes
Foil Thickness: Always use heavy-duty aluminum foil for this recipe to prevent tearing and leaks, especially when cooking over a grill or campfire. If you only have regular foil, it is strongly recommended to use two layers per packet to ensure durability and proper cooking. Do not double wrap by folding one sheet in half, rather use two separate, full sheets.
Nutrition Information Disclaimer: The nutritional values provided are an approximation. They are calculated based on using chicken sausage, and values may change if different varieties of sausage or other ingredients are substituted. Always consider specific product labels for precise nutritional data.
Storage & Reheating: Any leftover Cheesy Broccoli and Chicken foil packs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven, on the grill (in new foil if desired), or in the microwave until thoroughly heated through. This makes for a convenient and delicious leftover lunch!
Nutrition
Calories: 511kcal |
Carbohydrates: 23.8g |
Protein: 33.1g |
Fat: 32g |
Cholesterol: 101.7mg |
Sodium: 366.5mg |
Fiber: 2.3g |
Sugar: 3.5g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.