Create Your Own Foil Packet Meal (Baked or Grilled)

A foil packet meal is an easy, delicious way to cook dinner on the grill or in the oven. You can use different proteins and veggies. This foil packet meal is one of my favorite ways to cook fish. If you don’t like seafood, no worries. You can substitute with chicken, pork, steak, ground beef, etc. 

You’ll love how simple this foil packet meal is to make, the versatility of ingredients, and the ease of cleanup. It’s a win-win for your summer barbecues and get-togethers. 

Create your own textures and flavors using your favorite herbs, spices, sauces and produce. This is one meal you can change up each time you make it. It’s hard to go wrong with this one. 

WHAT YOU’LL NEED FOR YOUR FOIL PACKET MEAL

To create your own foil packet meal you can use a variety of protein, herbs, and vegetables. You’ll of course need aluminum foil to pack everything into. These packet meals allow for each individual to customize their own dish and also make cooking and cleanup a breeze. 

Protein Ideas

Any protein works for these foil packet meals- from chicken to steak to pork etc. Always select high quality, humanely raised, organic meat. And for fish, wild-caught is a better choice than farm-raised. I enjoy using fish whenever we make these foil packet meals. I use either salmon or cod.  

You can also use any of the following proteins:

• Chicken
• Steak
• Pork
• Cod
• Halibut
• Salmon
• Mackerel
• Walleye
• Shrimp
• And more…

Veggie Ideas

You can use either fresh or frozen vegetables. The below list is certainly not exhaustive but will give you some ideas. 

• Bell peppers
• Zucchini
• Squash
• Kale/ Spinach/ Collard Greens
• Brussel Sprouts
• Broccoli
• Green Beans
• Mushrooms
• Carrots
• Chopped Tomatoes
• Cauliflower
• Snow peas
• Onion
• Small Potatoes

Herb/Seasoning Ideas

Fresh and dried herbs work well in these packets along with other spices and sauces. Choose a few from the list below or add your own.  

• Thyme
• Basil
• Oregano
• Parsley
• Rosemary
• Salt 
• Pepper
• Lemon Pepper
• Blackened Pepper
• Garlic Powder
• Curry
• Cayenne
• Lemon Slices
• Olive Oil
• Avocado Oil
• Lemon Juice

HOW TO MAKE A FOIL PACKET MEAL

Once you’ve determined the type of protein, veggies, and herbs you want to use you’re ready to assemble. You can either use an oven or the grill to make these fish packet meals. Depending on what you choose to cook on you’ll want to preheat one or the other to 400°.  

STEP ONE: USE HEAVY DUTY FOIL

Tear off pieces of foil about three times the width of the food you’re cooking. Use heavy-duty foil to hold the weight and avoid any food mishaps. 

STEP TWO: PACK THE FOIL

Stack the food in the middle of the foil piece. You can start with the protein and build on top and around it with veggies, herbs, seasonings, and sauces. As I mentioned, I like cooking fish in these foil packets. When I make this I season the fish first by itself, then add veggies and fresh herbs on top and around, and then season again.  

STEP THREE: FOLD AND COOK

Once you’ve created your foil pack, you’ll fold and crimp the edges of the foil together for a tight seal. Be sure to leave room for steam to build up.

Finally, if baking in the oven, place the foil packet meals on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 20-30 minutes depending on the type of protein you select. If grilling, place the foil packet meals directly on the grill and cook for 20-30 minutes.

STEP FOUR: OPEN SLOWLY, CHECK DONENESS, & ENJOY!

You’ll want to open the packs slowly as to not burn yourself from the escaping steam. Vegetables should feel soft when they are thoroughly cooked. 

To check the protein, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the fish, poultry, pork, or beef. For food safety, the meat thermometer should register the following: 

• Fish, pork, and steak- 145℉
• Ground beef-  160℉
• Poultry- 165℉

Looking For More Healthy Dinner Ideas?

Want more healthy, delicious dinner ideas? Check out these recipes:

• Flavorful Turkey Stuffed Poblano Peppers
• Delicious Greek Chicken Kebabs [6 Ingredient Marinade]
• Honey Lime Vegetarian Taco Recipe (Sweet Potatoes, Beans, and Corn)