Here’s my go-to honey mustard chicken foil packets recipe, combining tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a simple homemade honey mustard sauce, all wrapped up in foil for easy cooking and cleanup.
These foil packets have become my family’s favorite weeknight dinner solution, especially during busy school nights. I often prepare extra packets to send with my husband for lunch the next day. Nothing better than a home-cooked meal that practically makes itself, right?
Why You’ll Love These Honey Mustard Chicken Foil Packets
- Easy cleanup – Since everything cooks in foil packets, there’s practically zero dishes to wash – just toss the foil when you’re done!
- Quick prep time – With just 10 minutes of prep and simple ingredients you probably already have, these foil packets come together in a snap.
- Perfect for camping or grilling – You can make these packets on the grill, over a campfire, or in your oven – making them super flexible for any cooking situation.
- Complete meal in one packet – Each packet contains your protein and potatoes, coated in a sweet-tangy honey mustard sauce – no need to cook separate sides!
What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?
While this recipe calls for chicken breast tenders, you’ve got some flexibility here. Regular chicken breasts work just as well – just cut them into similar-sized pieces as you would get with tenders. If you’re looking for meat with a bit more flavor and moisture, chicken thighs are a great alternative and they’re actually more forgiving if you accidentally cook them a little longer. For the best results, try to cut your chicken pieces into roughly equal sizes (about 1-1.5 inches) so they cook evenly in the foil packets. And remember, whether you’re using breast meat or thighs, make sure your chicken is fresh and hasn’t been sitting in the fridge for too long – fresher chicken will give you better texture and flavor.
Options for Substitutions
This easy foil packet recipe can be adapted with several simple swaps:
- Chicken breast tenders: You can use regular chicken breasts cut into strips, or swap with chicken thighs for juicier results. Just make sure to cut the pieces similarly sized for even cooking.
- Baby potatoes: Any potato variety works here – red potatoes, Yukon golds, or regular russets cut into small chunks. Sweet potatoes are also a tasty alternative, though they might cook a bit faster.
- Honey: Maple syrup makes a good substitute, or try agave nectar. You might need to adjust the amount slightly since these alternatives can be sweeter than honey.
- Dijon mustard: Whole grain mustard works great, or use all yellow mustard in a pinch. Stone ground mustard is another good option that adds nice texture.
- Italian herbs: Don’t have the mix? Use any combination of dried basil, oregano, and thyme. Fresh herbs work too – just double the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
- Garlic and onion powder: Fresh minced garlic (2 cloves) and finely diced onions (1/4 cup) can replace the powders. Just scatter them evenly in each packet.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
The biggest challenge when making foil packets is uneven cooking – cutting your chicken and potatoes into consistently-sized pieces (about 1-inch chunks) ensures everything cooks at the same rate and prevents some portions from being overdone while others remain raw. Another common mistake is not sealing the foil packets properly – make sure to fold the edges tightly to create an airtight seal that traps the steam and keeps the honey mustard sauce from leaking out during cooking. To prevent sticking, don’t forget to give your foil a good coating of cooking spray before adding ingredients, and always let the packets rest for 5 minutes after cooking before opening them (the steam inside is super hot and can cause burns). For the best results, place the packets on the middle rack of your grill or oven, as direct high heat can burn the honey in the sauce before the chicken is fully cooked.
What to Serve With Honey Mustard Chicken Foil Packets?
Since these foil packets already include chicken and potatoes, you’ll want some fresh veggies or a light salad to round out the meal. A simple green salad with cucumber and tomatoes works perfectly, or try some steamed broccoli that can soak up any extra honey mustard sauce from the packet. If you’re eating outdoors (these are great for camping!), corn on the cob makes an excellent side dish – you can even throw it on the grill or campfire right alongside your foil packets. For a quick and easy option, some crusty bread or dinner rolls are great for mopping up the tasty sauce.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: These honey mustard chicken foil packets are perfect for meal prep! Once cooked, transfer the contents to an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually get better as they sit together, making the leftovers extra tasty.
Make Ahead: You can prep these packets up to 24 hours in advance – just assemble everything in the foil packets, seal them up tight, and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. It’s such a time-saver for busy weeknights or camping trips!
Warm Up: To reheat your leftovers, pop them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. You can also wrap everything back up in foil and heat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until everything’s heated through. Just add a splash of water before reheating to keep the chicken moist.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 20-25 minutes |
| Total Time | 30-40 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 1500-1700
- Protein: 130-150 g
- Fat: 30-40 g
- Carbohydrates: 190-210 g
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds chicken breast tenders, chopped into small pieces
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes, diced into small chunks
- 1/3 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon classic yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon mixed italian herbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Step 1: Prepare the Honey Mustard and Spice Mixtures
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, and yellow mustard until well combined.
In a second small bowl, whisk together the salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Set both mixtures aside for later use.
Step 2: Preheat Cooking Device
Decide on your cooking method.
You can either preheat the grill to medium-high heat or set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
Step 3: Prepare the Foil Packets
Tear off 4 sheets of foil, each about 12 inches long.
Spray each sheet with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking during cooking.
Step 4: Assemble the Chicken and Potato Packets
In the center of each prepared foil sheet, layer the potatoes and chicken evenly.
Sprinkle the spice mixture over the potatoes and chicken for flavor.
Drizzle the honey mustard mixture evenly across each packet, ensuring the ingredients are well coated.
Step 5: Wrap and Cook the Foil Packets
Fold the sides of each foil sheet over the chicken and potato mixture to create a sealed packet.
If using the oven, place the packets on a baking sheet.
Bake or grill the foil packets for 20-25 minutes.
Verify that the chicken is done by checking for an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (75 degrees Celsius).
Step 6: Serve
Once cooked through, carefully open the foil packets, taking care to avoid any escaping steam.
Serve the contents hot and enjoy your flavorful, easy-to-make meal!