Baked Chicken And Veggie Foil Packs
Highlighted under: Fast Family Favorites
I love making Baked Chicken and Veggie Foil Packs because they combine convenience with vibrant flavors. Each pack is a complete meal that cooks together, sealing in all the delicious juices and nutrients. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue. The best part is how customizable they are; you can use whatever veggies you have on hand and adjust the seasoning to match your taste. Plus, cleanup is a breeze since everything cooks in foil!
When I first tried making Baked Chicken and Veggie Foil Packs, I was amazed at how easy and flavorful they turned out to be! I started by prepping all my ingredients, ensuring each piece of chicken was evenly coated with the seasoning mix. I found that marinating the chicken briefly adds extra flavor without any fuss.
As I placed everything in the foil, I realized how versatile this dish can be. I often mix different vegetables based on what’s fresh in my fridge, which keeps the recipe exciting. Using fresh herbs adds a lovely aroma and a pop of color to the packs!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- One-pan cleanup makes it a no-fuss meal solution
- Customizable with your favorite vegetables
- Packed with flavor and nutrients for a healthy dinner
Ingredient Insights
The choice of vegetables in Baked Chicken and Veggie Foil Packs is crucial for achieving a balance of flavors and textures. Bell peppers add sweetness and color, while zucchini contributes a mild taste and a tender bite. Cherry tomatoes burst with juiciness, infusing the dish with bright acidity. Feel free to swap in seasonal vegetables—like asparagus in spring or root vegetables in winter—depending on what you have on hand.
Using quality chicken breasts is another key factor. Opt for organic or free-range chicken if possible, as these often have better flavor and texture. When seasoning the chicken, ensure it is evenly coated for consistent flavor throughout. You can also let the chicken marinate in the seasoning mixture for 30 minutes to intensify the taste before assembling your foil packs.
Techniques for Perfect Cooking
Ensuring even cooking is essential for juicy chicken. By assembling the chicken and veggies in a single layer in the foil, you allow for more uniform heat distribution. If your chicken breasts are quite thick, you might consider pounding them to an even thickness using a meat mallet—this will promote even cooking and prevent dryness.
While baking, keep an eye on the clock, but also check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. If you’re using frozen chicken, extend the baking time by 10-15 minutes, but keep an eye on the texture of the vegetables, ensuring they don’t become too soft.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to get started:
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups of mixed bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup of zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Once you have everything prepared, you’re all set to start cooking!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your foil packs:
Prepare the Foil Packs
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut four large pieces of aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet.
Season the Chicken
In a bowl, mix the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Coat each chicken breast with the seasoning mixture.
Assemble the Packs
Place one chicken breast in the center of each foil piece. Surround it with the sliced bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle a little extra olive oil on the veggies.
Seal and Bake
Bring the sides of the foil together and fold to seal tightly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
Serve and Enjoy
Carefully open the foil packs (watch out for steam) and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately for a delicious, healthy meal!
Enjoy your Baked Chicken and Veggie Foil Packs!
Pro Tips
- Feel free to use your favorite vegetables or whatever is in season. This recipe is very forgiving and works well with different proteins too!
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
One of the great advantages of these foil packs is their make-ahead potential. You can prep the chicken and veggies a day in advance. Just season the chicken and place it in the fridge securely covered in the foil. When it’s time to cook, you can bake them straight from the fridge, but be sure to add about 5-10 extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure everything cooks through.
If you have leftover packed meals, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the foil pack back in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for around 15-20 minutes, until everything is warmed through. Avoid microwaving in foil; instead, transfer the contents to a microwave-safe dish.
Serving Suggestions
These Baked Chicken and Veggie Foil Packs are versatile and can easily be paired with various sides for a complete meal. Consider serving them with a refreshing salad or a grain side like quinoa or brown rice to soak up the flavorful juices. For a low-carb option, a light cauliflower rice works wonderfully as well.
You can also elevate the meal with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of feta cheese over the top just before serving. Not only do these add a delightful tang, but they also enhance the dish visually. Adding fresh herbs or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors perfectly and brings a delightful freshness to the table.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I prepare these foil packs in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the packs ahead of time and keep them in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking.
→ What other vegetables can I use?
You can use broccoli, asparagus, carrots, or even corn—get creative with what you have on hand!
→ Can I cook these on the grill?
Absolutely! Just place the sealed foil packs directly on the grill over medium heat and cook for about 20-25 minutes.
→ How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). A meat thermometer is a handy tool for this.
Baked Chicken And Veggie Foil Packs
I love making Baked Chicken and Veggie Foil Packs because they combine convenience with vibrant flavors. Each pack is a complete meal that cooks together, sealing in all the delicious juices and nutrients. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue. The best part is how customizable they are; you can use whatever veggies you have on hand and adjust the seasoning to match your taste. Plus, cleanup is a breeze since everything cooks in foil!
Created by: Lucy Bennett
Recipe Type: Fast Family Favorites
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups of mixed bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup of zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut four large pieces of aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet.
In a bowl, mix the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Coat each chicken breast with the seasoning mixture.
Place one chicken breast in the center of each foil piece. Surround it with the sliced bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle a little extra olive oil on the veggies.
Bring the sides of the foil together and fold to seal tightly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
Carefully open the foil packs (watch out for steam) and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately for a delicious, healthy meal!
Extra Tips
- Feel free to use your favorite vegetables or whatever is in season. This recipe is very forgiving and works well with different proteins too!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 460mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 32g