Italian Chicken and Veggies (Foil Pack Meal)

Imagine a meal that’s not only bursting with flavor but also requires minimal cleanup. Enter the Italian Chicken and Veggies (Foil Pack Meal), a delightful medley of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs, all wrapped up in a convenient foil packet. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends, allowing you to savor the essence of Italian cooking without spending hours in the kitchen.

With just a handful of fresh ingredients and a few simple steps, you can create a wholesome and nutritious meal that the whole family will enjoy. Whether you’re cooking on the grill or in the oven, this foil pack meal promises juicy chicken and perfectly roasted veggies, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.

What Makes This Recipe Special

This Italian Chicken and Veggies (Foil Pack Meal) stands out for several reasons. First, it combines lean protein with colorful vegetables, ensuring a balanced meal. The use of fresh herbs and spices adds layers of flavor that elevate the dish beyond your average chicken dinner. Additionally, the foil pack method locks in moisture, resulting in perfectly cooked chicken and tender veggies every time. Plus, you can customize it to your taste, adding or replacing vegetables as you see fit.

What to Buy

To bring this delightful meal to life, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts (1 pound total; sliced to get 4 even 4-ounce pieces)
• 2 cups baby potatoes, diced to 1/2-inch
• 1 green bell pepper, very thinly sliced
• 1 small yellow onion, cut in half and very thinly sliced
• 1 large carrot, cut into matchsticks
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 tablespoon dried basil
• 1/2 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1/2 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 up to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

Equipment Breakdown

Before you embark on this culinary journey, ensure you have the following equipment on hand:

• Aluminum foil: Essential for creating your meal packets.
• Mixing bowl: For tossing your chicken and veggies with the marinade.
• Baking sheet or grill: To cook your foil pack meal.
• Knife and cutting board: For prepping your ingredients.

Italian Chicken and Veggies (Foil Pack Meal), Made Easy

Ready to dive into this easy and delicious recipe? Follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (or prepare your grill). While that’s warming up, wash and chop your vegetables. Dice the baby potatoes, slice the bell pepper, onion, and carrot, and mince the garlic. Once everything is prepped, you’re ready to mix!

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken and Veggies

In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced baby potatoes, sliced bell pepper, onion, carrot, and minced garlic. Drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables and sprinkle in the dried basil, oregano, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the veggies are well coated in the seasoning.

Now, add the sliced chicken breasts to the bowl and gently toss to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the oil and spices as well.

Step 3: Assemble the Foil Packs

Cut four large pieces of aluminum foil (about 12×18 inches each). Place a portion of the marinated chicken and veggies in the center of each piece of foil. Make sure to distribute the ingredients evenly. Top each portion with a tablespoon of unsalted butter.

Step 4: Seal and Cook

Fold the sides of the foil over the chicken and veggies, sealing them tightly to prevent any steam from escaping. Place the foil packs on a baking sheet or directly on the grill.

If you’re using the oven, bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender. On the grill, cook for about 15-20 minutes, adjusting the time based on your grill’s heat.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once done, carefully open the foil packs (watch out for hot steam!) and serve your Italian Chicken and Veggies warm. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Substitutions by Diet

If you have specific dietary requirements or preferences, consider these substitutions:

• Vegetarian: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh and add more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
• Gluten-free: All ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check labels for any pre-packaged items.
• Dairy-free: Substitute unsalted butter with a plant-based butter or olive oil.
• Paleo: Ensure the seasoning is free from additives and use ghee in place of butter.

Author’s Commentary

This Italian Chicken and Veggies (Foil Pack Meal) is one of my favorite go-to recipes for its simplicity and versatility. I love how it can adapt to whatever vegetables I have on hand. The combination of fresh ingredients and Italian herbs creates a deliciously fragrant dish that makes my kitchen feel like a cozy trattoria. Plus, the cleanup is a breeze, which is a big win in my book!

Leftovers & Meal Prep

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This meal reheats well in the microwave or on the stovetop. For meal prep, you can assemble the foil packs ahead of time and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. Just remember to adjust cooking time if starting from cold.

Ask & Learn

Can I cook these foil packs on the grill?

Absolutely! Cooking on the grill adds a lovely smoky flavor. Just make sure to seal the packs tightly to keep the steam in.

What if I don’t have baby potatoes?

You can substitute with regular potatoes, but be sure to cut them smaller to ensure they cook through in the same time as the chicken.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Yes! Fresh herbs can add a vibrant flavor. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

One Pan, More Ideas

If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also love these delicious options:

• Cheesy Italian Sausage Rigatoni
• Creamy Chicken Mushroom Orzo Bake
• Chicken Alfredo Breadbowl

The Takeaway

The Italian Chicken and Veggies (Foil Pack Meal) offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, all while keeping the cooking process simple and clean. This recipe not only nourishes the body but also warms the heart with its comforting taste of Italy. Whether you’re preparing a quick family dinner or entertaining friends, this dish is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, fire up the grill or oven, and enjoy a delicious meal that’s as delightful to eat as it is to prepare!