Lemon Chicken Foil Packets

Lemon Chicken Foil Packets are the perfect solution for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner. Bursting with flavor and made with minimal cleanup, these foil packets are an ideal choice for busy evenings or when you want to impress your family with a delightful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Juicy chicken breasts, tender baby potatoes, and fragrant herbs come together beautifully, all sealed in a foil packet that locks in moisture and flavor. Let’s dive into this simple yet satisfying recipe that is sure to become a household favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Lemon Chicken Foil Packets recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly convenient. Here are a few reasons why you’ll fall in love with it:

• Easy Cleanup: Cooking in foil means less mess to clean up afterward!
• Flavorful: The combination of lemon, garlic, and Italian seasoning creates a mouthwatering dish.
• Versatile: You can customize the veggies and seasonings to suit your taste.
• Healthy: Packed with lean protein and veggies, it’s a nutritious meal for the whole family.

Shopping List

Before you start cooking, gather these ingredients to make your Lemon Chicken Foil Packets:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ½ cup olive oil
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (divided)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (divided)
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper (divided)
• ½ teaspoon ground paprika (divided)
• 4 cups baby potatoes (sliced into ½ inch rounds)
• 1 onion (sliced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 lemon (sliced)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)

Essential Tools for Success

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, prepare these essential tools:

• Aluminum Foil: For wrapping your packets securely.
• Mixing Bowl: To combine your marinade ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: For slicing vegetables and chicken.
• Cutting Board: A must-have for safe and effective chopping.
• Baking Sheet: To hold the foil packets in the oven.

Lemon Chicken Foil Packets Made Stepwise

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your chicken and vegetables cook evenly and efficiently.

Step 2: Prepare the Marinade

In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon of paprika. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in the bowl with the marinade. Coat them thoroughly with the mixture, ensuring every side is covered. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken as it cooks.

Step 4: Assemble the Veggies

On a large piece of aluminum foil, layer the sliced baby potatoes, onion, and minced garlic. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top and sprinkle with the remaining Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and paprika. Toss the vegetables gently to coat them evenly.

Step 5: Add the Chicken

Place the marinated chicken breasts on top of the vegetable mixture. Lay lemon slices on top of the chicken for an extra burst of flavor.

Step 6: Add Butter

Cut the unsalted butter into small pieces and place them on top of the chicken and veggies. This will melt as the chicken cooks, adding richness to the dish.

Step 7: Seal the Packets

Fold the sides of the aluminum foil over the chicken and vegetables to create a sealed packet. Make sure there are no openings so that steam can’t escape.

Step 8: Bake

Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. The chicken should be fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and the potatoes should be tender.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Carefully open the packets (watch out for steam!) and serve the Lemon Chicken Foil Packets directly on plates. You can garnish with additional lemon slices or fresh herbs if desired.

Allergy-Friendly Swaps

If you have specific dietary needs, here are some easy swaps to make this dish fit your lifestyle:

• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy it without any modifications.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute the unsalted butter with a dairy-free alternative like vegan butter or olive oil.
• Paleo: Skip the butter and choose sweet potatoes instead of baby potatoes for a paleo-friendly option.
• Low-Carb: Use cauliflower florets instead of potatoes for a low-carb variation.

Pro Perspective

When it comes to making Lemon Chicken Foil Packets, the key is to ensure your ingredients are evenly distributed in the foil. This allows for even cooking and prevents any one area from becoming overcooked. Additionally, feel free to customize your veggies based on what you have available. Bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus would all make excellent additions!

Best Ways to Store

If you happen to have leftovers (though we doubt it!), here’s how to store them:

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken and veggies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: To reheat, place in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
• Freeze: You can freeze the cooked chicken and vegetables for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Lemon Chicken Foil Packets Q&A

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are recommended for even cooking, you can use bone-in chicken. Just be aware that it will take longer to cook, so adjust your baking time accordingly.

What other vegetables can I add to the packets?

Feel free to get creative! Bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli, and carrots are all excellent options that pair well with the lemony flavor.

Can I make these packets on the grill?

Absolutely! Lemon Chicken Foil Packets can be cooked on the grill. Just place them on a grill-safe surface and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Yes! You can replace the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh and use a variety of vegetables for a delicious vegetarian alternative.

Looking for some more quick and easy dinner ideas? Check out these delicious recipes:

The Takeaway

Lemon Chicken Foil Packets are a delicious and hassle-free meal option that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can have a wholesome dinner on the table in no time. The bright flavors of lemon and herbs combined with juicy chicken and tender potatoes make this dish a delightful experience. So why not give it a try? Your next family dinner could be just a foil packet away!