Lemon Chicken Foil Packets
The ultimate comfort food, Lemon Chicken Foil Packets bring together tender chicken, flavorful veggies, and a zesty kick of lemon. This easy weeknight dinner is packed with flavor and is a breeze to prepare. Perfect for busy nights or when you want something delicious without the fuss!
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Oven
- Mixing Bowl
- Frying Pan
- Chef's Knife
Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ¼ 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 ¼ inch rounds
- 1 piece onion sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 piece lemon sliced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375℉. This is a crucial first step to ensure your chicken cooks evenly. The preheating process readies your oven to roast the packets perfectly.
- Season the chicken breasts with ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper, ¼ teaspoon of ground paprika, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Make sure you rub the seasonings well into the meat, allowing the flavors to penetrate. This step is vital for a juicy and flavorful outcome.
- Set the seasoned chicken aside. In a large bowl, add the potatoes, onion, garlic, and olive oil. Toss them together with the remaining seasonings. You want to ensure that everything is coated evenly with the oil and spices. This will enhance the flavors and promote even cooking.
- Now, grab 4 pieces of nonstick foil, each large enough to enclose one packet. Spray the middle of each sheet with nonstick spray. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
- To each sheet, place ¼ of the potato mixture in the center. Spread it out to create a bed for the chicken. This layering ensures the chicken cooks efficiently and absorbs all the flavors from the veggies.
- Top each potato mixture with a seasoned chicken breast, a couple of lemon slices, and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. The butter will melt during cooking, adding a rich flavor to the dish.
- Next, fold the left and right sides of the foil towards the center to overlap. This seals in the steam, allowing the chicken and veggies to cook in their own juices.
- Roll down the top and bottom edges of the foil tightly to finish sealing the packet. Repeat with the remaining ingredients. Make sure each packet is securely sealed; this is key for capturing the steam and flavor.
- Transfer the packets to a sheet pan. Bake for 35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender. The smell that fills your kitchen at this point is just irresistible!
- Once baked, carefully open each packet (watch out for the steam!) and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the wonderful combination of flavors in your Lemon Chicken Foil Packets!
Notes
- Tip 1: Cutting the potatoes evenly (into ¼-inch rounds) ensures they cook at the same rate as the chicken. Uneven slices can lead to undercooked potatoes.
- Tip 2: Make sure to spray the middle of each sheet of foil with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Tip 3: Remember that each foil packet is for one serving, so stuff accordingly.
- Tip 4: You can check the chicken's doneness by sticking a meat thermometer into the thickest part. If it reads at least 165°F, then you’re good to go!
- Tip 5: I recommend letting the packets rest for 5 minutes after baking before opening. This allows the juices to redistribute and prevents dry chicken.
- Tip 6: To cook these foil packets on the grill, place them on a hot grill and cook for about 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender.