Save Experience the vibrant and refreshing flavors of the Mediterranean with these Greek Chicken and Veggie Foil Packets. This dish combines juicy, marinated chicken breasts with a colorful medley of bell peppers, zucchini, red onions, and briny Kalamata olives. It is a perfect solution for those seeking a healthy, high-protein dinner that doesn't compromise on taste or require hours of cleanup.
Save The magic of this recipe lies in the simple yet potent marinade of extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon, garlic, and oregano. As the packets bake or grill, the ingredients steam together, allowing the chicken to stay incredibly moist while infusing the vegetables with aromatic herbs and zesty citrus notes.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 150 g each)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into rounds
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 200 g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 100 g pitted Kalamata olives
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 100 g feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Additional lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F), or preheat a grill to medium-high heat.
- Step 2
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Step 3
- Place the chicken breasts in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken and toss to coat. Let marinate for at least 10 minutes (up to 1 hour for best flavor).
- Step 4
- Prepare four large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil (about 30 cm x 40 cm each).
- Step 5
- Divide the sliced peppers, zucchini, onion, tomatoes, and olives evenly among the foil sheets, placing them in the center of each.
- Step 6
- Place a marinated chicken breast on top of each pile of vegetables. Drizzle with the remaining marinade.
- Step 7
- Fold the foil over the chicken and vegetables to create a sealed packet. Place packets on a baking sheet (if using oven) or directly on the grill grates.
- Step 8
- Bake or grill for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 74°C/165°F).
- Step 9
- Carefully open the foil packets (beware of hot steam). Top each with crumbled feta and fresh parsley. Serve with extra lemon wedges.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
These packets are excellent for meal prep; you can assemble them ahead of time and keep them refrigerated until you are ready to cook. Always use heavy-duty aluminum foil to ensure the packets stay sealed and hold the steam effectively during the cooking process.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a different flavor profile, try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade for a bit of heat. You can also substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless thighs or add other seasonal vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant to the mix.
Serviervorschläge
To turn this into a more substantial meal, serve the contents of the foil packets over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa. They also pair beautifully with warm pita bread, which is perfect for soaking up the flavorful lemon-garlic juices.
Save With its combination of lean protein, fresh vegetables, and bold Greek spices, this foil packet meal is as satisfying as it is simple. Whether enjoyed as a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy lunch option, it brings a taste of the Mediterranean directly to your plate with minimal effort and maximum reward.
Recipe FAQ Section
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can replace breasts for a juicier texture and richer flavor.
- → How do I prevent the foil packets from leaking?
Ensure foil is folded tightly and double layers can be used to secure juices during cooking.
- → Is grilling better than baking for this dish?
Both methods work well; grilling adds a smoky touch, while baking ensures even cooking indoors.
- → Can I prepare the packets ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the packets and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking.
- → What sides pair well with these foil packets?
Serve with rice, quinoa, or warm pita bread to complement the flavors and complete the meal.