Description
Chicken Veggie Packets are an easy, healthy, and flavorful main-course dish. Boneless chicken breasts are topped with fresh mushrooms, baby carrots, pearl onions, and julienned red peppers, all wrapped in foil with aromatic thyme and baked until juicy and tender. This hands-off meal is perfect for busy weeknights, offering both protein and veggies in every vibrant packet.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Packets
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4 ounces each)
- 1/2 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
- 1–1/2 cups fresh baby carrots
- 1 cup pearl onions
- 1/2 cup julienned sweet red pepper
For Seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 3 teaspoons minced fresh thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, optional
For Serving
- Lemon wedges, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the packets cook evenly and thoroughly once assembled.
- Flatten the Chicken: Place each chicken breast half between two pieces of plastic wrap or wax paper. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently flatten to 1/2-inch thickness. This helps the chicken cook quickly and uniformly.
- Assemble the Packets: Lay out four pieces of heavy-duty foil, each about 12 inches square. Place one flattened chicken breast in the center of each foil square. Evenly divide the mushrooms, baby carrots, pearl onions, and sweet red pepper among the four packets, layering the veggies on top of the chicken.
- Season Everything: Sprinkle each packet with pepper, minced fresh thyme, and, if desired, salt for extra flavor.
- Seal the Packets: Fold the foil around the chicken and vegetables, crimping the edges to seal tightly. This keeps moisture in and ensures everything steams perfectly.
- Bake: Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and transfer to the preheated oven. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken juices run clear and the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve: Carefully open the foil packets (beware of hot steam!). If you like, serve with lemon wedges on the side for a fresh, zesty finish.
Notes
- For even more flavor, add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to each packet before sealing.
- You can substitute other sturdy vegetables like zucchini or green beans if desired.
- If using frozen pearl onions, thaw before assembling the packets.
- Heavy-duty foil is recommended to prevent tearing or leaking during baking.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 packet
- Calories: 175
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 63mg