Zesty Chicken Parmesan Foil Packets
Discover a delightful twist on a classic dish with these Zesty Chicken Parmesan Foil Packets. This easy and convenient recipe combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with rich pasta sauce, fresh zucchini, and a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Cooking everything in foil packets ensures that the flavors meld beautifully while keeping the chicken moist and flavorful. Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend BBQs, this dish is both a crowd-pleaser and a hassle-free way to enjoy the comforting tastes of Chicken Parmesan. Serve it over pasta or enjoy it straight from the grill for a delightful meal that’s sure to impress!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 (none)
pasta sauce
1 cup (none)
zucchini
2 medium (sliced)
Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (grated)
mozzarella cheese
1 cup (shredded)
Instructions
1
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2
Cut four pieces of foil into 12x18-inch sheets and lightly spray each with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
3
Place one boneless, skinless chicken breast at the center of each sheet of foil.
4
Spoon 1/4 cup of your favorite pasta sauce over each chicken breast, ensuring even coverage.
5
Add a generous amount of sliced zucchini or broccoli florets on top of the sauce-covered chicken.
6
Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese over each packet, ensuring a cheesy finish.
7
Bring the sides of the foil up and over the chicken, then double fold the top and ends to seal each packet tightly, leaving some space for steam circulation.
8
Place the foil packets on the preheated grill and close the lid. Grill for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 170°F (77°C) at the thickest part.
9
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully cut a small slit in the top of each packet to release steam. Be cautious of the hot steam!
10
For an elevated presentation, you may serve the chicken directly in the foil packets or transfer it to a bed of cooked pasta, topping with shredded mozzarella cheese before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Chicken Parmesan Foil Packets?
They are a convenient and easy twist on classic Chicken Parmesan, combining chicken breasts, pasta sauce, zucchini, and cheese cooked inside individual foil packets.
How many chicken breasts are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
How much pasta sauce should I use per packet?
Spoon 1/4 cup of your favorite pasta sauce over each chicken breast.
What size should the foil sheets be?
Cut four pieces of foil into 12x18-inch sheets.
How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the foil?
Lightly spray each sheet of foil with non-stick spray before placing the chicken on it.
Where do I place the chicken on the foil sheet?
Place one chicken breast at the center of each foil sheet.
What vegetables can I add to the packets?
You can use sliced zucchini or broccoli florets on top of the sauce-covered chicken.
How much Parmesan cheese is added to each packet?
Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese over each packet.
How do I seal the foil packets correctly?
Bring the sides of the foil up and over the chicken, then double fold the top and ends to seal tightly, leaving space for steam.
What temperature should the grill be set to?
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
How long do the packets need to grill?
Grill the packets for 15-20 minutes with the lid closed.
What is the safe internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 170°F (77°C) at its thickest part.
How should I open the packets after cooking?
Carefully cut a small slit in the top of each packet to release the hot steam before fully opening.
Can I serve this dish with pasta?
Yes, you can transfer the chicken to a bed of cooked pasta for an elevated presentation.
When do I add the mozzarella cheese?
Top the chicken with shredded mozzarella cheese just before serving.
How many zucchinis are needed?
The recipe requires 2 medium zucchinis, sliced.
What is the total amount of mozzarella cheese used?
You will need 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese in total.
Is this recipe suitable for a BBQ?
Yes, these foil packets are perfect for weekend BBQs and outdoor grilling.
What is the main benefit of cooking in foil packets?
It ensures flavors meld beautifully while keeping the chicken moist and flavorful with minimal cleanup.
Can I use broccoli instead of zucchini?
Yes, broccoli florets are a great alternative vegetable for this recipe.
How much total pasta sauce is needed for the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 cup of pasta sauce in total.
How much total Parmesan cheese is needed?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese in total.
Should the grill lid be open or closed?
The grill lid should be closed while the packets are cooking.
Can I serve the chicken directly in the foil?
Yes, you can serve it straight from the foil packets for a casual and easy meal.
What kind of chicken preparation is required?
No special preparation is needed; just use boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
Why do I need to leave space for steam circulation?
Leaving space inside the sealed packet allows steam to circulate and cook the food evenly.
Is this recipe good for weeknight dinners?
Yes, it is designed to be a hassle-free and quick weeknight dinner option.
What is the preparation for the zucchini?
The zucchini should be sliced before being added to the packets.
Does this recipe use grated or shredded Parmesan?
The recipe specifically calls for grated Parmesan cheese.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients: chicken breasts, pasta sauce, zucchini, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese.