This recipe is incredibly straightforward, making it perfect for busy weeknights or even camping trips. Follow these simple steps to create flavorful and healthy Savory Chicken and Veggie Foil Packs:

1. Preheat your Grill or Oven: Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F or 200°C). If you’re using an oven, preheat it to the same temperature. Preheating ensures that the foil packs cook evenly and efficiently. For grilling, make sure the grates are clean to prevent sticking. For oven baking, position a rack in the center of the oven for even heat distribution.
2. Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and prepare all your vegetables. Core, seed, and slice the bell peppers into strips. Peel and slice the onion into wedges. Trim and slice the zucchini into half-moons. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Cut the broccoli head into small, bite-sized florets. Consistent sizes for the vegetables will ensure they cook at a similar rate. Consider dicing vegetables smaller if you prefer them softer, or larger if you like them with more bite.
3. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Ensure the chicken pieces are roughly uniform in size for even cooking. Patting the chicken dry with paper towels before cubing can help it brown slightly and absorb the marinade better. If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs for a richer flavor and more forgiving cooking, but adjust cooking time accordingly as thighs may take slightly longer.
4. Combine Ingredients in a Large Bowl: In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken, sliced bell peppers, onion wedges, zucchini half-moons, halved cherry tomatoes, and broccoli florets. Using a large bowl gives you ample space to toss everything together without making a mess. Make sure the bowl is clean and dry before adding the ingredients.
5. Drizzle with Olive Oil and Season: Drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables and chicken in the bowl. Then, sprinkle the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly over the mixture. The olive oil helps the seasonings adhere to the ingredients and also adds moisture during cooking. Don’t be shy with the seasonings – they are key to the savory flavor of the dish. For a spicier kick, you could add a pinch of red pepper flakes at this stage.
6. Toss to Coat Evenly: Using your hands or tongs, toss all the ingredients together until the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated with the olive oil and seasonings. Ensure that every piece of chicken and vegetable is touched by the seasoning mixture for maximum flavor. Tossing ensures even distribution and prevents clumps of seasoning in one area.
7. Prepare the Foil Packs: Cut large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil. You will need two sheets per foil pack for extra durability and to prevent tearing. Layer two sheets of foil on top of each other for each pack you plan to make. The size of the foil should be large enough to enclose a generous portion of the chicken and vegetables with room to seal the edges.
8. Assemble the Foil Packs: Divide the seasoned chicken and vegetable mixture evenly among the prepared foil sheets. Place a portion of the mixture in the center of each double foil sheet. Avoid overfilling the foil packs, as this can make them difficult to seal and cook unevenly. Leave some space around the edges for proper sealing.
9. Seal the Foil Packs: To seal each foil pack, bring the long sides of the foil together over the mixture and fold them over several times, creating a tight seal. Then, fold in the short ends to create a completely sealed packet. The goal is to create an airtight seal to trap steam and cook the ingredients effectively. Make sure the seals are secure to prevent steam from escaping during cooking.
10. Grill or Bake:
    • Grilling: Place the foil packs directly on the preheated grill grates. Grill for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender-crisp. The exact grilling time may vary depending on the heat of your grill and the thickness of the chicken pieces. Check for doneness by carefully opening one foil pack and inserting a meat thermometer into a chicken piece – it should register 165°F (74°C).
    • Baking: Place the foil packs on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender-crisp. Baking time can also vary slightly depending on your oven. Again, check for doneness by opening a foil pack and using a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
11. Rest and Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the foil packs from the grill or oven. Let them rest for 5 minutes before opening. Resting allows the juices to redistribute within the chicken, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat. Be very cautious when opening the foil packs, as hot steam will escape. Open carefully, away from your face.
12. Garnish and Serve: Open the foil packs and garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious and healthy Savory Chicken and Veggie Foil Packs! You can serve them directly in the foil packs for easy cleanup or transfer the contents to plates.