Save to Pinterest Juicy chicken breast, vibrant vegetables, and classic Greek flavors are wrapped in foil and baked to perfection. This zesty, healthy meal is ideal for easy weeknight dinners or grilling outdoors, offering a Mediterranean escape right from your own kitchen.
Save to Pinterest The magic of this recipe lies in the marinade. By combining extra-virgin olive oil with fresh lemon juice, zest, and garlic, you create a flavor base that tenderizes the chicken while seasoning the peppers, zucchini, and onions. As the packets bake, the cherry tomatoes and Kalamata olives release their juices, creating a delicious sauce that keeps everything moist and flavorful.
Ingredients
- Protein: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 150 g each)
- Vegetables: 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
- Marinade & Flavors: 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 tsp dried oregano, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper, Zest of 1 lemon
- Garnish: 100 g feta cheese (crumbled), Fresh parsley (chopped), Lemon wedges
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
Using heavy-duty aluminum foil is essential to prevent the packets from tearing when you flip them on the grill or move them from the baking sheet. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) for safety and the best texture.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For extra heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade. You can also substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless thighs if you prefer darker meat. Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like sliced eggplant or mushrooms to make the dish your own.
Serviervorschläge
While these packets are a complete meal on their own, they pair beautifully with a side of fluffy rice, quinoa, or warm pita bread. The bread is particularly useful for soaking up the zesty lemon and garlic juices left in the bottom of the foil.
Save to Pinterest Whether you enjoy this meal fresh off the grill or straight from the oven, it provides a light yet satisfying dinner that brings the bright, sunny flavors of Greece directly to your table.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of chicken works best for this dish?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for even cooking and absorbing marinade flavors, but thighs can be used for a juicier result.
- → Can these packets be grilled instead of baked?
Yes, grilling on medium-high heat works well and adds a smoky flavor while keeping the chicken tender and vegetables crisp.
- → How long should the chicken marinate?
Marinate for at least 10 minutes up to 1 hour to enhance flavor and tenderness.
- → Are there suggested vegetable substitutions?
Eggplant or mushrooms can be added or swapped with existing vegetables to vary texture and taste.
- → What side dishes pair well with these packets?
Serve with rice, quinoa, or warm pita bread to complete the meal and soak up the flavorful juices.
- → Is this meal suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, it is naturally gluten-free; just ensure any side dishes or additional ingredients follow gluten-free standards.