If you’re craving a dinner that feels fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor while keeping things healthy, you absolutely need to try this Low-Carb Grilled Chicken and Vegetable Foil Packets Recipe. It’s the perfect weeknight meal or camping treat that combines juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken pieces with a colorful mix of marinated vegetables, all cooked in foil packets to lock in moisture and taste. The simplicity of the ingredients and ease of preparation make it a go-to for anyone who loves that grilled smokiness without carb overload. You’ll fall in love with how each bite balances tangy, savory, and charred goodness in the best way possible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started on the Low-Carb Grilled Chicken and Vegetable Foil Packets Recipe is a breeze with just a handful of fresh, simple ingredients. Each one is thoughtfully chosen to provide a vibrant pop of color, balanced texture, or zesty flavor that makes these foil packets truly sing.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, easy to cut and quick to grill while staying juicy.
- Red or green bell peppers: Add sweetness and crunch with a splash of bright color.
- Small red onions: Bring mild sweetness and lovely caramelized edges as they cook.
- Medium zucchini: Offers tender, slightly crisp texture that soaks up the marinade beautifully.
- Newman’s Own Classic Oil and Vinegar Dressing: A zesty, balanced base that keeps the marinade light but flavorful.
- Zesty Italian Dressing Mix: Packs a punch of herbs and spices to elevate your chicken and veggies.
- Parmesan cheese (optional): A gratifyingly salty topping that melts into the hot packets just perfectly.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Brightens the dish at the end with a burst of herbal freshness.
How to Make Low-Carb Grilled Chicken and Vegetable Foil Packets Recipe
Step 1: Cut the chicken into pieces
Start by slicing those boneless, skinless chicken breasts into manageable 1-inch pieces. This helps them cook evenly and soak up all the marinade flavors faster. Plus, bite-sized chicken is always easier and more fun to eat!
Step 2: Prepare the marinade
In a bowl, whisk together Newman’s Own Classic Oil and Vinegar Dressing with the Zesty Italian Dressing Mix. This combo creates a tangy, herb-packed marinade that perfectly complements the mild flavor of the chicken and the fresh veggies.
Step 3: Marinate the chicken
Place the chicken pieces into a Ziploc bag or airtight container and pour in the marinade. Seal it up and give it a good shake to coat everything. Let it chill in the fridge for several hours to really let those flavors infuse. This step is key for tender and flavorful bites.
Step 4: Prepare and marinate the vegetables
While the chicken is soaking up that delicious marinade, chop your bell peppers, red onions, and zucchini into bite-sized chunks. Toss them in some of the same marinade and let them sit for 1 to 2 hours. This keeps the vegetables crisp yet flavorful once grilled.
Step 5: Assemble your foil packets
Grab sturdy aluminum foil sheets and lay out a beautiful mix of marinated chicken and vegetables on each. Make sure to divide everything evenly so each packet cooks uniformly. Fold the foil securely to keep all those delicious juices locked in during grilling.
Step 6: Grill the packets
Place your foil packets directly on a preheated grill or campfire grate. Cook for about 20 minutes, turning once halfway through to ensure even cooking. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is no longer pink inside, and the vegetables are tender but still carry a slight bite.
Step 7: Add finishing touches and serve
Carefully open each foil packet and sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top while still piping hot—this melts to create a lovely cheesy crust. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a final burst of color and freshness right before serving.
How to Serve Low-Carb Grilled Chicken and Vegetable Foil Packets Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond the Parmesan and parsley, feel free to add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra zing. These little touches elevate the natural flavors and add a personal flair that your guests or family will appreciate.
Side Dishes
This Low-Carb Grilled Chicken and Vegetable Foil Packets Recipe is a complete meal on its own but pairs beautifully with light side dishes like a fresh garden salad, cauliflower rice, or garlic sautéed spinach. These options keep the meal low-carb while adding variety to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving a crowd or want to impress, serve the packets in their foil on individual plates and encourage everyone to unwrap their own. It makes for a fun, interactive dining experience. Alternatively, you can transfer the contents to rustic wooden boards or colorful serving platters for a family-style feast filled with enticing aromas and vibrant visuals.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover chicken and vegetables from the foil packets in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for quick and delicious meals the next day with minimal effort.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully! Pack your cooked chicken and vegetables into freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the texture intact.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the leftovers in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through. If you want to recapture some of that grilled essence, pop the leftovers onto a grill or under a broiler for a couple of minutes to refresh the smokiness before serving.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables in this Low-Carb Grilled Chicken and Vegetable Foil Packets Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap or add vegetables like mushrooms, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes – just keep in mind the cooking times to ensure everything finishes at once.
What if I don’t have a grill or campfire?
No worries! You can easily bake these foil packets in a preheated oven at 400°F for around 20-25 minutes. The flavors will still be fabulous.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! Marinate and assemble packets in advance, then refrigerate or freeze until ready to cook. It’s a fantastic way to streamline your busy week.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully and can add extra juiciness. Just adjust cooking time slightly, as they might take a bit longer to cook through.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Otherwise, check for clear juices and no pink inside when cutting into the pieces.
Final Thoughts
If you want an easy, flavorful, and wholesome meal that fits perfectly into a low-carb lifestyle, the Low-Carb Grilled Chicken and Vegetable Foil Packets Recipe is a game changer. Its simplicity, freshness, and delicious grilled taste will have you making it again and again. Give it a try and see how quickly it becomes a favorite in your dinner rotation!
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Low-Carb Grilled Chicken and Vegetable Foil Packets Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
This Low-Carb Foil Packet Dinner is a simple, delicious, and healthy meal perfect for grilling or campfire cooking. Combining marinated chicken breasts with fresh bell peppers, onions, and zucchini, all cooked together in foil packets, this recipe offers a flavorful, low-carb dinner option that’s easy to prepare and clean up. Topped with optional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or outdoor gathering.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
Vegetables
- 2 red or green bell peppers, sliced
- 2 small red onions, sliced
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced
Marinade
- 1.5 cups Newman’s Own Classic Oil and Vinegar Dressing
- 1 packet Zesty Italian Dressing Mix
Optional Toppings
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking and allow the marinade to penetrate well.
- Make the Marinade: In a bowl, combine 1.5 cups of Newman’s Own Classic Oil and Vinegar Dressing with 1 packet of Zesty Italian Dressing Mix to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the cut chicken pieces into a Ziploc bag and pour in the marinade. Seal the bag and refrigerate for several hours, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors thoroughly.
- Prep and Marinate Vegetables: Slice the bell peppers, red onions, and zucchini. Add them to a separate container with some of the marinade and let them soak for 1-2 hours to enhance their taste.
- Assemble Foil Packets: On large pieces of foil, evenly distribute the marinated chicken and vegetables. Fold the foil tightly to seal the packets, making sure no steam escapes during cooking.
- Cook the Foil Packets: Place the foil packets on a preheated grill or over a campfire for about 20 minutes. Check for doneness by ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and vegetables are tender.
- Serve and Garnish: Carefully open the foil packets, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley on top, and serve immediately for a delicious, low-carb meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken and vegetables longer enhances their flavor and tenderness.
- Foil packets can also be cooked in an oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes if grilling isn’t an option.
- Ensure the foil packets are sealed tightly to retain moisture and steam during cooking.
- Use fresh vegetables for the best taste and texture.
- This meal can be served with a side salad for a complete low-carb dinner.
