Chicken In Foil(4 Servings)
Juicy chicken and flavorful vegetables are sealed in foil, creating a tender, savory dish with aromatic herbs and cheese—perfect for a hearty, hands-off meal everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup uncooked long grain rice ⓘ
- 1 broiler-fryer chicken quartered ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 6 ounces can mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 2 small zucchinis, sliced ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, cut in strips ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 15 ounces can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried leaf oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried leaf basil ⓘ
- grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Place 3 tablespoons of rice in the center of each of four 12-inch squares of heavy-duty aluminum foil.
- Sprinkle the chicken quarters on both sides with salt and place each piece on the rice.
- Drain the mushrooms and reserve 1/4 cup of the liquid. Divide the mushrooms, zucchini, green pepper, and onion into four equal portions.
- Place each portion of vegetables over each chicken quarter on the foil.
- Mix together the tomato sauce, reserved mushroom liquid, hot pepper sauce, oregano, and basil; spoon over the vegetables and chicken.
- Fold over the foil to enclose the ingredients tightly and seal.
- Place the foil packages in a shallow baking pan.
- Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of the tomato sauce, herbs, and pepper sauce for a few hours before cooking. If you don't have zucchini, feel free to substitute with bell peppers or carrots. To adjust the heat, you can add more or less hot pepper sauce according to your preference. This dish is also great for meal prep or outdoor grilling.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken in foil directly in the packet for a rustic presentation, or plate it with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top. This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad or crusty bread. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce. Browse more American recipes for additional ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the foil packets on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but be sure to vent the foil.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken In Foil(4 Servings) contains roughly 354 calories, with 14g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (56% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (34% of the Daily Value), and protein (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1058mg per serving (46% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of long grain rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice for long grain rice, but be aware that it will require a longer cooking time. Make sure to adjust the liquid and cooking duration accordingly to ensure the rice is fully cooked.
What vegetables can I add to this recipe?
You can customize your foil packets by adding vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or even asparagus. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes to ensure even cooking. Adding seasonal vegetables can enhance the dish's flavor and nutrition.
Can I cook this dish on the grill?
Absolutely! You can cook these foil packets on the grill for a smoky flavor. Preheat the grill to medium heat and place the packets on the grill grates. Cook for about 30-40 minutes, checking for doneness. This method is perfect for summer gatherings.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).