If you're craving a dish that combines the zesty brightness of lemon with the savory goodness of tender chicken and vibrant broccoli, look no further! This Italian Lemon Chicken Foil Packet recipe is not only bursting with flavor but is also incredibly easy to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights or a delightful weekend dinner, this one-pan meal seals in all the delicious juices, making every bite a taste of sunshine. Ready to impress your family and friends with minimal cleanup? Dive into this recipe that promises to elevate your dinner game!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken thighs
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 sheets of aluminum foil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center of the oven.
- Prepare the chicken thighs by patting them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve better seasoning and browning.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to create a uniform seasoning blend.
- Lay out 4 large sheets of aluminum foil on a flat surface, ensuring each sheet is large enough to fully wrap the chicken and vegetables.
- Brush each piece of chicken with the seasoning mixture, ensuring even coverage on all sides.
- Place one seasoned chicken thigh in the center of each foil sheet, positioning it slightly off-center to allow room for vegetables.
- Distribute broccoli florets evenly around each chicken thigh, ensuring they are in a single layer.
- Top each chicken thigh with 2-3 fresh lemon slices, which will infuse the dish with bright, citrusy flavor during cooking.
- Carefully fold and seal the foil packets, creating a tight but loose envelope that allows steam to circulate inside.
- Arrange the sealed foil packets on a large baking sheet, ensuring they are not overlapping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and let packets rest for 3-5 minutes before carefully opening to release steam.
- Serve directly in the foil packets or transfer to plates, being cautious of hot steam when opening.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can marinate the chicken in the olive oil and seasoning blend for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. This will enhance the flavors even more!
- Foil Folding: Make sure to create a tight seal when folding the foil packets, but leave enough space for steam to circulate. This helps cook the chicken evenly and keeps it moist.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to mix in other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus for added color and nutrition. Just ensure they are cut into similar sizes for even cooking.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the chicken and broccoli straight from the foil packets for a fun presentation, or plate them with a side of rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 125mg
