Caprese Chicken Foil Packs are a flavorful, healthy, and easy-to-make dish inspired by the classic Italian Caprese salad. This dish features chicken breasts topped with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, all drizzled with balsamic glaze and sealed in foil packets to lock in juices and flavors. It’s perfect for grilling, baking, or even meal prep, offering a mess-free cooking option.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 slices fresh mozzarella (or 1 cup shredded mozzarella)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, thyme, and rosemary)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Aluminum foil (heavy-duty works best)
Directions:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Foil
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or preheat a grill to medium-high heat.
- Cut 4 large sheets of aluminum foil, big enough to wrap the chicken and toppings completely.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
- Place one chicken breast on each foil sheet.
- Drizzle each piece of chicken with olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Add Toppings
- Top each chicken breast with a handful of halved cherry tomatoes and one slice (or about ¼ cup) of fresh mozzarella.
- Optionally drizzle a little balsamic glaze over the chicken for extra flavor.
Step 4: Seal the Foil Packs
- Bring the edges of the foil together over the chicken and fold tightly to seal, creating a packet. Make sure the packets are sealed well to prevent leaks.
Step 5: Cook
- For Oven: Place the foil packs on a baking sheet and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- For Grill: Place the foil packs directly on the grill grates and cook for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step 6: Serve
- Carefully open the foil packs (watch out for steam!).
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and drizzle with additional balsamic glaze if desired.
- Serve the chicken directly from the foil pack for easy cleanup or transfer to a plate.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with crusty bread, roasted vegetables, or a side of pasta for a complete meal.
- This dish is also great over a bed of arugula or spinach for a light, healthy option.
Enjoy the juicy, cheesy, and herb-infused goodness of Caprese Chicken Foil Packs! 🌿🍅🧀
