Caprese Chicken and Zucchini Packets

Meghan Splawn
Meghan Splawn
Meghan was the Food Editor for Kitchn's Skills content. She's a master of everyday baking, family cooking, and harnessing good light. Meghan approaches food with an eye towards budgeting — both time and money — and having fun. Meghan has a baking and pastry degree, and spent the…read more
updated Jun 25, 2020
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Credit: Joe Lingeman/Kitchn; Food Stylist: CC Buckley/Kitchn
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Credit: Joe Lingeman/Kitchn; Food Stylist: CC Buckley/Kitchn

I love just about any foil-packet meal, but this caprese chicken packet is my family’s favorite. It combines easy-to-love vegetables with chicken and pesto, and the whole thing is topped with gooey, melted cheese. The only thing that could make these packets better? Serving garlic bread on the side.

Cooking boneless, skinless chicken breast on the grill is usually a tough task, since it’s prone to overcooking and drying out. But when wrapped in foil, the chicken steams, which keeps it moist and tender while flavoring it at the same time (thanks, pesto!). You can switch up the flavor profile of this packet by swapping the pesto for salsa and grating pepper Jack or cheddar to replace the mozzarella, but don’t skip the olive oil, and make sure the packet is tightly sealed to ensure success.

Caprese Chicken and Zucchini Packets

Prep time 15 minutes

Cook time 22 minutes to 25 minutes

Serves 4

Nutritional Info

Ingredients

  • 1 pound

    zucchini

  • 1 tablespoon

    olive oil

  • 4

    (6-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • 1/2 cup

    basil pesto

  • 4 slices

    tomato

  • 8 slices

    fresh mozzarella cheese

Instructions

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  1. Heat an outdoor grill to medium-high, direct heat (400 to 425ºF). Tear 8 (8-inch long) sheets of aluminum foil. Stack 1 sheet on top of another sheet, then repeat with the remaining 6 sheets. You should end up with 4 stacks of foil.

  2. Cut 1 pound zucchini crosswise into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and toss to coat. Divide between the packets. Place 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast on each pile of zucchini. Spread 2 tablespoons of the basil pesto on each piece of chicken. Top each piece of chicken with 1 slice of tomato and 2 slices mozzarella cheese.

  3. Tightly seal each packet. Place the packet on the grill, cover, and grill until the chicken is cooked through, 22 to 25 minutes.

Recipe Notes

Oven cooking: To cook these packets in the oven, roast at 425°F for the same amount of time.

Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container up to 4 days.