When I think about our family dinners, I can’t help but remember the evenings spent around the table, sharing stories and savoring each bite of our delicious meals. One of my all-time favorites is the Mediterranean Chicken Packets. It’s not just a dish; it’s an experience that transports you straight to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean. The vibrant colors and enticing aromas fill the kitchen, making it feel like a warm, inviting haven after a long day. As we gather around the table, the excitement builds as the foil packets are opened, releasing the mouthwatering scents of fresh ingredients. With every bite, you get a taste of the juicy chicken, tangy olives, and rich artichokes. It’s a dish that brings joy, warmth, and a sense of togetherness.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
60 mins

Prep Time:
0 mins

Cook Time:
0 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
450 kcal

Protein:
35 g

Diet:
Keto, Paleo, Whole30

Fat:
30 g

Tools Used:
Baking Sheet, Chef’s Knife, Oven

The Magic of This Mediterranean Chicken Packets

Quick and Easy Preparation

One of the reasons I adore Mediterranean Chicken Packets is how effortlessly they come together. You can prepare them in no time, making them perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings. With just a handful of fresh ingredients, you have a delightful meal that feels gourmet without the fuss!

Flavorful Ingredients

Each ingredient in this dish is thoughtfully chosen to create a symphony of flavors. The olive oil adds richness, while the red pepper spread brings a hint of sweetness. The combination of kalamata olives and green olives introduces a briny note that perfectly complements the tender chicken. It’s a harmonious blend that makes every bite a little taste of paradise.

Versatile Dining Experience

What I love most about these packets is their versatility. Serve them alongside a light salad for a refreshing dinner or pair them with rice or couscous for a heartier meal. They fit perfectly into any occasion, whether it’s a casual weeknight meal or a special family gathering.

Healthy and Nutritious

We all want to enjoy our meals without compromising on health. The Mediterranean Chicken Packets strike that perfect balance. Packed with protein from the chicken and loaded with vegetables, this dish is not only satisfying but also good for you. It’s a guilt-free pleasure that you can indulge in any day of the week.

Fun for the Whole Family

Cooking can be a wonderful family bonding experience, and these packets make it fun, too! Kids love helping to assemble their own packets, choosing their favorite toppings, and everyone gets to dig into a personalized serving at the table. It’s a meal that brings us together, creating cherished memories.

What Goes Into Mediterranean Chicken Packets

The ingredients for Mediterranean Chicken Packets are a celebration of fresh produce and vibrant flavors. Each component plays a vital role in creating that authentic Mediterranean taste that we all know and love. From the chicken as the main star to the supporting cast of olives and artichokes, these ingredients come together to make a delicious dish.

4 boneless, skinless chicken breast (6-8 ounces each): The star of the dish, providing lean protein and a tender base for all the flavors to meld.
4 tablespoons olive oil: This adds richness and helps to keep the chicken moist during cooking.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the flavors of all the ingredients.

1/2 cup sweet red pepper spread: This brings a touch of sweetness and a beautiful color to the dish.
1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced: These olives add a savory, briny flavor that pairs beautifully with the chicken.
1/3 cup green olives, pitted and chopped: Their distinct taste complements the kalamata olives, offering depth and variety.

1/2 cup quartered artichoke hearts: These add a subtle earthiness and texture that enhances the overall experience.
1/3 cup sundried tomatoes: These provide a concentrated burst of flavor that brightens up the dish.

Mediterranean Chicken Packets Instructions

Cooking Mediterranean Chicken Packets is a delightful process that allows you to enjoy the aromas of the ingredients coming together. Follow these simple steps to create a meal that everyone will love!

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and develops a nice color.
Take four 12-inch squares of Reynolds Non-stick foil and place them on a baking sheet. This will serve as the base for your packets. Make sure the squares are big enough to hold all the ingredients without spilling.
Evenly divide the chicken breasts between the four foil squares. This allows each person to have their own individual serving, packed with flavor.

Drizzle olive oil over each chicken breast, ensuring they are well-coated. Sprinkle a good amount of salt and pepper on top. These steps are crucial for enhancing the flavor of the chicken.
Now, layer each chicken breast with a generous amount of sweet red pepper spread. This will create a delicious base for the other toppings.
Add the sliced kalamata olives and chopped green olives on top of the spread. The olives will infuse the chicken with their rich, savory flavors.

Next, arrange the quartered artichoke hearts over the olives, followed by a sprinkle of sundried tomatoes. Each ingredient adds its unique touch to the overall taste.
Fold the foil over the assembled chicken breast, crimping the edges tightly to seal. This step is essential as it traps the steam inside the packets, keeping the chicken moist.
Place the packets on the baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven. Cook until the chicken registers 165 degrees F when a thermometer is inserted in the thickest part, which usually takes about 15 to 17 minutes. Keep an eye on the time to ensure perfect doneness.

Once done, carefully open the foil packets to release the steam. Serve the Mediterranean Chicken Packets hot, and enjoy the burst of flavors!

Things Worth Knowing

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh produce enhances the overall flavor of the Mediterranean Chicken Packets. Whenever possible, opt for fresh chicken, herbs, and vegetables.
Monitor cooking time: Each oven is slightly different, so check the chicken a few minutes before the suggested time to avoid overcooking.

Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add other vegetables or spices that you enjoy, making each packet unique.
Seal properly: Ensure that the foil is tightly sealed to lock in steam and moisture, which is key to juicy chicken.

Pro Tips and Tweaks

When it comes to perfecting your Mediterranean Chicken Packets, I have a few tried-and-true tips to ensure you get the best results.

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing: You can freeze the assembled packets before cooking. Just wrap them tightly and store them in a freezer bag for up to a month. When ready to cook, thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
Pairing: Serve your Mediterranean Chicken Packets with a crisp green salad or some fluffy couscous to complete the meal.

Customization: Feel free to swap out the olives for your favorite pickled vegetables, or add some feta cheese for an extra creamy texture.
Herbs: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an added layer of freshness.

How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Packets

Serving Mediterranean Chicken Packets is as delightful as cooking them. Here are some great ideas on how to enjoy this dish:

With a Side Salad: Pair the packets with a fresh Greek salad filled with cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta for a refreshing contrast.
Over Rice: Spoon the contents over fluffy rice or couscous to make a heartier meal.
As a Lunch Option: These packets make excellent next-day lunch options. Just reheat and enjoy!

For Gatherings: Serve the packets at your next family gathering or barbecue for a crowd-pleasing dish everyone will love.
Seasonal Pairings: In the warmer months, serve with grilled vegetables or a light pasta salad for a complete outdoor meal.

FAQ

The Mediterranean Chicken Packets stand out because they combine the fresh flavors of the Mediterranean in a convenient and easy-to-make format. Each ingredients complement each other beautifully, creating a meal that’s both satisfying and healthy. The use of foil packets helps keep the chicken moist and infuses it with the rich flavors of olives and artichokes, making every bite a delight.

Absolutely! One of the best things about Mediterranean Chicken Packets is how versatile they are. You can easily swap in your favorite vegetables or even add different types of olives to suit your taste. If you love a bit of cheese, sprinkle some feta on top before sealing the packets. The options are endless, so feel free to get creative!

If you have any leftovers from your Mediterranean Chicken Packets, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will meld together, often making it taste even better the next day. You can enjoy them cold or reheat them gently in the oven or microwave for a quick meal.

Yes, you can prepare the Mediterranean Chicken Packets ahead of time and freeze them. Just wrap each packet tightly and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to a month. When you’re ready to cook, simply thaw the packets in the refrigerator overnight and bake as instructed. This is a great way to have a quick meal ready to go!

Conclusion

The Mediterranean Chicken Packets are a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making them a standout recipe for any occasion. I encourage you to try making these packets for your next dinner; they are not only easy to prepare but also a hit with family and friends. Enjoy the convenience and deliciousness wrapped up in these little foil bundles tonight!

Mediterranean Chicken Packets

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with these easy-to-make packets. Tender chicken is paired with rich olives, tangy artichokes, and sweet red pepper spread, creating a mouthwatering dish perfect for any occasion. Make these Mediterranean Chicken Packets tonight for a satisfying and delightful dinner!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Dinner

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

Baking Sheet
Chef's Knife
Oven

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breast (6-8 ounces each)
4 tablespoons olive oil
to taste salt
to taste pepper
1/2 cup sweet red pepper spread
1/2 cup kalamata olives pitted and sliced
1/3 cup green olives pitted and chopped
1/2 cup quartered artichoke hearts
1/3 cup sundried tomatoes

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and develops a nice color.
Take four 12-inch squares of Reynolds Non-stick foil and place them on a baking sheet. This will serve as the base for your packets. Make sure the squares are big enough to hold all the ingredients without spilling.

Evenly divide the chicken breasts between the four foil squares. This allows each person to have their own individual serving, packed with flavor.
Drizzle olive oil over each chicken breast, ensuring they are well-coated. Sprinkle a good amount of salt and pepper on top. These steps are crucial for enhancing the flavor of the chicken.
Now, layer each chicken breast with a generous amount of sweet red pepper spread. This will create a delicious base for the other toppings.

Add the sliced kalamata olives and chopped green olives on top of the spread. The olives will infuse the chicken with their rich, savory flavors.
Next, arrange the quartered artichoke hearts over the olives, followed by a sprinkle of sundried tomatoes. Each ingredient adds its unique touch to the overall taste.
Fold the foil over the assembled chicken breast, crimping the edges tightly to seal. This step is essential as it traps the steam inside the packets, keeping the chicken moist.

Place the packets on the baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven. Cook until the chicken registers 165 degrees F when a thermometer is inserted in the thickest part, which usually takes about 15 to 17 minutes. Keep an eye on the time to ensure perfect doneness.
Once done, carefully open the foil packets to release the steam. Serve the Mediterranean Chicken Packets hot, and enjoy the burst of flavors!

Notes

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier the next day.

Freezing: You can freeze the assembled packets before cooking. Just wrap them tightly and store them in a freezer bag for up to a month. When ready to cook, thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
Pairing: Serve your Mediterranean Chicken Packets with a crisp green salad or some fluffy couscous to complete the meal.
Customization: Feel free to swap out the olives for your favorite pickled vegetables, or add some feta cheese for an extra creamy texture.