10/19/10

Basil Chicken Foil Dinner


 
I know, you're thinking, "Foil dinner? Isn't that for camping?" Sure, but you know what works even better than a bunch of coals? An oven. Regulated temperature without smoke. It's a great thing, especially since camping now most likely means an uncomfortably cold night without much sleep. Cooking the chicken in a foil packet makes it juicy and tasty. And did I mention healthy? You hardly need any oil and the chicken still turns out moist and flavorful. Looks like it's time to camp out in the kitchen.

PS- Did I mention my husband eats this? That's a BIG deal.




Basil Chicken Foil Dinner

1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts, cubed
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 T chopped fresh oregano or 1 tsp dried
1 T chopped fresh marjoram or 1 tsp dried
1/4 tsp dried red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp salt, plus 1/4 tsp
1/4 tsp black pepper, plus 1/8 tsp
3 T balsamic vinegar
1 T extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup thinly sliced basil leaves, plus 2 T
1 red bell pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
1 green bell pepper, seeded and thinly sliced


1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Cut six large rectangles of foil or parchment paper.

2. Divide the chicken pieces among the foil pieces, placing them on one half of the foil piece. Combine the garlic, oregano, marjoram, pepper flakes, 1/4 tsp of salt and 1/4 tsp of pepper. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over each foil packet. Drizzle with the balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Divide 1/4 cup of the basil among the packets and top with the bell pepper slices. Finally, sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 tsp salt, 1/8 tsp black pepper and remaining 2 T basil.

3. Fold each piece of foil in half with the chicken mixture in the center. Crimp the edges neatly to seal the packet completely. (The packets can be prepared and refrigerated up to 4 hours ahead of time. Remove the packets from the refrigerator at least 1/2 hour before baking.)

4. Place the packets on a baking sheet and bake until the chicken is white throughout, about 12-15 minutes. (I let mine sit for five minutes after coming out of the oven, and then poke a hole in the bottom of the packet and let some of the juices drain out before I serve them.)


Recipe source: adapted slightly from American Medical Association Family Health Cookbook.

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