Grilled Pesto Chicken Foil Packets with Zucchini and Tomatoes
Tender chicken breasts steam alongside fresh zucchini and roma tomatoes in individual foil packets, each infused with aromatic basil pesto. This complete meal cooks on the grill in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup required. Perfect for summer entertaining, camping trips, or busy weeknight dinners when you want maximum flavor with minimal fuss. The foil packet method locks in moisture while allowing the pesto to permeate every bite.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves, 1 1/4 pounds
- 8 roma (plum) tomatoes, cut into 1/2 inch slices
- 4 small zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch slices
- ½ cup basil pesto
Instructions
- 1
Heat coals or gas grill for direct heat
- 2
Place chicken breast half, sliced tomatoes and sliced zucchini on one side of each foil sheet
- 3
Spoon pesto over chicken mixture on each sheet
- 4
Fold foil over chicken and vegetables so edges meet
- 5
Seal edges making tight fold then fold again, allowing space for circulation and expansion
- 6
Cover and grill packets 4 to 5 inches from medium heat until chicken juice is no longer pink when centers are cut
- 7
Place packets on plates and cut large X across top, folding back foil
Tips
Use heavy-duty aluminum foil to prevent tearing during grilling and ensure proper steam circulation.
Cut vegetables uniformly for even cooking and check chicken doneness at the thickest part before serving.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days in airtight container
Assemble packets up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to grill
Serve immediately while hot, directly from foil packets
Common Mistakes
Seal foil edges tightly to prevent steam from escaping and ensure even cooking
Allow space inside packets to prevent bursting from steam expansion
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Thaw chicken completely before using. Frozen chicken will not cook evenly in foil packets and may result in undercooked centers.
What if I don't have heavy-duty foil?
Use two layers of regular aluminum foil for each packet to prevent tearing and ensure proper seal during grilling.
How long will these keep in the refrigerator?
Cooked chicken packets will keep refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in oven at 350F until warmed through.