There’s something about cooking a meal in foil packs that takes me back to camping trips with my family. The excitement of unwrapping a steaming, flavorful dish straight from the fire always made me feel like I was opening a delicious little present.
But you don’t need a campfire to enjoy that magic! These Garlic Butter Chicken & Asparagus Foil Packs bring all that goodness straight to your oven or grill—juicy chicken, crisp-tender asparagus, and a buttery garlic sauce that seeps into every bite.
What I love about this recipe? It’s simple, nutritious, and clean-up is a breeze! Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, packed with protein, and loaded with fresh veggies.
Whether you’re meal-prepping, feeding a hungry family, or just want something easy after a long day, this dish is a total lifesaver.
Tips for Maximum Flavor & Nutrition:
- Choose fresh asparagus! Look for thin, firm spears with tight tips. Thicker asparagus takes longer to cook.
- Use high-quality butter for a rich, deep flavor. Grass-fed butter works wonders.
- Don’t overcook the chicken! Check for doneness at 25 minutes in the oven or 20 minutes on the grill.
- For extra crispy edges, open the foil in the last 5 minutes of cooking and broil on high.
Variations & Substitutions:
- Keto-Friendly? Swap the asparagus for broccoli or zucchini.
- Dairy-Free? Use ghee or olive oil instead of butter.
- Spicy Kick? Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
- Different Protein? Try this with salmon, shrimp, or even tofu! (Adjust cook times accordingly.)
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with quinoa, mashed potatoes, or a side of brown rice for extra heartiness.
- Serve with a fresh green salad and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for contrast.
- Want extra sauce? Double the garlic butter mixture and spoon it over before serving.
Garlic Butter Chicken & Asparagus Foil Packs
Juicy, garlic-butter-infused chicken cooked with crisp-tender asparagus in a no-mess foil pack. A quick, healthy, gluten-free dinner!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Asparagus:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness)
- 1 lb asparagus, trimmed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
- ½ lemon, sliced
For the Garlic Butter:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
-
Preheat & Prep:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (or fire up the grill to medium-high heat). Tear out 4 large sheets of aluminum foil—big enough to wrap around the chicken and asparagus. -
Season the Chicken:
Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. In a small bowl, mix the salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Rub this seasoning mix evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts. -
Assemble the Foil Packs:
Divide the asparagus evenly among the foil sheets, laying them in the center. Drizzle each pile with olive oil and sprinkle with a little salt and pepper. Place a chicken breast on top of each pile. -
Make the Garlic Butter:
In a bowl, whisk together the melted butter, garlic, parsley, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. -
Wrap & Seal:
Drizzle each chicken breast generously with the garlic butter mixture. Place lemon slices on top. Fold the foil over the chicken and asparagus, sealing the edges tightly to form a packet. -
Cook:
- Oven Method: Place the foil packs on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
- Grill Method: Place the packets on the grill and cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
-
Unwrap & Enjoy:
Carefully open the foil packs (watch out for steam!). Serve the chicken and asparagus directly from the foil for a rustic touch, or plate them up with extra lemon wedges and fresh herbs.
Notes
Perfect for meal prep, easy cleanup, and customizable with different proteins or veggies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking / Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 foil pack
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
