These Pesto Chicken Grill Packets are great to take along on a picnic or camping. They can also be cooked on a regular gas grill or in the oven.
One of my favorite dinners to cook in the summer is grill packets! They are super easy to make, can be prepared in advance, and give you a great excuse to sit around the fire pit at the end of the night. You don't even have to get any plates dirty if you don't want to. These Pesto Chicken Grill Packets are great to take along on a picnic or camping or even just to have in your own back yard. They can also be cooked on a regular gas grill or in the oven. My 9-year-old loved these and has already asked me to make them again. Enjoy!
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Pesto Chicken Grill Packets
These Pesto Chicken Grill Packets are great to take along on a picnic or camping. They can also be cooked on a regular gas grill or in the oven.
Print Recipe
Servings: 4 people
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds chicken thighs (boneless and skinless, cut into 1 ½ or 2 inch dice (or use chicken breasts))
- 2 zucchini (cut into 1 inch dice)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (or grape tomatoes)
- 8 ounces mushrooms (baby bella or shiitake)
- 1 cup basil (just the leaves, fresh)
- 1 cup spinach (just the leaves, fresh)
- ⅔ cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- ½ cup pine nuts (raw)
- 2 cloves garlic (crushed)
- ½ cup olive oil
- salt (to taste)
- pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Cut foil into eight large pieces (about 14 - 16 inches long) and start four grill packets by laying them out double stacked in a plus sign shape. At this point, you can line them with parchment paper, if desired, by simply putting a single layer just on top of the foil.
- Evenly distribute the chunks of chicken, zucchini, tomatoes, and mushrooms. Set aside.
- To make the pesto, combine the basil, spinach, Parmesan, pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil in a small food processor and process until a smooth paste. Spoon over the top of each packet. Season with salt and pepper.
- To seal the packets, carefully bring up two of the long sides of the foil so the edges meet at the center. Fold the two edges over together at least three times. Fold the remaining open edges up on themselves at least two to three times and crimp them together with your fingers.
- Grill the packets for 8 - 9 minutes on each side or until the chicken is cooked all the way through (no longer pink in the center) and the veggies are tender. Serve warm with whole-grain pasta or couscous on the side if desired.
Notes
- Foil is necessary to make the packets. Parchment paper is optional to line the foil.
- We recommend organic ingredients when feasible.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Pesto Chicken Grill Packets
Amount Per Serving
Calories 852
Calories from Fat 648
% Daily Value*
Fat 72g111%
Saturated Fat 15g94%
Cholesterol 181mg60%
Sodium 417mg18%
Potassium 1224mg35%
Carbohydrates 14g5%
Fiber 3g13%
Sugar 7g8%
Protein 41g82%
Vitamin A 2070IU41%
Vitamin C 49.3mg60%
Calcium 251mg25%
Iron 4.2mg23%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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Brenda Knutson says
I am curious, the cook time at the top of the recipe says 10 minutes, but the instructions say to cook for 8-9 minutes each side, which totals 16-18 minutes cooking time. Which is correct? Also, should this be cooking on a medium grill temp or something else?
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hi. Thanks for the heads up. I'll have that corrected. It is 8-9 minutes each side or until cooked through.
Tim @ Food Processor Reviewer says
lovely and delicious. I have been looking for a promising recipe to experiment my new food processor I bought from a guide
Keep sharing useful recipies like this
THank you
Shirley says
What is nutritional information on this recipe?
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hello, Shirley. We do not provide nutrition details. We just focus on getting rid of the processed stuff and eating a wide variety of healthy whole foods.
Barbara says
This looks great. I recently bought some non-stick foil for the grill that worked really well. The food browned but did not stick at all. We love foil packets!
Dr. Yitzchok Levine says
How about some kosher recipes for those of us who observe the Jewish dietary laws?
Chicken and cheese are a No, No for those who keep kosher.
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hello. Thanks for the suggestion.
Sabrina B says
what a great idea, genius even when I think about the relatively easy individual servings with these, thank you for this very inspired recipe! I love all of these flavors and especially the pesto, and chicken thighs please!
Stacy Winkler says
This looks great! I can't wait to try this recipe. How do I cook these in the oven?
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
I typically do foil packets in the oven at 400 for 20-25 minutes.
Taste of France says
This looks fantastic. I always want veggies, but husband hates dealing with them on the grill. A nice little foil packet should do the trick.
Tyler says
What temp and how long would you chill these in the oven? Thanks!
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
I typically do foil packets in the oven at 400 for 20-25 minutes.
JOANNA SOOPER says
I love this! I have done it wth cod too, so easy and good. (and you can stack them in the instapot to make it even easier!)
Stephanie says
These look so easy and delicious! I can't wait to be able to grill again!