These Creamy Parmesan Chicken Foil Packets are packed with chicken breast chunks, pearl couscous, and savory garlic-parmesan flavor—baked or grilled in foil for simple cleanup. Great for weeknights or campfire dinners!
Chicken Foil Packets
If you love an easy foil packet dinner that feels like comfort food, these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Foil Packets are a must-try. Juicy chicken, tender couscous, and garlicparmesan flavor all cook together in one pouch, then are topped with fresh basil. Like my popular BBQ Chicken Foil Packets—these are great for baking in the oven or cooking on the grill—and the fan-favorite Campfire Meatloaf Foil Packets—ideal for campers and weeknight meals. They’re cozy, kid-friendly, and perfect whether you’re at home or camping in your favorite summer getaway.
Why This Recipe Works
I was asked to share family-friendly chicken recipes that can be cooked outdoors—perfect for camping, RVs, or grilling—without needing to prep separate meals inside, and these foil packets were a big hit.
- One-Packet Convenience: Everything– chicken, couscous, garlic, and cheese–cooks together in foil. No extra pots or pans to wash!
- Flexible Cooking Methods: Whether you’re using your oven, grill, or campfire, these foil packets are tender and flavorful every time.
- Family-Friendly Flavors: Garlic, parmesan, and basil keep it simple yet delicious, making it perfect for picky eaters or a no-fuss weeknight dinner.
- Great for Meal Prep or Camping: Assemble ahead of time and stash in the fridge or cooler. Ideal for outdoor cooking or busy schedules.
- Dietary Restrictions: Weight Watchers-friendly, high-protein
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here are the ingredients for these garlic parmesan chicken foil packets. See the recipe card below for the exact measurements.
- Garlic: The pungent flavor of minced garlic cloves mellows and becomes aromatic once cooked, infusing the chicken and couscous.
- 1/3-less Fat Cream Cheese: At room temperature so it blends smoothly.
- Parmesan Cheese: Add some to the sauce and sprinkle more on before serving.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth helps cook the couscous and keep the chicken moist.
- Salt and Black Pepper for seasoning
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cutting chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes helps them cook faster.
- Pearl Couscous uncooked, it will cook in the foil
- Basil to sprinkle on top for freshness and flavor.
- Heavy-Duty Foil is best, but if you only have regular foil, use a double layer to prevent it from tearing.
How to Make Chicken Foil Packets
Cooking food wrapped in foil gently steams it, while also minimizing cleanup. See the recipe card at the bottom for printable directions.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F or the grill to 400°F.
- Blend the Sauce: Add the garlic, cream cheese, parmesan, broth, salt, and pepper to a small blender or whisk in a bowl. Then, stir in the chicken and couscous.
- Make the Foil Packets: Place the chicken mixture in the center of a 12- inch piece of foil, and tightly fold the foil closed.
- How Long to Cook Chicken Foil Packets: Grill or bake the foil packet for 15 minutes. Then, remove and let sit for 5 minutes. To check the chicken, confirm it’s done with an instant-read thermometer or by slicing a piece in half. If it’s not fully cooked, reseal the foil and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- How to Serve: Stir in the remaining broth and fluff the couscous with a fork. Top with basil and parmesan.
Variations
- Chicken: Substitute breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Trim off the fat and cut into 1-inch pieces.
- Herbs: Top with fresh rosemary, parsley, or chives.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cream cheese and parmesan (or substitute nutritional yeast).
- Add vegetables, like sliced zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
Storage
This Chicken Foil Packet recipe is written for one serving, but it’s easy to scale up to make more packs. Just multiply all the ingredients by the number of people you need to feed.
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days.
- Reheat chicken foil packets in the oven or on the grill at 350°F until warm. If you remove the foil, you can also microwave the food.
More Foil Packet Recipes You’ll Love
For more dinner ideas using foil packs, check out these five delicious grilled foil packet recipes to inspire your next meal!
If you make this healthy garlic parmesan chicken foil packet recipe, I would love to see it. Tag me in your photos or videos on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook! And be sure to join the Skinnytaste Community to see what everyone’s cooking!
Yield: 1 serving
Serving Size: 1 packet
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If using the oven: Preheat oven to 375°F.
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If using the grill to cook: Preheat grill to 400°F this should take at least 10 minutes while you prep the rest. (The temp will reduce slightly when you open the lid)
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In a bullet blender or large bowl thoroughly mix cream cheese, 1 tablespoon parmesan cheese, garlic, ⅓ cup chicken broth, salt and pepper until combined. Add chicken breast and couscous, gently stir. The liquid will absorb.
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Tear off a 12-inch pieces of heavy duty foil and fold into pocket-like shape; transfer to an oven-safe or grill safe baking sheet.
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Spoon the chicken and couscous in the center of the foil. Bring two ends up and over the chicken and crimp to close. Crimp sides so everything is completely enclosed.
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Carefully place the foil packet and sheet pan on one side of the grill and turn the burners below the packets down to low. Close the lid. Cook for 15 minutes at 350°F to 375°F. Remove the foil packets to the rimmed baking sheet and let sit for 5 minutes before opening. Check chicken for doneness, if needs more time or if you have trouble keeping the grill to temp, re-seal and add 5 minutes more.
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Carefully open the foil packets, there will be hot steam trapped inside so use caution while opening.
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Stir in the remaining broth and fluff with a fork, top with basil and parmesan before serving.
Last Step:
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Serving: 1 packet, Calories: 515 kcal, Carbohydrates: 50 g, Protein: 51 g, Fat: 11 g, Saturated Fat: 5 g, Cholesterol: 148 mg, Sodium: 655 mg, Fiber: 3 g, Sugar: 3 g