The Dinner I Make When I Just Want to Toss It and Forget It

If dinnertime ever feels like a juggling act — laundry going, emails dinging, kids asking what’s for dessert before they even eat dinner — let me introduce you to a recipe that simplifies it all.

These Honey Garlic Chicken Foil Packets are one of my favorite “toss it and forget it” meals. Everything cooks inside the foil: juicy chicken, tender veggies, and the most addictive sweet-and-savory honey garlic sauce. Cleanup? Basically none. Flavor? Huge.

They work just as well in the oven as they do on the grill, which makes them perfect for summer dinners, camping, or just those nights you don’t want a pile of dishes.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 zucchini, sliced

• 1 cup baby potatoes, halved

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Heavy-duty aluminum foil

For the honey garlic sauce:

• 1/4 cup honey

• 3 tbsp soy sauce (or coconut aminos)

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)

• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your grill or oven: Grill to medium-high or oven to 400°F.

2. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and red pepper flakes.

3. Assemble the foil packets: Cut 4 large sheets of foil. In the center of each, place 1 chicken piece, some potatoes, peppers, and zucchini. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Spoon 2–3 tbsp of sauce over each packet.

4. Seal the packets: Fold the foil over the chicken and veggies, sealing tightly to form a packet.

5. Cook:

   • On the grill: Place packets over medium heat and cook for 18–20 minutes.

   • In the oven: Bake directly on a sheet pan for 25–30 minutes.
     Chicken should be cooked through and potatoes fork-tender.

6. Serve hot: Carefully open packets (watch the steam!) and serve as-is or over rice if desired.

Sarah’s Tips

• Veggie swaps: Broccoli, green beans, or mushrooms also work well if you don’t have zucchini or peppers.

• Potato tip: If your potatoes are on the larger side, microwave them for 3–4 minutes before adding to the packets to ensure even cooking.

• Make it ahead: You can assemble these packets up to 24 hours in advance and keep them in the fridge until ready to cook.

Flavorful Conclusion

These foil packets are like your dinner fairy godmother — all the flavor, none of the mess, and totally stress-free. Whether you're grilling in the backyard or just trying to get something healthy on the table without fuss, this recipe delivers every time. Bonus: the kids love unwrapping their own little dinner “package.”

Nutrition (per packet, serves 4):
Calories: 390
Protein: 32g
Carbs: 24g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 10g