Juicy chicken, tender broccoli, and melty cheese all steam together in neat foil packets for an easy, low-mess dinner. Perfect for oven, grill, or even air fryer.
⏱️ Quick Info
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
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Servings: 4
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Difficulty: Easy
🛒 Ingredients
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4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
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3 cups broccoli florets
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1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella
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2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp paprika
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½ tsp onion powder
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Salt & black pepper to taste
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2 tbsp cream or milk (optional, for extra creaminess)
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Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat
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Oven: 400°F (200°C)
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Or preheat grill to medium-high.
2️⃣ Season the Chicken
Pat chicken dry and season with:
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olive oil or butter
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garlic
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paprika
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onion powder
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salt & pepper
3️⃣ Assemble Foil Packets
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Tear 4 large sheets of foil.
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Place chicken in center of each.
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Top with broccoli.
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Drizzle with a little extra oil.
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Add a splash of cream if using.
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Sprinkle cheese generously on top.
Fold foil tightly to seal.
4️⃣ Cook
🔥 Oven:
Bake 25–30 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
🔥 Grill:
Cook 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
🌬️ Air Fryer:
Cook at 370°F (188°C) for 18–22 minutes (packets must fit).
5️⃣ Finish & Serve
Carefully open packets (steam is hot!).
Squeeze fresh lemon over top and serve.
⭐ Pro Tips
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Cut large chicken breasts in half for faster cooking.
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Use heavy-duty foil to prevent leaks.
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Don’t overpack — steam needs space.
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For browning, open foil last 3–5 minutes.
🔄 Easy Variations
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Low-carb/keto: already keto-friendly
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Spicy: add chili flakes or hot sauce
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Creamy deluxe: add 2 tbsp cream cheese
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Italian style: add marinara + mozzarella
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Meal prep: add sliced potatoes (increase cook time)
🔢 Estimated Nutrition (per serving)
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Calories: ~320
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Protein: ~35g
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Carbs: ~6g
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Fat: ~16g
WW Points: ~3–6 (depends on cheese & oil)
❓ FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes — thaw and pat dry first.
Can I prep ahead?
Yes — assemble packets up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate.
Why is my chicken dry?
Overcooked — check at 22 minutes if pieces are small.