Air Fryer Italian Chicken Foil Packets are a fuss-free dinner made with chicken breasts and zucchini, covered with pasta sauce and cheese, then sealed in foil for a complete meal that's bursting with flavor & ready in 30! Great for busy weeknights!
Table of contents
Italian air fryer recipes
I love Italian food and my air fryer is always my handy dandy way of whipping it up quickly and easily. It’s a great way to cook without all the fuss or mess of stovetop and creates delicious meals with all the bold flavors of your favorite Italian food and in less time. It keeps food juicy, melts cheese easily and, if it’s a crispy coating you want, it can make that happen too. Plus cleanup is a breeze!
Want spaghetti and meatballs fast? Try cooking the Meatballs in the air fryer. Or how about Pizza? It’s so quick and easy that you’ll be tempted to have it for lunch too! And my all-time favorite, Chicken Parmesan, just got easier and comes out crispy with plenty of melty cheese that will have you drooling in no time
Why you'll love this recipe
You'll fall in love with these Air Fryer Italian Chicken Foil Packets! A few reasons why this recipe is about to become your new favorite:
Effortless Prep: Just a handful of ingredients and a few quick steps, you’ll have these deliciously easy foil packets ready to go. Perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavor Explosion: Moist tender chicken breasts, seasoned zucchini, rich pasta sauce, and melty cheese - what more could you want?
Healthy & Hearty: Lean protein-rich chicken breast and fresh veggies make a healthy meal the whole family will love.
Minimal Clean-Up: Forget scrubbing pots and pans. Yay! The foil packets keep everything inside making clean-up just a wipe of a cloth away.
Easy to Customize: Love extra garlic? Prefer more veggies? Want a spicy kick? This easy recipe is super flexible, allowing you to tweak it to your personal preferences.
Versatile Cooking Methods: Whether you want to use the air fryer, oven, or grill, this recipe has got you covered. No matter the cooking method, you'll end up with a delicious meal that's sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
Here's your handy list of everything you'll need to make these moist and tasty chicken foil packet meals. All the exact measurements are in the recipe card below.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: These juicy chicken breasts soak up all the delicious Italian flavors.
- Pasta Sauce: Adds a rich, savory base to our packets. Choose your favorite marinara or homemade sauce.
- Zucchini: Sliced and quartered, this veggie brings essential nutrients and a bit of crunch. It makes these packets an all-in-one healthy dinner.
- Olive Oil: Sautés the chicken to a golden brown and adds a touch of richness.
- Italian Seasoning: Brings classic Italan flavor to this dish.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Enhances the flavors of each ingredient.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle, savory depth to the chicken.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated and sprinkled, this cheese brings a salty, nutty flavor that melts easily.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded and melted on top, this cheese makes for an irresistibly gooey and delicious finish.
How to make Italian chicken foil packets in the air fryer
Note: Don't have an air fryer? Check out the recipe card below for oven or grilling options.
Preparing zucchini and chicken for packets:
- Chop zucchini and place in a medium bowl. Season with ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning, ¼ teaspoon salt, ⅛ teaspoon pepper, and 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese. Stir to coat.
- Sprinkle the boneless skinless chicken breasts on both sides with garlic powder and the remaining Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Add seasoned raw chicken breasts.
- Cook for 3 minutes per side or until a nice golden brown.
How to assemble tin foil packets:
Cut two pieces of aluminum foil (use 2 sheets of heavy-duty foil if grilling), large enough to hold the piece of chicken and vegetables, and still be able to fold over and make a tight seal. Spray the foil lightly with non-stick cooking spray.
- Divide the seasoned zucchini evenly and place in the center of each piece of foil. Top each with 2-½ tablespoons of pasta sauce.
- Place chicken breast on top of the zucchini in each packet. Top with 3-4 Tablespoons pasta sauce.
- Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Take the edges of the foil and fold over to make a 2-inch fold on top then fold over again. Fold up the sides next making sure to from a tight seal.
Air frying Italian Chicken Foil Packs:
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Place packets in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken breast, or until the internal temperature of the chicken measures 165°F with a meat thermometer.
- Carefully slice open packets on the top. Leave the bottom intact so as not to spill any of the flavorful sauce into the air fryer. Sprinkle ¼ cup mozzarella cheese on top of each chicken breast.
- Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and brown.
When you want dinner on the table ASAP, these Air Fryer Italian Chicken Foil Packets are the answer. It's a fuss-free, flavorful dinner that's not only easy to make but cleanup is a breeze. Great for weeknight dinners and delicious enough for company.
Recipe variations
One of the best things about this chicken foil packet recipe is how versatile it is. Whether you’re looking to switch up the protein, sauce, or veggies, here are some fun and tasty ideas to keep this recipe fresh and exciting every time you make it:
Mix Up the Chicken: You're not limited to just chicken breasts! This recipe works well with chicken cutlets, tenderloins, or even boneless chicken thighs. Note that it will take less time to air fry cutlets and tenderloins and more time for thighs.
Change the Sauce: Traditional pasta sauce is always popular but why not try an Alfredo sauce for a creamy version or a spicy arrabbiata sauce for a meal with a kick.
Veggie Variety: Zucchini is a great choice, but you can also substitute or mix in red bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or even broccoli to add more flavor.
Add Some Heat: If you like things spicy, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the chicken before sealing the packets.
What to serve with Italian chicken
These Air Fryer Italian Chicken Foil Packets are a meal on their own, but pairing them with the right sides can make your dinner even better.
Garlic Bread: Crispy on the outside, soft and buttery on the inside, garlic bread is a classic side for any Italian dish. Perfect for soaking up any extra sauce!
Caesar Salad: A fresh Caesar salad with crunchy croutons, crisp romaine lettuce, and a tangy dressing balances the rich flavors of the chicken and veggies.
Pasta: Keep the Italian theme going with a side of pasta. A simple spaghetti aglio e olio (garlic and olive oil pasta) will complement these chicken foil packet dinners beautifully.
Wine Pairing: Don’t forget the wine! A nice glass of Chianti or Pinot Grigio can enhance the flavors of your Italian chicken and make your dinner feel like a special occasion.
How to store and reheat leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which, let’s be honest, might be a rare occurrence with how tasty these are!), here’s how you can store and reheat them to enjoy later:
Storing Leftovers: Allow the chicken and veggies to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, place the cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or plastic freezer bag and freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight.
Reheating Leftovers: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the chicken and veggies in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to keep them from drying out. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. Or use the microwave by placing the leftovers on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
Pro tip: If you want to refresh the flavors, sprinkle a little extra Parmesan or mozzarella cheese on top before reheating. Add a garnish of fresh basil after reheating to bring back that just-cooked freshness!
More air fryer chicken recipes
- Air Fryer Chicken Burgers
- Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu
- Air Fryer Chicken Kabobs
- Air Fryer Frozen Chicken
- Air Fryer Lemon Chicken
Find lots of air fryer recipes for dinner and more right here on 2CM!
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Air Fryer Italian Chicken in Foil
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ¾ cup pasta sauce
- 1 zucchini sliced & quartered
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- ¾ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¾ teaspoon salt divided
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅜ teaspoon black pepper divided
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- Garnish: chopped basil
Instructions
- Slice zucchini then quarter and place in medium bowl.
- Sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning, ¼ teaspoon salt, ⅛ teaspoon pepper, and 1 Tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese. Stir and set aside.
- To prepare chicken breasts, make sure they are the same size and not too thick. I like to cut each breast horizontally if they are too thick and use just half the breasts. If cutting them in half, just double all the seasonings and make 4 servings.
- Season the chicken breasts on both sides with garlic powder and the remaining Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Place the chicken into the skillet and cook for 3 minutes a side. They should be a light golden brown.
- Cut 2 pieces of aluminum foil, large enough to fit the vegetables and chicken and be able to seal it tightly. Spray the foil with an oil spray.
- Place half the seasoned zucchini on each piece of foil. Top each with 2-½ Tablespoons pasta sauce.
- Add the chicken to the top of the zucchini. Top with 3-4 Tablespoons pasta sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Seal the foil on the sides and top to make a closed packet.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Place the 2 sealed packets into the air fryer basket and cook for 16 minutes at 400°F.
- When the time is up carefully slice the packets open on the top. Leave the bottom intact so as not to spill any of the flavorful sauce into the air fryer.
- Sprinkle ¼ cup mozzarella cheese on top of each breast.
- Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and brown.
- Remove from the air fryer and, using a large spoon, plate the chicken and zucchini. Sprinkle with a little freshly grated Parmesan and some chopped fresh basil.
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