Chicken Ranch Foil Packets

Name: Chicken Ranch Foil Packets
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 tbsp butter, melted; 2 tbsp low sodium ranch seasoning; 1/2 tsp pepper; 12 ounces chicken breast, cut into 1 - 1 1/2 in pieces; 2 cups cauliflower, chopped into pieces; 2 cups broccoli; 1 1/2 cups sliced onions; 1/2 cup Mozzarella cheese; 1 tbsp fresh dill

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These Chicken Ranch Foil Packets are a perfect example of a flavorful, kidney-friendly dish that is both easy to prepare (very little clean up) and enjoyable to eat. By using fresh, low-phosphorus ingredients and carefully balancing protein intake, this recipe ensures that those with CKD can savor a delightful meal without compromising their dietary needs.

Motivated by my mother's diagnosis of CKD due to diabetes and the abundance of conflicting dietary advice, I started a website to provide accurate and simple dietary guidance for others in similar situations. With over 25 years of experience as a Registered Dietitian developing recipes and crafting meals that meet CKD guidelines, I have created menus tailored to special dietary needs, which clients regularly praise for their great taste and satisfying flavors. Every piece of advice we offer is evidence-based, with source references provided whenever applicable to maintain clarity and trust.

perfectly done Ranch Chicken Foil Packets

Packed with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a hint of low sodium ranch seasoning, these foil packets make for a convenient and nutritious dinner option that supports kidney health. Enjoy a meal that not only tastes great but also aligns with your health goals!

For More Recipes and Ideas --->> Get Your Free Meals and Recipes That Are Perfect for Pre-Dialysis Diets, Pre-Dialysis with Diabetes, or Dialysis Diets.

I enjoy eating this meal with Peas and Carrots! Of course, you need to have a salad to go with it, so you might catch me making Pineapple Salad to go with it.

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Ingredients for Chicken Foil Packets
Instructions To Make Chicken Foil Packets In The Oven
Substitutions For Chicken Recipes In Foil Packets
Variations for Ranch Chicken Foil Packets
Storage
Top tip
FAQs for Chicken foil packets
Related Chicken Entrees
Pairing with Ranch Chicken Foil Packets

Ingredients for Chicken Foil Packets

For our Ranch Chicken Foil Packets, we’ve carefully selected ingredients that are both delicious and kidney-friendly. This recipe features tender chicken breast, colorful vegetables, and a touch of ranch seasoning, all designed to be low in sodium, potassium, and phosphorus. These thoughtfully chosen components ensure that you can enjoy a tasty and nutritious meal while managing your CKD dietary requirements.

Close Up Of Ranch Chicken Foil Packets ingredients

Butter, melted - Adds rich flavor and moisture to the chicken and vegetables.
Low sodium ranch seasoning - Provides a savory, herby taste while keeping sodium levels in check.
Pepper - Enhances the overall flavor with a bit of mild heat.
Chicken breast, cut into pieces - Offers lean protein, cut into manageable, bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Cauliflower, chopped into pieces - Adds a nutritious, low-potassium vegetable option with a subtle crunch.
Broccoli - Contributes vibrant color and essential nutrients in a kidney-friendly portion.
Sliced onions - Infuses the dish with a sweet and aromatic depth of flavor.
Mozzarella cheese - Provides a creamy, melty texture with a controlled amount of phosphorus.
Fresh dill - Adds a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor to complement the ranch seasoning.

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions To Make Chicken Foil Packets In The Oven

Creating these Chicken Ranch Foil Packets is straightforward and convenient. With just a few simple steps, you can prepare a delicious, kidney-friendly meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Follow these instructions to assemble and cook your foil packets for a satisfying and nutritious dish.

In a small bowl, mix the ranch seasoning, butter, and pepper together. Cut 4 large pieces (about 12 inches square) of foil.

2. Place the cauliflower, broccoli and onion into a bowl. Drizzle with the ranch butter and toss to coat evenly.

3. Place 3 ounces of chicken in to each of the foil squares. Add the cauliflower, broccoli and onion evenly to the 4 different foil squares.

4. Fold the edges of the foil over the chicken and vegetables to make a packet.

5. Bake for 45 minutes. Open the packets and sprinkle 2 tablespoon of cheese per packet over the chicken and vegetables. Leave the packets open and return to the oven for 2-3 minutes.

Hint: To ensure even cooking and prevent the vegetables from becoming too soft, try to cut all the ingredients into uniform pieces. This will help everything cook at the same rate and enhance the overall texture of the dish.

Substitutions For Chicken Recipes In Foil Packets

If you're looking to customize your Foil Packet meal to better suit your taste preferences or dietary needs, here are some thoughtful substitution ideas. These alternatives still keep the recipe kidney-friendly while adding a fresh twist.

Chicken Thighs instead of Chicken Breast: For a juicier option, use skinless, boneless chicken thighs which are also a great source of protein.
Zucchini instead of Broccoli: Substitute with chopped zucchini to add a different texture and mild flavor without increasing potassium levels.
Parmesan Cheese instead of Mozzarella Cheese: Swap for a small amount of grated parmesan to achieve a robust, savory flavor while keeping phosphorus in check.

Variations for Ranch Chicken Foil Packets

If you want to put a new spin on your Chicken Ranch Foil Packets, here are some exciting variations. These ideas allow you to explore different flavors and textures while maintaining a kidney-friendly profile.

Lemon Herb Chicken Packets - Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and some chopped rosemary or thyme for a bright and aromatic twist.
Mexican-Style Packets - Incorporate cumin, paprika, and a sprinkle of cilantro for a flavorful southwestern influence.
Garlic Parmesan Packets - Mix in minced garlic and replace the ranch seasoning with a blend of Italian herbs and grated parmesan for a rich, savory option.

I like using some of these variations often, no one likes to eat the same thing over and over again, so these variations work well.

Storage

Refrigeration: Store cooked foil packets in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or transfer to an airtight container.
Freezing: For longer storage, place the cooked foil packets in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Meal Prep: Assemble the foil packets with raw ingredients and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. This is a great option for preparing meals in advance.

Top tip

To enhance the flavors and ensure even cooking, preheat the oven and place the foil packets on a baking sheet. This helps distribute heat more evenly and makes it easier to transfer the packets in and out of the oven.

FAQs for Chicken foil packets

Can I prepare and cook these foil packets on a grill instead of an oven?

Absolutely! You can grill the foil packets over medium heat for 20-25 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Are there any other vegetables I can use in place of cauliflower and broccoli?

Yes, you can substitute with other kidney-friendly vegetables such as green beans, bell peppers, or zucchini to keep the dish varied and interesting. You'll enjoy making these ranch chicken foil packets.

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