There isn’t an easier way to make a wholesome meal than to cook your dinner in packets.
If you cut foil or parchment paper into big squares, then top it with a piece of chicken or fish and a colorful variety of vegetables, you’ll have a fresh and flavorful meal on the table in no time flat.
Mediterranean Chicken Packets
And if you’re the cook in the family, not only is this recipe easy, but it’s fun to pull together too.
Mediterranean Chicken Packets
Mediterranean ingredients make a terrific packet meal. Classic combinations like olives, lemon and fresh herbs add flavor with very few calories.
Mediterranean Chicken and Lentils
Low calorie meals in a packet have everything you need in a meal. Protein, healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants in the form of colorful veggies.
As promised – a meal in a packet. Can’t beat that, and if you need more packet recipe ideas, check out She Know’s, for a fantastic packet cooking how-to.
Happy, healthy cooking!
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, 4 large thighs
- ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 large Roma tomatoes, chopped
- ½ cup roasted red peppers, Not packed in oil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons capers, small
- â…“ cup kalamata olives, sliced
- 1 small lemon zest
- ½ small lemon juice, fresh squeezed
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 4 cups lentils, cooked and drained
- 8 tablespoons low fat feta cheese, crumbled
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350.
- Cut parchment paper into 4 very large squares. You want enough paper to fold chicken and lentils into a packet.
- Combine red onion, green pepper, tomatoes, red pepper, capers, olives, lemon zest, lemon juice, and oregano in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Spread out parchment paper and top with 1/2 cup lentils. Top lentils with one chicken thigh, then 1/4 salad mixture. Fold paper over the top and then fold over in 1 inch sections. Then fold each end in the same manner. Then I secure the ends under the chicken. (See picture as an example.)
- Bake for 45 min - 1 hour until chicken is cooked through. I unfolded one packet to check chicken doneness after 30 minutes, then lightly folded it back up to finish off the cooking time.
- Unfold packets and top with feta cheese.
Notes
Calories: 454 Weight Watchers PointsPlus 10 Total Fat: 9.31g Cholesterol: 110mg Sodium: 524mg Total Carbs: 48.69g Dietary Fiber: 18.05g Sugars: 6.75g Protein: 44.08g Sugars: 6.97g Protein: 44.18g
Please see disclaimer for further details. Nutrition information is compiled with MacGourmet. If you find discrepancies, please let me know. It’s important to me that I provide you with accurate information.
If you’re looking for healthy and low calorie Weight Watchers recipes, check out my Recipe page. You’ll find hundreds of recipes that include nutrition information and Weight Watchers points.
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{ 25 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh my gosh, this sounds AMAZING!!! You have to get a pin-it button on your blog because this would be pinned like crazy (and just about all of your other recipes too!). I love that this recipe has kalamata olives AND capers!
The Candid RD (Gina) recently posted…The Dr. Oz Effect
Thank you Gina. I’ve been looking for an easy Wordpress Pin button, but they don’t allow the person to pin the recipe post, just a bunch of images. Pinterest has a Pin feature I’ll use for the time being. It grabs the post. Love your Dr. Oz post!!!
That looks delicious–look at those colors! I’ve cooked meat and fish in foil packets, but this is such a great complete meal.
Cucina49 recently posted…Tea and Strumpets
Such a brilliant way to cook and eat – and no clean up! LOVE the flavors here.
Belinda @zomppa recently posted…We Love Ramen Infographic: TidBit of the Day
You’re so right. I forgot to mention the easy clean up!
I’ve never had a packet meal that wasn’t absolutely fabulous, and I love this idea!! This looks so delicious and super flavorful. Great recipe!
It such an easy meal for growing families. They cook so fast.
I just love doing chicken packets! This flavor combo sounds perfect!
Thanks for sharing!
Kristen @ swanky dietitian recently posted…My Mini Vacation
I have always wanted to use the parchment packet method! This looks like such a yummy dinner! I will have to try it.
Katie@Cozydelicious recently posted…Whole Wheat Oat Soda Bread
I love using it with salmon. It comes out so moist and flavorful. You just have to make sure you don’t cook it too long.
In a packet?! You are full of incredible ideas!
It’s so much fun!
I’ve never had a packet meal and that’s going to change. I love how easy the cooking and clean up process is. You’ve put together a very delicious and colorful meal. The packets must make everything inside so moist. Love it!
Sandra recently posted…Sweet Potato Pound Cake Truffles – The Lowdown
Thank you Sandra! Have a terrific weekend.
It looks really delicious. I often make an Asian style fish this way with ginger, garlic and chillies. I’m going to have to try this recipe too.
Corina recently posted…Braised Fennel with Thyme
this looks super easy and delicious and healthy. lentils and chicken, i just love the way you wrapped them, it’s so easy.
honeywhatscooking recently posted…Restaurants: The Stanton Social (New York City… Lower East Side)
I have to say, my favorite addition was the lentils to my packet meals. They add fiber and a delicious flavor.
Another delicious meal that’s full of fiber! I love it – it looks absolutely delicious!
Cooking in a packet is a very common way in Greece! I myself have used it many times to cook almost everything! Your packs look very appetizing!
Oh wow, what a stunning picture! The recipe is equally mouth-watering. Shall try this recipe: saving this for the weekend!!
Picture taking isn’t my strength, so I truly appreciate the comment. Let me know if you try it and how you shake it up and make it even better. That’s the fun of cooking, isn’t it.
I love cooking things “en papillote” lol. Everything steams together so well and the flavors really combine into something more than the sum of its parts. Talk about a one dish meal, I love the Mediterranean flair.
I only have to take care not to cook too long as sometimes I can overcook the meat, but otherwise, it surely is an easy and flavorful meal. Have a terrific weekend!
What a great idea for those of us with long work days, you can always have a handy healthy meal ready in minutes!! The colors look so vibrant
Malli recently posted…#195 Kale, Zuchini and Cheese Enchiladas with Kale Chips
So true. Just a few fresh veggies and some protein and you have a tasty meal. Enjoy your weekend!
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