Chicken Ranch Foil Packets

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.

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.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]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.

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.

StorageRefrigeration: 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 packetsCan 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.

Related Chicken Entrees

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

Chicken with Broccoli and Onion Sauce ZYD RecipeGoat Cheese, Basil, and Bacon Chicken Breast For Kidney Disease Diet - ZYDPairing with Ranch Chicken Foil Packets

These are my favorite dishes to serve with Chicken Foil Packets:

Kidney Friendly SoupsCauliflower Stuffing with Ground TurkeyBroccoli Cauliflower SoupCabbage Sausage and Potato SoupPrintRecipeChicken Ranch Foil Packets [image error] Print Recipe [image error] Pin Recipe const share_pin_buttons = document.getElementsByClassName( 'share-pin button' ); if ( share_pin_buttons ) { for ( let share_key = 0; share_key < share_pin_buttons.length; share_key++ ) { share_pin_buttons[share_key].addEventListener( 'click', (e) => { e.stopPropagation(); window.open(e.target.dataset.href,'targetWindow','toolbar=no,location=no,status=no,menubar=no,scrollbars=yes,resizable=yes,width=500,height=500'); return false; } ); } }

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Enjoy a delicious and kidney-friendly meal with these Chicken Ranch Foil Packets. Featuring tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a hint of ranch seasoning, this recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for those managing CKD. Convenient and nutritious, it's an excellent choice for a satisfying dinner.

   Author: Mathea Ford, MBA, RDN, LD Prep Time: 15 Cook Time: 45 Total Time: 1 hour Yield: 4 servings Category: Dinner Method: Oven Cuisine: American Diet: Low Salt Ingredients 6 tbsp butter, melted2 tbsp low sodium ranch seasoning½ tsp pepper12 ounces chicken breast, cut into 1 - 1 ½ in pieces2 cups cauliflower, chopped into pieces2 cups broccoli1 ½ cups sliced onions½ cup Mozzarella cheese1 tbsp fresh dill

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark Instructions Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.In a small bowl, mix the ranch seasoning, butter, and pepper together. Cut 4 large pieces (about 12 inches square) of foil.Spray the 4 foil squares with cooking spray.Place the cauliflower, broccoli and onion into a bowl. Drizzle with the ranch butter and toss to coat evenly.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.Fold the edges of the foil over the chicken and vegetables to make a packet.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.Remove the foil packets from the oven, and serve your meal. Notes

These can be made over a campfire or in the kitchen.  You will love how easy they are to make and clean up!

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