Let me tell you, foil-baked meals are my go-to when I want something quick, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to clean up. This Foil Baked Chicken and Butter Beans recipe is packed with hearty goodness, fresh flavors, and just the right amount of zing from garlic and chili. Plus, everything cooks in its little foil packet, locking in all those amazing juices. Perfect for when you’re short on time but still want to eat like a king (or queen!).
Try my Lemon and Herb Salmon Pasta recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
→ Minimal Cleanup : Everything cooks in foil packets, so there’s no mountain of dishes waiting for you afterward. Win-win!
→ Full of Flavor : The juicy chicken, buttery beans, and fresh thyme combine with garlic, chili, and lemon to give you a meal bursting with taste.
→ Healthy and Balanced : Packed with lean protein, leafy greens, and fiber-rich beans, it’s as good for you as it is delicious.
→ Quick to Make ⏱️: Ready in just 25 minutesperfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner fast.
→ Customizable : Don’t like chili? Skip it. Want more veggies? Toss them in. This recipe is as flexible as you are!
→ Impresses Without Stress : Looks fancy, tastes amazing, but secretly takes zero effort. Your secret’s safe with me!
Try my Teriyaki Salmon Bowl recipe.
What You’ll Need To Make
Key Ingredients That Make This Dish Shine
→ Chicken Breasts : Boneless, skinless, and perfectly juicy when baked. Plus, those little scores we make help soak in all the flavors – so good!
→ Butter Beans : Creamy, hearty, and full of plant-based protein. They add that perfect comfort-food vibe to the dish.
→ Baby Spinach : Fresh and tender, it wilts beautifully under the chicken while adding a pop of green and a boost of vitamins.
→ Fresh Thyme : These tiny leaves pack a big punch of earthy, herby goodness. Perfect for elevating simple dishes.
→ Garlic and Red Chili ️: The dream team! Garlic brings the savory, chili brings the heat. Together, they give this dish a bold and vibrant kick.
→ Lemon : A few slices of lemon add a zesty brightness that ties everything together and makes the flavors pop.
These simple, wholesome ingredients come together like magic in the oven. Every bite is a balance of juicy, creamy, spicy, and zesty!
NOTE: For measurements and rest of the ingredients check the recipe card below.
What You’ll Need To Do
Time required: 25 mins
1| Preheat the oven to 430°F (220°C). Grab two big sheets of heavy-duty tin foilthink about 24 inches long. You want plenty of room to wrap up all that goodness!
2| Start layering: On one half of each foil sheet, spoon in half of those buttery beans along with a splash of their liquid (trust me, it’s flavor gold). Toss in a handful of spinach on top, sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt and black pepper, and drizzle on about half a tablespoon of olive oil and a splash (1 tbsp) of red wine vinegar.
3| Prep the chicken: Take those chicken breasts and give them a few shallow cuts across the top (about 1/2 inch apart). It’s like making pockets for flavor to sneak in! Season generously with salt and pepper, then lay the chicken on top of the spinach.
4| Flavor explosion incoming: Strip the thyme leaves from the sprigs and sprinkle them over the chicken. Divide the garlic slices, chili, and lemon slices evenly between the two packets, arranging them artfully (or just throw them onit’ll still taste amazing). Finish with a drizzle of 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil over everything.
5| Seal the deal: Fold the foil over your masterpiece and roll up the edges tightly to make a little packet. No sneaky steam escaping allowed!
6| Bake away: Pop the foil packets onto a baking sheet and slide them onto the middle rack of your oven. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked to juicy perfection.
7| Let it chill (kind of): Once out of the oven, let the packets sit for 5 minutes. This little rest lets everything steam and soak up even more flavor.
8| Serve and enjoy: Carefully open the packets (watch out for that hot steam!), plate it all up, and dig in. Your taste buds are about to throw a party!
Enjoy this quick and easy meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
Recipe Swaps & Creative Tweaks
Recipe Swaps
1| Chicken Breasts → Salmon Fillets : Want to mix it up? Use salmon instead of chicken. It cooks just as fast and pairs beautifully with the beans and spinach.
2| Butter Beans → Cannellini Beans or Chickpeas : Don’t have butter beans? No worries! Cannellini beans or chickpeas are great substitutes and bring a slightly different texture.
3| Spinach → Kale or Swiss Chard : Swap spinach with kale or chard for a heartier green. Just give them a quick chop before adding them to the foil.
4| Fresh Thyme → Dried Thyme or Oregano : If fresh thyme isn’t on hand, dried thyme or oregano works just as well. Use about half the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
5| Red Chili → Bell Pepper or Chili Flakes ️ : Not into spicy? Swap the chili for thinly sliced bell pepper for a sweet crunch, or just sprinkle a pinch of chili flakes for mild heat.
6| Lemon → Lime or Orange Slices : Try lime for a tangy twist or orange slices for a sweeter citrus note.
Try my Baked Salmon Rice Waffles recipe.
Create Tweaks
1| Add Veggies : Toss in some sliced zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or thinly sliced carrots for extra color and flavor.
2| Make It Creamy : Add a dollop of cream cheese or a splash of coconut milk to the beans before baking for a rich, creamy vibe.
3| Spice It Up ️ : Sprinkle some smoked paprika, cumin, or a pinch of cayenne for a smoky, spiced-up version.
4| Go Cheesy : Top the chicken with grated Parmesan or mozzarella before sealing the foil for a gooey, cheesy finish.
5| Try a Sauce Drizzle : After baking, drizzle with balsamic glaze or a bit of honey for a sweet and tangy flavor boost.
6| Serve with Sides : Pair it with crusty bread to mop up the juices or a side of fluffy quinoa or rice for a more filling meal.
These swaps and tweaks let you personalize this recipe and keep it exciting every time!
Try my Salmon Quinoa Salad recipe.
Useful Tips for Success
1| Use Heavy-Duty Foil ️ – Go for thick, heavy-duty foil to prevent tearing. If you only have thin foil, double it up to keep all those juices sealed in.
2| Don’t Skip Scoring the Chicken – Making shallow cuts in the chicken helps it cook evenly and lets all the flavors from the garlic, thyme, and chili soak in.
3| Add Liquid for Juiciness – A splash of butter bean liquid or even a bit of chicken stock in the packet ensures your dish stays moist and full of flavor.
4| Seal Those Edges Tight – Roll the foil edges firmly to lock in steam. This creates a mini pressure-cooker effect that keeps everything tender and juicy.
5| Don’t Overcrowd the Packets – Give the ingredients some space inside the foil. Overpacking can make it harder for everything to cook evenly.
6| Check Chicken Doneness – If you’re unsure if the chicken is cooked, use a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
7| Let It Rest ⏱️- After baking, let the packets sit for 5 minutes before opening. This allows the flavors to meld and keeps the chicken super juicy.
8| Handle with Care – Open the packets slowly and away from your facehot steam will escape, and you don’t want a surprise facial!
9| Customize the Seasoning – Adjust salt, pepper, and chili to your liking. Taste as you go (before sealing the foil, of course) to get the flavors just right.
10| Prep Ahead for Busy Nights – Assemble the foil packets in advance and keep them in the fridge. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to cook!
These tips will help you nail the recipe every time and make the process stress-free and fun!
Try my Sweet Potato Hash with Smoked Salmon recipe.
Serving Suggestions
1| Crusty Bread : Serve with warm crusty bread to soak up all those delicious juices. A hearty sourdough or baguette works like magic!
2| Fluffy Rice : Pair it with steamed white, brown, or wild rice for a more filling meal. The rice soaks up the flavorful juices perfectly.
3| Quinoa or Couscous : For a lighter option, spoon the chicken and beans over fluffy quinoa or couscous. It adds a nice texture and soaks up the flavors beautifully.
4| Mashed Potatoes : Go classic with creamy mashed potatoes on the side. The buttery mash complements the dish’s flavors and adds extra comfort.
5| Fresh Salad : Balance the warm, hearty flavors with a crisp green salad. Toss some mixed greens with a lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
6| Grilled Veggies : Add some grilled or roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus on the side for an extra veggie boost.
7| Pasta on the Side : Serve with a simple buttered pasta or garlic spaghetti to turn it into a hearty Italian-inspired meal.
8| Cauliflower Rice : For a low-carb option, serve the chicken and beans over cauliflower rice. It’s light, healthy, and soaks up the sauce nicely.
9| Zesty Yogurt Sauce : Add a dollop of yogurt mixed with lemon juice and herbs for a cool, creamy topping that enhances the flavors.
10| Serve in the Foil : For a rustic and fun presentation, serve the dish directly in its foil packet. It’s mess-free and keeps everything warm!
With these serving ideas, you can easily customize the dish to suit any mood or occasion!
Try my Baked Salmon Sushi Cups recipe.
Storage Suggestions
1| In the Fridge (Up to 3 Days) : After it cools down, transfer any leftover foil packets into an airtight container or cover the foil packet tightly. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy again.
2| Freezing Leftovers (Up to 3 Months) ❄️: If you’ve got leftovers, freeze them for later! Let the foil packets cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. When you’re ready to eat, reheat in the oven (thawing is optional, but it might take a little longer).
3| Reheat in the Oven : For the best texture, reheat the chicken and beans in the oven. Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place the foil packet on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10–15 minutes or until warmed through.
4| Microwave Reheating ⚡: If you’re in a hurry, you can also reheat in the microwave. Just make sure to remove the foil and transfer everything to a microwave-safe plate or bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
5| Separate the Chicken and Beans : If you want to keep things organized, store the chicken and beans separately in containers. This way, you can mix and match with other sides later.
With these storage tips, you can easily keep your leftovers fresh and enjoy this tasty dish even after the first round!
Try my One Pot Spinach and Salmon Pasta recipe.
Final Thoughts
There you have ityour new favorite one-pan-wait-no-pan dinner! These foil-baked chicken and butter bean packets are proof that simple ingredients can make magic happen. It’s healthy, delicious, and cleanup is basically non-existent. If you try it, let me know how it turned outor what twist you added. And hey, don’t forget to share this recipe with someone who could use an easy dinner win. Enjoy, folks!
Recipe Card
Foil Baked Chicken and Butter Beans
This Foil Baked Chicken and Butter Beans recipe is a total lifesaver! Packed with juicy chicken, garlic, chili, and zesty lemon, it’s healthy, delicious, and ready in 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 430°F (220°C). Lay out two large sheets of thick tin foil, about 24” (60cm) in length. -
Step 2:
On one half of each sheet of foil, pile half of the butter beans, along with some of the juice from the jar or can. Scatter half the spinach over the beans and season with sea salt and black pepper. Drizzle with 1⁄2 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tbsp. red wine vinegar. -
Step 3:
Score the chicken breast widthways at 1⁄2“ (1cm) intervals, cutting about halfway through the meat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then place the chicken breast over the spinach. Pick the thyme leaves off the sprigs and sprinkle over the chicken. -
Step 4:
Divide the garlic, chili and lemon over each chicken breast. Drizzle everything with 11⁄2 tbsp. olive oil. -
Step 5:
Fold the foil over the ingredients, and tightly roll the edges to seal the packets completely. -
Step 6:
Carefully transfer the foil packets to a baking sheet and place on the middle shelf of the oven, and bake for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. -
Step 7:
Once done, remove from the oven and set the packets aside to steam for 5 minutes before opening.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 2
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 442kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 18g28%
- Total Carbohydrate 27g9%
- Protein 43g86%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
