Lemon Pepper Chicken Foil Packs with Asparagus and Garlic

Super-juicy lemon pepper chicken baked in individual foil packets with fresh asparagus and rosemary. This quick, easy meal steams in the oven, combining chicken and vegetables into a flavorful, tender dinner ready in about 30 minutes.

Recipe Timeline

  • Add seasoned chicken, asparagus spears, a rosemary sprig, and a lemon slice to each foil packet (about 5 minutes).
  • Seal the foil packets and bake (about 20 minutes).
  • Let the chicken rest in the sealed packets before opening (about 5 minutes).
Three foil packets with baked chicken breast with asparagus spears, rosemary sprig, and lemon slice.

If you enjoy bright lemon flavors, try the Red Snapper with Lemon Butter Caper Sauce for a fast seafood option that’s ready in about 10 minutes.

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Reader Praise and Comments

Denise – “I made this and used green beans instead of asparagus. It was fabulous! Incredibly easy and very, very good!”

JG – “Excellent! The chicken was so flavorful and juicy—this tasted like a restaurant meal!”

Why You’ll Love Lemon Chicken Foil Packets

This is an ideal all-in-one meal: chicken and vegetables steam together, melding flavors while keeping everything moist and tender.

Baking in foil packets is quick, simple, and effective. The sealed environment traps steam and juices, producing very tender, juicy chicken and perfectly cooked vegetables—an especially convenient method for busy weeknights or casual outdoor cooking.

Quick Note: This post was originally published in 2019 and updated in 2025 with extra tips and variations.

Ingredient Photo with Notes

Scroll down to the printable recipe card for the full ingredient list and instructions.

Ingredients measured out in individual containers.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts — about 5 oz each and no more than 1″ thick. Use thin breasts or pound thicker breasts to 1″ for even cooking.

Lemon pepper seasoning — a favorite store brand works well. You can also use homemade lemon pepper if you prefer more control over the flavors.

Olive oil or coconut oil — a light coating keeps the chicken from sticking to the foil.

Fresh asparagus — green beans or other vegetables work as substitutions.

Fresh rosemary sprigs — dried rosemary can be used if fresh isn’t available.

Fresh lemon slices — roll lemons on the counter before slicing to help release the juices.

Ingredient Swaps

Swap asparagus for green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, peppers, or any favorite vegetable that cooks in a similar time.

Chicken thighs or pork chops can replace the chicken breasts if preferred.

Use rosemary, thyme, or a blend of herbs to suit your taste.

For another bright chicken dinner, consider Baked Feta Chicken with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired option.

Recipe Steps with Photos

Here’s how simple Lemon Pepper Chicken Foil Packets are to prepare:

Step 1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Sprinkle lemon pepper seasoning on both sides of each chicken breast. Place the seasoned breast on a lightly oiled 12″ x 12″ sheet of foil. Add 5–6 asparagus spears, a sprig of rosemary, and a lemon slice.

Uncooked seasoned chicken breast with asparagus, rosemary, and lemon slice on sheet of foil.

Step 2. Fold and crimp the foil edges to seal each packet tightly. Repeat for each serving.

Four foil wrapped chicken breasts on baking pan.

Step 3. Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink and reaches 160°F.

Three Lemon Pepper Chicken with rosemary and asparagus inside foil packet with lemon slices on top.

Step 4. Remove from the oven and let the packets rest for 5 minutes before carefully opening—steam will be hot.

The juices in the packet are packed with flavor—use them to dip the chicken and asparagus or pour them over rice for extra taste. The result is tender, juicy chicken with crisp, healthy asparagus.

Recipe Tips

  • Pour the packets’ juices over cooked rice or cauliflower rice for a flavorful finish.
  • Thicker chicken breasts will require more time—use an instant-read thermometer to confirm doneness.
  • If using a substitute vegetable, choose one that cooks in a similar time to asparagus to ensure everything finishes together.

Recipe Variations

Greek-style: add Greek seasoning, black olives, and cherry tomatoes to the packet, and sprinkle with crumbled feta after baking.

Add potatoes: cut baby red potatoes into small pieces or thin slices and include them in the packet—note that this may increase cooking time slightly.

Easy Meal Plan

An easy meal plan centered on lemon pepper chicken foil packs—great for weeknights or meal prep.

Simple Sides

Yukon Gold mashed potatoes, macaroni and tomatoes, garlic bread or dinner rolls, or a green salad pair nicely.

Drink

Iced tea with lemon or cucumber-mint water for a refreshing accompaniment.

Light Dessert

Mixed berry yogurt parfaits make a light, fruity finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will leftovers stay fresh?

Store leftover foil packets in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; they reheat well and make great next-day lunches.

Does baking chicken in foil keep it moist?

Yes. Wrapping the chicken seals in juices and creates steam that cooks the chicken and vegetables gently, preserving moisture.

Do I have to use foil packets?

No. You can bake everything in a 9×13-inch pan covered tightly with foil so the food still steams and stays moist.

Lemon Pepper Chicken with rosemary and asparagus inside foil packet with lemon slices on top.

More Baked Chicken Recipes

  • Lemon Rosemary Garlic Chicken
  • Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
  • Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Thighs
  • Goat Cheese and Bacon Stuffed Chicken

Leave a Comment

If you try these Lemon Pepper Chicken Foil Packs, please leave a rating and share how they turned out — I’d love to hear about your variations and tips.

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Recipe

 

Recipe

Baked chicken breast with asparagus spears, rosemary sprig, and lemon slice in a foil packet.

Lemon Pepper Chicken Foil Packets Recipe

Super-juicy lemon pepper chicken baked in a foil packet with fresh asparagus and rosemary. A quick, healthy chicken dinner that’s easy to prepare.
4.60 from 10 votes

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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 143 kcal
Author: Anne Clark

Equipment

  • sheet pan
  • measuring spoons
  • aluminum foil

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 5 oz each) No more than 1-inch thick
  • 4 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning 1 teaspoon per breast, adjust to taste
  • trace olive oil or coconut oil
  • 1 bunch fresh asparagus
  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary per packet
  • 1 fresh lemon, sliced
  • sea salt, if desired (adjust to taste)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400°F. If breasts are thick, pound to 1/2″–1″ for even cooking.
  • For each serving, measure 1 teaspoon lemon pepper and season both sides of the breast. Place the breast on a lightly oiled 12″ x 12″ sheet of foil.
  • Add 5–6 asparagus spears beside the chicken, then top with a rosemary sprig and a lemon slice. Sprinkle with sea salt if using.
  • Fold and seal the foil tightly around the chicken and asparagus. Repeat for each packet and place on a baking sheet.
  • Bake about 20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 160°F and is no longer pink. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before opening carefully—watch for hot steam.

Notes

Thicker breasts will need longer baking time—use a thermometer to ensure proper doneness.

Vegetable alternatives include green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, or peppers—choose ones that cook in similar timeframes.

Store leftover packets in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; they reheat well.

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Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 143kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 3g

Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and may vary based on brands and portion sizes. I’m not a nutritionist and cannot guarantee the accuracy—use a nutrition calculator if exact values are needed.