Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can substitute bone-in or boneless chicken thighs . Just adjust the cooking time to 45-50 minutes for bone-in thighs to ensure they are fully cooked.

Do I need to cover the foil trays while baking?

No, the foil trays themselves trap enough steam to keep the chicken moist and juicy . However, if you want extra tenderness, you can cover them with foil for the first 20 minutes , then bake uncovered to allow the cheese to brown.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) . The chicken should be firm, with no pink inside.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the foil trays a day in advance , store them in the refrigerator, and bake when ready.

Can I freeze baked chicken in foil trays?

Absolutely. Let the cooked chicken cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months . Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 160°C (325°F) .

What other cheeses can I use?

Mozzarella is great for melting, but you can try cheddar, gouda, provolone, or feta for different flavors.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add extra black pepper, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix, or drizzle with hot sauce before serving.

Can I cook vegetables with the chicken?

Yes, adding bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the foil trays creates a complete meal with minimal effort.

What if I don’t have soy sauce?

You can replace it with balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, or coconut aminos for a similar depth of flavor.

How can I reheat leftovers without drying them out?

Reheat in the oven at 160°C (325°F) for about 10 minutes , covering with foil to retain moisture, or warm in a skillet with a splash of water or broth.

A Genius Trick for Baking Chicken in Foil Trays Everyone Should Know

Name: A Genius Trick for Baking Chicken in Foil Trays Everyone Should Know - Joye Recipes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Ingredients: 3 pieces of aluminum foil; 2 red onions, sliced into half moons; 3 tomatoes, sliced into rounds; 30 ml olive oil; 20 ml soy sauce; 30 g brown sugar; 1 teaspoon oregano; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; 1 teaspoon salt; Pinch of black pepper; 3 crushed garlic cloves; 3 chicken breasts; 150 g grated mozzarella cheese

Ingredients

Scale

3 pieces of aluminum foil (shaped into trays)
2 red onions, sliced into half-moons
3 tomatoes, sliced into rounds
30 ml olive oil
20 ml soy sauce
30 g brown sugar
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon salt
Pinch of black pepper
3 crushed garlic cloves
3 chicken breasts
150 g grated mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Prepare the foil trays: Shape three pieces of aluminum foil into small trays and place them on a baking sheet.
Assemble the base: Fill the foil trays with sliced red onions and tomatoes for a flavorful vegetable layer.
Make the seasoning sauce: In a medium bowl, mix olive oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, oregano, dried rosemary, salt, black pepper, and crushed garlic cloves.
Prepare the chicken: Make shallow cuts on each chicken breast to help absorb the seasoning.
Season the chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the prepared seasoning sauce and place them in the foil trays on top of the vegetables.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake for 40 minutes, adjusting the time based on your oven.
Add cheese: After 40 minutes, sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese on top of the chicken.
Melt the cheese: Return to the oven for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
Serve and enjoy: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

Foil tray tip: Make sure the sides of the foil trays are high enough to prevent juices from spilling.
Extra crispy texture: Broil the chicken for the last 2 minutes to get a golden, slightly crispy top.
Vegetable swaps: Try adding bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra flavor.
Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or smoked paprika to the seasoning for a kick.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Author: Chef Joyé
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with vegetables and cheese
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 850mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 40g
Cholesterol: 95mg

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