Gourmet Galley for Feb. 16, 2012

Succulent chicken saves on cleanup

Advocate staff photo by ARTHUR D. LAUCK Herbed Chicken in Foil Packages is a delicious dish that makes for a pretty presentation -- and there's only a little cleanup to do.

This chicken recipe takes only a few minutes to put together, is nutritional and tasty, and, better yet, you have no pans to clean up. Each person has a chicken breast entrée tucked inside a foil package.

The chicken breast is topped with a slice of onion, bell pepper and chopped celery. Sprinkle lightly with basil or fresh parsley, or use any herb combination you like or have on hand. Don’t overdo the herbs or pepper.

Lemon butter is spooned over the top and the package is sealed and baked.

I found it easier to place the foil sheet in a plate with a rim or a rimmed soup bowl with a slight well. That held the ingredients together and didn’t let the lemon butter run out until I got the package sealed.

After baking, be careful opening the packages because the steam builds up inside during cooking.