Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets

Get ready to fire up the grill (or oven!) because this Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packet recipe is about to become your new go-to for easy, delicious, and fun meals. Picture this: tender chicken marinated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, paired with juicy pineapple, all wrapped up in a foil packet and cooked to perfection. It’s like a tropical vacation in a bite—sweet, savory, and packed with vibrant flavors. Whether you’re grilling out, camping, or just need a quick dinner idea, these foil packets make cooking a breeze and clean-up even easier. Trust me, you’re going to love how simple yet flavorful this dish is!

Why You’ll Love Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets

This recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser, and here’s why it will quickly become a favorite:

Effortless and Mess-Free: The beauty of foil packets? No mess! You simply prep, seal, and cook. Plus, it’s a perfect way to make cooking (and cleaning) a total breeze.

Tropical Flavor: The sweetness of pineapple perfectly complements the savory teriyaki chicken, giving you a balanced flavor combination that feels like summer on a plate.

Versatile: You can customize the vegetables in the packets to your liking—add bell peppers, onions, or even some zucchini for extra flavor. It’s all about what you enjoy!

Perfect for Grilling or Baking: Whether you prefer to grill it outdoors or bake it in the oven, these foil packets are ideal for either method. You get that perfect “grilled” flavor no matter where you’re cooking.

Quick and Easy: This recipe takes very little prep time and cooks in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight or a weekend cookout.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for these flavor-packed Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets:

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal because they cook quickly and stay juicy in the foil.

Pineapple: Fresh pineapple (cut into chunks) adds that tropical sweetness, but you can also use canned pineapple if that’s what you have on hand.

Teriyaki Sauce: The sweet and salty base for marinating the chicken. You can use store-bought teriyaki sauce, or make your own!

Bell Peppers: Red, yellow, or green bell peppers add a crunchy texture and a pop of color.

Garlic: Fresh garlic adds depth and a fragrant aroma to the marinade.

Olive Oil: A little olive oil helps keep everything moist and prevents sticking in the foil packets.

Green Onions: Chopped green onions give a little extra freshness and flavor when sprinkled on top at the end.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s walk through the steps to create these delicious foil packets!

Preheat Your Grill or Oven: Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F if using an oven). This ensures your packets will cook evenly and the chicken will be perfectly tender.

Prep the Chicken and Pineapple: Slice the chicken breasts into smaller pieces (about 1–2 inch chunks) so they cook faster and absorb more flavor from the marinade. Chop the pineapple into bite-sized chunks.

Make the Marinade: In a bowl, mix together the teriyaki sauce, olive oil, and minced garlic. Coat the chicken pieces in this marinade and let them sit for 10 minutes to absorb all those tasty flavors.

Assemble the Foil Packets: Cut large pieces of aluminum foil (about 12×12 inches). Place a portion of the chicken, pineapple, and bell peppers in the center of each foil square. Drizzle a little more teriyaki sauce over the top for extra flavor.

Seal the Packets: Fold the foil over the chicken and vegetables to create a sealed packet. Make sure the edges are tightly folded so that nothing leaks out during cooking.

Cook the Foil Packets: Place the packets on the grill (or in the oven on a baking sheet). Grill for about 20–25 minutes or bake for 20–25 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.

Serve and Enjoy: Once done, carefully open the foil packets (be cautious of the steam!). Serve your Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple straight from the foil or transfer to plates, topping with freshly chopped green onions for a pop of color and flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets

These foil packets are so flavorful on their own, but if you want to elevate the meal, here are some great serving suggestions:

Rice: Serve with a side of steamed white rice or brown rice to soak up all the extra teriyaki sauce. You could also use jasmine rice or coconut rice for added flavor.

Grilled Veggies: Keep the grill going and throw on some extra veggies like zucchini, asparagus, or mushrooms to round out the meal.

Salad: A crisp, refreshing salad with a light vinaigrette will balance the richness of the teriyaki sauce. A simple cucumber salad or a tangy Asian slaw would be a great pairing.

Noodles: For a more filling option, serve the foil packets with some sesame noodles or even ramen for a fun twist on the traditional dish.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to make your Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets even better:

Marinate Longer: If you have the time, marinate the chicken for an hour or more to really let those flavors soak in.

Add Spice: If you like a little heat, toss in some red pepper flakes or a chopped chili for a spicy kick.

Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add or swap vegetables. Carrots, snap peas, or even broccoli would work well in these foil packets.

Use Pre-Cooked Chicken: In a pinch, you can use leftover rotisserie chicken. Just chop it up and add it to the foil with the pineapple and vegetables for a quicker cook time.

Grill or Oven: If you’re grilling, make sure the foil packets are placed on indirect heat to prevent burning. You can also cook these in the oven if grilling isn’t an option.

Double the Recipe: If you’re feeding a crowd or want to have leftovers, feel free to double or triple the recipe! Foil packets make it easy to scale up without any extra effort.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets ahead of time?
A1: Absolutely! You can assemble the foil packets and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just make sure they’re tightly sealed to prevent any leakage.

Q2: Can I substitute the chicken for something else?
A2: Yes! You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q3: Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
A3: Yes, you can! Just make sure to drain the canned pineapple well before adding it to the foil packets.

Q4: How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
A4: The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part of the chicken to ensure it’s no longer pink.

Q5: Can I use a different sauce instead of teriyaki?
A5: Definitely! If you prefer a different flavor, you can use barbecue sauce, soy sauce with honey, or even a ginger-sesame glaze.

Q6: Can I cook these foil packets in the oven?
A6: Yes! Preheat the oven to 375°F and bake the packets on a baking sheet for about 20–25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.

Q7: What do I do if the foil packet is leaking?
A7: Make sure the edges of the foil are sealed tightly. If you notice any leaks, you can wrap it with another layer of foil to prevent any sauce from escaping.

Q8: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A8: Yes, you can substitute brown rice. Just be aware that brown rice takes a little longer to cook, so you might need to increase the cooking time or pre-cook the rice.

Q9: Can I freeze these foil packets before cooking?
A9: Yes, you can freeze the assembled packets. Just place them in the freezer and cook from frozen. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Q10: Can I use a slow cooker instead of foil packets?
A10: Yes! If you prefer to use a slow cooker, just add all the ingredients to the pot and cook on low for 3–4 hours or until the chicken is cooked through.

Conclusion

These Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets are an absolute breeze to make, and they’ll quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll create a flavorful dish that’s both satisfying and easy to clean up afterward. Whether you’re grilling or baking, the combination of tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and savory teriyaki sauce will have your taste buds dancing. Ready to give it a try? I promise you’ll be hooked!

Print