
If you're looking for a quick, delicious, and easy way to enjoy a tropical-inspired dinner, these Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets are the perfect solution. The sweet and savory flavors of teriyaki chicken paired with the juicy sweetness of pineapple create a dish that's bursting with flavor. Cooking the meal in foil packets locks in moisture, making the chicken tender and juicy while infusing all the flavors into each bite. This dish is ideal for grilling, but it can also be baked in the oven for a hassle-free dinner any time of the year.
Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a family-friendly meal, or a fun option for a summer barbecue, these foil packets make cooking and cleanup a breeze. With the perfect balance of chicken, pineapple, and vegetables, it’s a meal that everyone will love!
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – 4 pieces (about 680g)
- Fresh pineapple, diced – 200g (1 ½ cups)
- Bell pepper, sliced – 1 large (about 150g)
- Red onion, sliced – 1 small (about 100g)
- Soy sauce – 60ml (¼ cup)
- Teriyaki sauce – 60ml (¼ cup)
- Honey – 2 tablespoons
- Garlic, minced – 2 cloves
- Ginger, grated – 1 teaspoon
- Sesame oil – 1 tablespoon
- Green onions, chopped – 2 for garnish
- Sesame seeds – 1 tablespoon (optional)
- Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
- Salt and pepper – to taste
- Aluminum foil – for wrapping
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (or preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F if baking).
- Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces or leave them whole, depending on your preference.
- Dice the pineapple into small chunks and slice the bell pepper and red onion into thin strips.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil to create the marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
- In a resealable plastic bag or shallow bowl, add the chicken pieces. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Let it marinate for 15-30 minutes to enhance the flavors (optional but recommended for more flavor). Reserve the remaining marinade for later use.
3. Assemble the Foil Packets:
- Lay out four sheets of aluminum foil, each about 12 inches long.
- Drizzle each sheet with a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- On each sheet of foil, place a portion of the marinated chicken in the center. Add some diced pineapple, sliced bell pepper, and onion on top.
- Drizzle a little bit of the reserved marinade over the chicken and vegetables to add extra flavor.
- Carefully fold the sides of the foil up and over the ingredients, sealing the edges tightly to create a packet. Make sure the packets are well-sealed so that no steam escapes during cooking.
4. Cook the Foil Packets:
- Grilling Method: Place the foil packets on the grill and cook for 20-25 minutes. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces, so check for doneness by opening one packet and ensuring the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 75°C/165°F.
- Oven Method: Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
5. Serve & Garnish:
- Carefully open the foil packets, being cautious of hot steam.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor and crunch.
- Serve hot with a side of rice, noodles, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Enjoy the tropical goodness of teriyaki chicken and pineapple!
Nutrition Information (Per Serving – 1 Packet)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 8g
- Sugar: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 670mg
(Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.)
Tips & Tricks for the Best Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets
✔ Use Fresh Pineapple – Fresh pineapple will give the best texture and sweetness compared to canned pineapple. Be sure to dice it into small, bite-sized pieces.
✔ Customize the Vegetables – Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or carrots to the foil packets for added variety.
✔ Marinate Longer for More Flavor – If you have the time, marinate the chicken for 1-2 hours for deeper flavor absorption.
✔ Double the Recipe – This is a great dish for meal prepping! Make extra packets to store in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze them for later.
✔ Grill for Extra Smoky Flavor – Grilling these packets adds a nice smoky char to the chicken, enhancing the flavors even further.
✔ Don’t Overcook – Be sure to monitor the cooking time carefully to avoid overcooking the chicken and vegetables, as they can dry out.
Serving Suggestions
🍚 With Steamed Rice – Serve the teriyaki chicken and pineapple foil packets over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for a complete meal.
🍜 With Noodles – If you prefer noodles, toss the chicken and pineapple over a bowl of warm noodles for a hearty meal.
🥗 With a Fresh Salad – A light green salad with a tangy dressing pairs beautifully with the richness of this dish.
🍹 With a Tropical Drink – Complement the tropical flavors with a refreshing drink like iced tea, pineapple juice, or a coconut water smoothie.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Quick and Easy – These foil packets are a breeze to prepare, and cleanup is minimal since you can just toss the foil away after eating!
✅ Tropical Flavors – The combination of teriyaki chicken and pineapple gives you a tropical escape in every bite, perfect for summer BBQs or a cozy weeknight dinner.
✅ Customizable – You can easily add or swap out veggies or adjust the marinade to your taste preferences.
✅ Perfect for Meal Prep – Make a batch of these packets ahead of time, and you’ll have an easy and flavorful meal ready when you need it.
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