If you’re looking for a simple, fuss-free dinner that tastes like a mini vacation, you have to try Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets. Picture juicy chunks of chicken, sweet bursts of pineapple, and colorful veggies all smothered in a savory teriyaki glaze, conveniently wrapped up and cooked to perfection! Whether you’re grilling outdoors or baking inside, this dish is the ultimate easy weeknight meal with big, fresh flavor in every bite. Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets will be your new favorite go-to when you want a hearty meal with virtually zero cleanup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets are delightfully straightforward but absolutely essential. Each one brings something special, from sweetness and color to irresistible umami depth, ensuring this meal is a feast for your senses.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Lean, hearty protein that stays juicy and soaks up all the flavors beautifully.
- Fresh pineapple chunks: Adds a pop of brightness and natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with teriyaki sauce.
- Red bell pepper: Brings color and a subtle, sweet crunch to every foil packet.
- Green bell pepper: Adds bold color contrast and earthy undertones to balance the dish.
- Red onion: Provides a mild, savory bite and turns wonderfully tender as it cooks in the packet.
- Teriyaki sauce: The star of the show, giving each bite that signature savory-sweet umami kick.
- Olive oil: Keeps everything moist and helps meld the flavors as they steam together.
- Garlic powder: Adds warmth and depth without overpowering the fresh ingredients.
- Ground ginger: Offers a gentle zing and that unmistakable Asian-inspired aroma.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all of the natural flavors.
- Green onions (for garnish): Sprinkled on top for a burst of freshness and crunch.
- Sesame seeds (optional): For a final flourish of nutty crunch and visual flair.
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets
Step 1: Preheat Your Grill or Oven
To kick things off, heat your grill to medium-high or set your oven to 400°F. This ensures everything inside the Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets will cook evenly and quickly, creating juicy chicken and perfectly tender vegetables.
Step 2: Toss Everything Together
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces, fresh pineapple, both kinds of bell pepper, and the sliced red onion. Pour in the teriyaki sauce and olive oil, then add the garlic powder, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. Give it all a good toss so every bite gets coated in flavor—your kitchen will smell incredible already!
Step 3: Prep the Foil Packets
Cut four large squares of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Evenly divide the chicken and veggie mixture among each piece. Fold and crimp the edges to seal the packets tightly, which lets all those flavors steam together inside for maximum tenderness and taste.
Step 4: Cook to Perfection
Place your foil packets on the grill grate or, if you’re using the oven, onto a baking sheet. Cook for about 18–20 minutes. The chicken should be thoroughly cooked, and the vegetables irresistibly tender. A word of caution—when opening your Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets, hot steam will escape, so do so carefully!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Open the packets and sprinkle on green onions and sesame seeds for a final flourish of flavor and color. Each packet bursts with mouthwatering aroma, just waiting for you to dig in.
How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets
Garnishes
A simple shower of thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds take your Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets from tasty to show-stopping! If you want to add even more pizzazz, a little fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime offers a zippy, refreshing finish.
Side Dishes
These flavorful packets are fantastic served atop fluffy jasmine or brown rice, or alongside garlicky noodles for a fuller meal. Roasted edamame, a crunchy slaw, or even grilled corn on the cob also make terrific accompaniments, depending on your mood and what you have on hand.
Creative Ways to Present
Present each foil packet directly on plates for a little tableside drama—just let guests peel open their own aromatic parcels. For parties, try serving the contents in a hollowed-out pineapple half for a stunning tropical flair. Or for a fun, casual dinner, pile the chicken and veggies onto lettuce leaves for an easy, flavor-packed wrap.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets can be cooled to room temperature, then slid into an airtight container. Pop them in the fridge and they’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to 3 days. If you’ve kept the packets intact, you can even reheat them right in the foil!
Freezing
To make ahead, prepare and assemble your uncooked Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets, seal them tightly, and freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking as directed. If you’re freezing leftovers, portion them into airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your packets in a 350°F oven (still in foil) for 15 minutes or until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, you can also open the packets and microwave the contents in a microwave-safe dish, stirring once halfway through for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Absolutely! While fresh pineapple adds extra sweetness and texture, canned pineapple chunks (drained well) will still work beautifully in Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets. It’s a great pantry shortcut on busy nights.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No grill, no problem—your oven is perfect for these. Just bake the packets as directed on a baking sheet at 400°F. The results will be every bit as flavorful, with tender chicken and caramelized veggies!
Can I make Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets with shrimp or tofu?
Yes! Swap in peeled, deveined shrimp (just reduce the cooking time to about 12 minutes) or chunks of firm tofu for a fantastic variation. Both absorb the teriyaki marinade beautifully and pair well with pineapple and peppers.
What’s the best way to avoid overcooked chicken?
Cut the chicken into uniform, one-inch pieces for even cooking. Keep an eye on timing: around 18–20 minutes on the grill or in the oven is usually perfect. If you want extra insurance, use a meat thermometer and check for 165°F in the thickest piece.
Can I prepare Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets ahead for camping?
Definitely! Assemble the packets at home and keep them in a cooler until you’re ready to cook them at the campsite. They’re a lifesaver for campfire meals—no mess, no fuss, and they taste fantastic wherever you are!
Final Thoughts
Once you try Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them! Discover the magic of this perfectly balanced, colorful meal that’s as easy to cook as it is to clean up. I can’t wait for you to add this crowd-pleaser to your weeknight (and outdoor adventure) rotation!
Print
Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets are a delicious and easy-to-make meal perfect for summer grilling or baking in the oven. The combination of sweet pineapple, savory teriyaki sauce, and tender chicken makes for a flavorful and colorful dish that is sure to impress.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetable Mixture:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat or set the oven to 400°F. In a large bowl, toss together the chicken, pineapple, bell peppers, and onion with teriyaki sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, ground ginger, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble Foil Packets: Cut 4 large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Divide the chicken and vegetable mixture evenly among the foil sheets and fold each into a sealed packet.
- Cook: Place the foil packets on the grill or a baking sheet in the oven. Cook for 18–20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
- Serve: Carefully open the packets (watch for steam) and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- Serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- You can swap chicken for shrimp or tofu.
- Make ahead for meal prep or camping trips—just keep chilled until ready to cook.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 packet
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 530mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
