If you’re looking for a meal that’s bursting with sweet-and-savory flair, incredibly easy to prepare, and perfect for weeknight dinners or summer gatherings, Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets are your new best friend. This vibrant dish combines juicy marinated chicken, tangy bits of pineapple, and a rainbow of bell peppers and onions, all wrapped up and perfectly cooked in foil. With minimal cleanup, customizable options, and that crowd-pleasing teriyaki glaze, these foil packets are truly a must-try for anyone who wants flavor and convenience in one delicious package.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets is a breeze! Every component in this dish is chosen to add a pop of taste, a touch of color, or a boost of texture, making the finished result absolutely irresistible.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, and cut into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly and soak up that teriyaki flavor.
- Red bell pepper: Brings a sweet crunch and gorgeous vibrant color.
- Yellow bell pepper: Adds mild fruity notes and extra brightness to the mix.
- Red onion: Its sharp-sweet bite mellows out as it cooks, balancing all the flavors.
- Pineapple chunks: Fresh or canned will both work; their juicy sweetness is the ultimate pairing with teriyaki.
- Teriyaki sauce: The heart of the dish, bringing umami, tangy, and sweet notes to every bite.
- Olive oil: Helps everything roast up tender and adds a hint of richness.
- Garlic powder: An easy way to add mellow, savory depth without mincing garlic cloves.
- Ground ginger: Delivers zing and warmth that makes the teriyaki flavor pop.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste so all the ingredients sing.
- Green onions: Sliced for a fresh, oniony garnish that brightens up every packet.
- Sesame seeds: Optional, but they add a nutty crunch and a bit of visual flair when sprinkled on top.
- Heavy-duty aluminum foil: Essential for making the packets sturdy and mess-free.
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets
Step 1: Preheat the Grill or Oven
Begin by preheating your grill to medium-high heat, or, if you’re cooking indoors, set your oven to 400°F. Heating things up ahead makes sure your Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets cook evenly and don’t steam instead of roast.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine your chicken pieces, bell peppers, red onion, pineapple chunks, olive oil, teriyaki sauce, garlic powder, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the chicken and veggies are gleaming with that glossy, aromatic sauce—it’s already smelling incredible!
Step 3: Fill and Seal the Foil Packets
Lay out four sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil, then divide the delicious mixture evenly among them. Fold and seal each foil packet tightly, making sure to leave a little room for steam to circulate. This creates an environment where everything roasts perfectly and locks in moisture.
Step 4: Cook the Packets
Arrange the sealed packets on your preheated grill or place them onto a baking sheet in your oven. Let the magic happen for 20 to 25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables have softened to sweet perfection. The aroma wafting from your kitchen or grill will have everyone eagerly waiting at the table!
Step 5: Open and Garnish
Carefully (watch out for all that hot steam!) open each foil packet. Top with a generous sprinkle of sliced green onions and a scattering of sesame seeds if you like a little extra crunch. Serve your Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets piping hot for maximum deliciousness.
How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets
Garnishes
Nothing finishes these packets better than a shower of fresh green onions and a handful of toasted sesame seeds. They lend brightness and a touch of nuttiness that complements the sweet-and-salty main event. Try adding a squeeze of lime for an extra pop!
Side Dishes
Serve your Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets right in the foil for a rustic feel, or spoon them over steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or noodles to soak up all those irresistible juices. Add an Asian-style slaw or some lightly steamed edamame for color and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Foil packets are as fun to serve as they are to make! Set out the sealed packets on a tray and let each guest open their own, or unwrap them ahead and serve in bowls for a family-style meal. For a summer cookout, pair with tropical drinks and let everyone customize their packet with extra sauce or garnishes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets, simply let them cool completely. Pop the contents into an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to three days. That sweet-and-savory flavor is just as wonderful the next day!
Freezing
These packets freeze surprisingly well. Place the cooled, cooked chicken and veggies in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. They’ll keep for up to two months, so you always have a quick, flavorful meal option on hand.
Reheating
To reheat, simply place the thawed contents of the packet back in foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until piping hot, or microwave in a covered dish until heated through. Just be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can dry out.
FAQs
Can I make Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the packets up to a day ahead and keep them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. This makes them perfect for busy weeknights, picnics, or even as a camping meal.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No worries at all! The oven works beautifully for Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets, giving you tender, juicy results. The main thing is to make sure your oven is properly preheated for even cooking.
Can I use different vegetables?
Definitely. While bell peppers and onions are classic, feel free to add snap peas, zucchini, or even mushrooms. Just make sure all veggies are cut to a similar size so they cook evenly with the chicken.
Is fresh or canned pineapple better?
Either will work! If you love bursts of juicy, tangy pineapple, opt for fresh, but drained canned pineapple provides convenience and is just as tasty in Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
If you use a gluten-free teriyaki sauce, this dish is easy to adapt for gluten-free eaters. Double-check your ingredients, and you’re good to go!
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets enough if you’re after a meal that’s equal parts effortless and delicious. This is one of those recipes that brings everyone together, whether you’re gathered around the grill or the kitchen table. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself happily adding it to your regular dinner rotation!
Print
Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets are a delicious and easy meal perfect for grilling or baking. Tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and savory veggies are cooked together in a flavorful teriyaki sauce, all wrapped up in convenient foil packets for minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 1 ½ cups pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
Marinade and Seasonings:
- ½ cup teriyaki sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
- 4 sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil
Additional:
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill or Oven: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat or the oven to 400°F.
- Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine chicken, bell peppers, onion, pineapple chunks, olive oil, teriyaki sauce, garlic powder, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. Toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Assemble Foil Packets: Divide the mixture evenly among the aluminum foil sheets. Fold and seal each packet securely, leaving room for steam to circulate.
- Cook the Packets: Place the packets on the grill or in the oven and cook for 20–25 minutes until chicken is cooked and veggies are tender.
- Serve: Carefully open the packets, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, and serve hot.
Notes
- You can use pre-marinated teriyaki chicken for extra flavor or tofu as a vegetarian option.
- These packets are great for camping or meal prep and can be served over rice or noodles.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 packet
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
