Introduction
Looking for a quick, tasty, and fun dinner idea? Try Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets! This recipe is easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for family dinners or outdoor BBQs. All you need to do is wrap the ingredients in foil and cook them in the oven or on the grill. The best part? There’s hardly any cleanup afterward!
The sweet and tangy teriyaki sauce pairs perfectly with juicy chicken and sweet pineapple. Add in some colorful veggies, and you have a complete meal in one packet. Kids love the flavor, and adults enjoy the easy prep. Let’s dive into how to make this yummy dish!
Ingredients – Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets
Here are the simple ingredients you’ll need:
For the Chicken Packets:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 2 cups pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 large sheets of aluminum foil
For the Teriyaki Sauce (or use store-bought):
- ½ cup soy sauce (low-sodium is okay)
- ¼ cup honey or brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or regular vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (to thicken)
Step by Step Process – Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets
Step 1: Make the Teriyaki Sauce
If you are using store-bought sauce, you can skip this part. But homemade is always better!
- In a small saucepan, mix soy sauce, honey (or sugar), vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
- Heat on medium until it starts to boil.
- Mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl.
- Add the cornstarch mix into the sauce and stir well.
- Let it cook for 2–3 minutes until it thickens.
- Set it aside to cool a little.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken and Veggies
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Place the chicken in a bowl and pour half of the teriyaki sauce over it. Mix well and let it sit for 10–15 minutes to soak in the flavor.
- In another bowl, add the pineapple, chopped bell peppers, and red onion.
- Drizzle olive oil over the veggies and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Mix well.
Step 3: Assemble the Foil Packets
- Lay out 4 large foil sheets.
- In the center of each foil sheet, place a portion of the veggie mix.
- Top with the marinated chicken.
- Drizzle a little more teriyaki sauce over each packet (save some for later if you like extra sauce).
- Fold the sides of the foil over the food and seal tightly to make a packet.
Step 4: Cook the Packets
You can cook these in the oven or on a grill.
Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the foil packets on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
Grill:
- Preheat the grill to medium heat.
- Place foil packets directly on the grill.
- Cook for 20–25 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Carefully open each packet (be careful of the hot steam!). Serve directly in the foil or pour onto a plate. You can serve it with rice, noodles, or enjoy it on its own!
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350–400 kcal |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Sugars (from pineapple and sauce) | 15g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium (if using soy sauce) | 800mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Yes! Just make sure it’s in juice, not syrup. Drain the juice before using.
Q2: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Of course! Thighs are juicy and flavorful. Just cut off any extra fat.
Q3: Can I prepare the packets ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the packets in the morning and store them in the fridge until dinnertime. Cook when ready!
Q4: Can I make this vegetarian?
Sure! Replace chicken with tofu or more veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or snap peas.
Q5: What can I serve this with?
It goes great with steamed rice, brown rice, or even noodles.
Q6: Can I freeze the cooked packets?
Yes, but it’s best eaten fresh. If freezing, let it cool, wrap tightly, and store for up to 2 months.
Final Thoughts
Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets are the perfect mix of sweet, savory, and simple. They’re great for busy weeknights, outdoor grilling, or family dinners. The foil keeps everything juicy and flavorful, while the cleanup is super easy—just toss the foil!
Whether you’re cooking in the oven or outside on a grill, these foil packets bring a burst of flavor and color to the table. And with fresh ingredients and homemade teriyaki sauce, you know you’re feeding your family something delicious and healthy.
So the next time you’re in the mood for something fun and flavorful, give these foil packets a try. You’ll be glad you did!
