Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets are the definition of easy, flavorful cooking with minimal cleanup. This recipe brings together tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and a glossy teriyaki glaze that caramelizes beautifully as it cooks. Everything steams and roasts together inside the foil, allowing the flavors to mingle while keeping the chicken moist and perfectly cooked. What I appreciate most about this dish is its versatility; it works just as well in the oven as it does on the grill, making it ideal year-round. I first tried this recipe during a busy week, and it quickly became a go-to because the prep is simple and the results feel thoughtfully composed. The sweetness of the pineapple balances the savory sauce, creating a meal that feels light yet satisfying. It is approachable, family-friendly, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and casual outdoor meals.
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Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets – A Sweet, Savory, and Effortless Meal
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Juicy teriyaki-glazed chicken cooked with sweet pineapple and tender vegetables in easy, oven- or grill-ready foil packets for a flavorful, no-mess meal.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into chunks
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 red onion, sliced
- 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or extra oil for foil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or prepare a grill for medium heat.
- In a bowl, combine teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, honey, olive oil, garlic, and ginger.
- Add chicken to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Cut large sheets of foil and lightly grease the center.
- Divide chicken, pineapple, bell peppers, broccoli, and onion evenly among foil sheets.
- Spoon extra sauce over each packet and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Fold foil tightly to seal packets.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or grill for 20–25 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Carefully open packets and serve hot.
Notes
- Serve over rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
- Be cautious when opening foil packets due to hot steam.
- Can substitute chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking or Grilling
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breast provides a lean, tender protein that cooks evenly inside the foil packets.
Fresh pineapple adds natural sweetness and juiciness, balancing the savory teriyaki sauce.
Teriyaki sauce forms the flavor base, delivering sweet, salty, and umami notes.
Bell peppers add color, mild sweetness, and a slight crunch.
Red onion brings subtle sharpness that softens as it cooks.
Garlic enhances the savory depth of the sauce.
Fresh ginger adds warmth and aromatic complexity.
Soy sauce reinforces the umami profile and deepens flavor.
Honey or brown sugar boosts caramelization and rounds out the sauce.
Sesame oil adds a nutty finish that complements the teriyaki flavors.
Black pepper sharpens and balances the sweetness.
Green onions provide freshness and a mild bite for finishing.
Sesame seeds add texture and visual appeal when serving.
Directions
Preheat the oven or grill to a medium-high temperature. Tear large sheets of foil and lightly coat the centers with oil to prevent sticking.
Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces and place them in a mixing bowl. Add teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, honey, sesame oil, and black pepper. Toss until the chicken is well coated.
Divide the chicken mixture evenly among the foil sheets. Top with pineapple chunks, bell peppers, and red onion. Fold the foil over the ingredients and seal tightly to create packets.
Place the foil packets on a baking sheet or grill grates. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, usually about 25 to 30 minutes, depending on heat source. Carefully open the packets and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves four people. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 30 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. If reheating in foil, keep the packet sealed to retain moisture.
Variations and Customizations
You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier texture or use shrimp with a shorter cooking time. Adding broccoli, snap peas, or zucchini increases vegetable content and color. For a spicier version, add a pinch of chili flakes or a drizzle of chili sauce. I have also tried using canned pineapple when fresh was unavailable, and it worked well as long as it was well drained. Serving the packets over rice or quinoa makes the meal more filling and satisfying.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This dish is high in protein and contains a good balance of carbohydrates and vegetables. Using low-sodium soy sauce helps control salt levels. It is naturally dairy-free and can be made gluten-free with appropriate sauce choices.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Cut Ingredients Evenly
Uniform pieces ensure consistent cooking throughout the packet.
Seal Packets Tightly
Proper sealing traps steam and keeps chicken tender.
Avoid Overcooking
Check doneness promptly to prevent dry chicken.
Finish with Fresh Garnishes
Green onions and sesame seeds add brightness and texture.
FAQs
Can I make these foil packets ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance.
Can I cook these on the grill?
Yes, they are excellent on a preheated grill.
Is fresh pineapple necessary?
Fresh is preferred, but canned works if drained well.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken should be opaque and fully cooked through.
Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?
Yes, it works perfectly and saves time.
Are these packets kid-friendly?
Yes, the flavors are mild and slightly sweet.
Can I add rice inside the packets?
Rice should be cooked separately for best texture.
What vegetables work best here?
Bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas are great options.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes.
What can I serve with this dish?
Steamed rice, quinoa, or a simple green salad pair well.
Conclusion
Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets offer a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and simplicity. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this recipe is an excellent choice for stress-free dinners that still feel thoughtful and satisfying.
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