Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets Recipe
These Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets are a one-way ticket to easy weeknight dinners packed with bright, fresh flavor. Imagine juicy chicken breasts surrounded by a medley of colorful bell peppers, sweet pineapple chunks, and a generous drizzle of savory-sweet teriyaki sauce—then cooked all together in neat little foil pouches. You get minimal cleanup, maximum taste, and, best of all, every bite sings with a balance of sweet, tangy, and umami notes. Once you try these Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets, you’ll find yourself craving their effortless charm all summer long!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of ingredients to achieve a ton of flavor with these Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets. Each one plays a crucial role in building beautiful sweetness, savory depth, and irresistible juiciness on your plate.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the perfect blank canvas, soaking up all the teriyaki goodness while staying wonderfully juicy inside their foil packet home.
- Teriyaki sauce: This is the superstar that brings the sweet, sticky, and savory kick—with room to use your favorite store-bought or even homemade version.
- Fresh pineapple chunks: Pineapple adds pops of sweetness and moisture, beautifully complementing the teriyaki sauce and tender chicken.
- Red bell pepper: Sliced for color and crunch, the red bell pepper brings a fresh, slightly sweet note to every forkful.
- Green bell pepper: Earthy and bright, green bell peppers add depth and visual appeal to your foil packet.
- Red onion: Sliced red onion turns meltingly tender inside the packet, adding a delicate sharpness and loads of flavor.
- Olive oil: Just a splash helps everything roast up beautifully and keeps the vegetables from sticking to the foil.
- Garlic powder: This easy pantry staple brings a warm, mellow garlic flavor in every bite.
- Ground ginger: Ginger brightens things up, adding a gentle zing that’s classic in teriyaki dishes.
- Black pepper: A sprinkling of black pepper ties all the savory elements together and gives a tiny kick.
- Cooked white rice (optional): Serving your Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets over fluffy rice soaks up every last drop of sauce—highly recommended!
- Chopped green onions: These fresh, crisp rounds add a little color and a clean bite as garnish.
- Sesame seeds: Toasted or plain, sesame seeds are the finishing touch for crunch and a nutty aroma.
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets
Step 1: Prep Your Cooking Station
Start by firing up your grill to medium-high heat or preheating your oven to 400°F. Having everything prepped before you begin ensures a smooth assembly line, and this is the key to making these Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets as effortlessly as possible. Cut four large squares of heavy-duty foil and lay them flat, ready for action.
Step 2: Position the Chicken
Place one boneless, skinless chicken breast smack dab in the center of each foil square. This will be the heart of your packet, soaking up all of those fantastic flavors.
Step 3: Toss the Veggies and Pineapple
In a big mixing bowl, toss together the pineapple chunks, both sliced bell peppers, and the red onion with olive oil, garlic powder, ground ginger, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir to make sure the vegetables and pineapple are evenly coated and glistening with that aromatic spice blend.
Step 4: Assemble the Packets
Evenly distribute the tossed veggie and pineapple mixture over each chicken breast. Don’t be shy—pile it high so every bite has a pop of color and a burst of flavor!
Step 5: Add the Teriyaki Sauce
Now comes the magic touch—a generous pour of about 1/4 cup of teriyaki sauce over each chicken pack. Watch as the sauce seeps around the edges, promising sticky, savory goodness in every crevice.
Step 6: Seal the Packets
Fold the foil up over each mound of chicken and vegetables, tightly pinching the edges to create a sealed packet. This locks in moisture and flavor, almost like creating your own mini steam oven for each serving.
Step 7: Grill or Bake
Transfer your packets to the grill or oven, and let them cook for 20 to 25 minutes. The chicken will become tender and perfectly cooked (check for an internal temp of 165°F), while the veggies and pineapple soften into a saucy, aromatic jumble.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Carefully open each packet (watch for rising steam!) and sprinkle generously with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Scoop out onto a plate or serve straight in the foil packet over warm rice. Dig in!
How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions and sesame seeds is all you need to elevate these Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets from simple to show-stopping. Not only do they add a burst of color and crunch, but the aroma and flavor of toasted sesame practically scream “dinner is special tonight!”
Side Dishes
There’s no denying that fluffy white rice is a classic bed for soaking up the extra teriyaki juices, but don’t stop there. Consider serving these foil packets alongside a crisp Asian slaw, steamed edamame, or even some grilled corn to round out the meal with more texture and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
These foil packets are a dream for entertaining or weeknight dinners because everyone gets their own perfectly portioned meal. Serve directly in the foil for a rustic, campfire vibe, or slide the contents onto a platter for a bright, colorful family-style presentation. For picnics or potlucks, keep the packets sealed and let everyone open theirs for a fun, interactive reveal!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets, cool them to room temperature before transferring the contents (chicken, veggies, and juice) to airtight containers. They keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the flavors just keep developing as they mingle together.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these packets! Assemble as directed but hold off on adding the garnishes. Place the wrapped packets in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking as usual.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop the contents into a microwave-safe dish (or even back in the foil if using an oven) and warm gently until heated through. Splash a bit more teriyaki sauce over top to revive the sauciness if needed, and don’t forget your garnishes for that fresh finish.
FAQs
Can I substitute chicken thighs for breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will bring extra juiciness and rich flavor. Just be aware that they may take a few minutes longer to cook, so check that they reach 165°F internally before serving.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?
While you don’t have to, marinating the chicken in the teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes before assembling the packets infuses even more flavor and tenderness. It’s a quick upgrade, especially if you have a little extra time.
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Yes, canned pineapple chunks work just fine in Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets—just drain them well and maybe opt for those packed in juice rather than syrup for the best balance.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No worries! The oven works beautifully for these foil packets. Just bake them at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are luscious and tender.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The dish can be made gluten-free as long as your teriyaki sauce is certified gluten-free. Many brands offer this, or you can even make your own at home easily.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a delicious dinner that feels both simple and a little bit special, these Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets absolutely fit the bill. The flavors are incredibly rewarding, the cleanup is minimal, and everyone gets a perfectly portioned bundle of joy. Give them a try, and I can practically guarantee you’ll have found a new favorite in your meal rotation!
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Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets are a delicious and easy meal perfect for summer grilling. Juicy chicken breasts are cooked with sweet pineapple, colorful bell peppers, and savory seasonings, all enveloped in a flavorful teriyaki sauce. Serve with rice for a complete and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 green bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 small red onion (sliced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups cooked white rice (optional, for serving)
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your grill or oven: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or your oven to 400°F.
- Prepare foil packets: Cut 4 large pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Place one chicken breast in the center of each foil piece.
- Prepare filling: In a bowl, toss pineapple chunks, sliced peppers, and onion with olive oil, garlic powder, ground ginger, and black pepper. Divide the mixture evenly over the chicken.
- Add sauce: Pour about 1/4 cup of teriyaki sauce over each packet.
- Seal packets: Fold the foil around the contents to seal completely, creating a packet.
- Cook: Grill or bake the packets for 20–25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Serve: Carefully open the packets, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, and serve with cooked rice if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts for a juicier result.
- Use store-bought or homemade teriyaki sauce.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes before assembling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 packet
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 44g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
