Hawaiian BBQ Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets

Picture this: tender, juicy chicken coated in sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, paired with fresh, caramelized pineapple, all wrapped up in a handy foil packet and cooked to perfection. Sounds like a tropical dream, right? Well, Hawaiian BBQ Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets bring that dream to life! It’s a fun, easy, and super flavorful meal that’s perfect for grilling season, a backyard cookout, or even a cozy dinner in the oven. Trust me, these foil packets are going to become your new go-to for simple, delicious meals. Plus, everything cooks together, so cleanup is a breeze!

Why You’ll Love Hawaiian BBQ Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets

If you’re wondering why this recipe should make it to your dinner table tonight, here’s the deal:

Sweet Meets Savory:

The balance of smoky BBQ chicken and sweet, caramelized pineapple is like a perfect little vacation for your taste buds. It’s the ultimate tropical combo that will make you feel like you’re lounging on a beach.

Quick and Easy:

These foil packets are as simple as it gets. You just layer everything in the foil, seal it up, and let the oven or grill do all the work. No fuss, no mess—just delicious food ready in no time.

Perfect for Meal Prep:

This is a great recipe if you’re looking to make dinner ahead of time. You can prep the foil packets in the morning, pop them in the fridge, and then cook them when you’re ready to eat. It’s that easy!

Customizable:

Whether you want to add more veggies, swap out the chicken for shrimp, or adjust the BBQ sauce to your taste, these packets are super versatile and adaptable to what you have on hand.

Crowd-Pleasing:

Who doesn’t love a good foil packet meal? They’re fun to eat, easy to serve, and a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. Plus, they make cleanup a breeze!

Ingredients

To make these Hawaiian BBQ Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients:

Chicken Breasts

Tender, boneless, skinless chicken breasts make the perfect base for this dish. They soak up all the sweet BBQ sauce and stay juicy during cooking.

Pineapple

Fresh pineapple adds that irresistible tropical sweetness. It caramelizes beautifully in the foil, bringing a juicy, sweet bite with every mouthful.

BBQ Sauce

Choose your favorite BBQ sauce—whether you like it tangy, sweet, or smoky, this is the key to coating your chicken and pineapple in flavor.

Red Onion

Thinly sliced red onion adds a little crunch and savory bite to balance out the sweetness of the pineapple.

Bell Pepper

A bit of bell pepper gives color and a mild sweetness that complements the pineapple and chicken perfectly.

Olive Oil

A drizzle of olive oil helps to keep the chicken moist and adds a little richness to the dish.

Salt and Pepper

Season to taste! A little salt and pepper bring all the flavors together.

Fresh Cilantro (optional)

For an extra burst of freshness, sprinkle some chopped cilantro on top when serving.

(Note: the full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! These foil packets come together quickly, and the results are so worth it:

Step 1: Preheat the Grill or Oven

If you’re using a grill, preheat it to medium-high heat. If you’re using the oven, preheat it to 400°F (200°C). You’ll want your cooking surface nice and hot to get those chicken breasts cooked perfectly.

Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by cutting your chicken breasts into halves or smaller pieces if you prefer. Season the chicken with a little salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Slice your pineapple, red onion, and bell pepper into thin rings or strips.

Step 3: Assemble the Foil Packets

Take a large piece of aluminum foil and lay it flat. Place the chicken in the center, and top it with slices of pineapple, red onion, and bell pepper. Drizzle a generous amount of BBQ sauce over the top, making sure everything is nicely coated.

Step 4: Seal the Packets

Fold the edges of the foil up and over the chicken and veggies, creating a sealed packet. Be sure to leave a little space inside for the steam to circulate and cook the ingredients evenly.

Step 5: Cook the Packets

Place the foil packets on the grill or in the oven. Grill the packets for about 25-30 minutes, or bake in the oven for 25-35 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken breasts. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) when fully cooked.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Carefully open the foil packets (watch out for hot steam!) and serve the Hawaiian BBQ chicken and pineapple with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. You can serve them as-is or over rice for an extra hearty meal.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 650mg
Total Carbohydrates: 30g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 20g
Protein: 30g
Vitamin A: 10% of the Daily Value
Vitamin C: 50% of the Daily Value
Calcium: 4% of the Daily Value
Iron: 8% of the Daily Value

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-35 minutes
Total Time: 35-45 minutes

How to Serve Hawaiian BBQ Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets

These Hawaiian BBQ Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets can be served in several tasty ways:

With Rice

Serve the foil packets over a bed of fluffy rice—white, brown, or even coconut rice works beautifully with the BBQ chicken and pineapple.

With Grilled Veggies

Pair the packets with grilled veggies like zucchini, corn on the cob, or asparagus for a colorful, nutrient-packed meal.

On Their Own

Sometimes, the foil packet meal is perfect on its own, full of protein, vegetables, and deliciousness. You don’t need anything else!

With a Fresh Salad

A light and refreshing salad with mixed greens, avocado, and a simple vinaigrette would complement the rich, tangy flavors of the chicken and pineapple perfectly.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your foil packet meal turns out perfectly:

Don’t Overcrowd the Foil

Make sure there’s enough space in the foil for the chicken and vegetables to cook properly. If you’re making more than four servings, it’s better to prepare multiple packets.

Make it Spicy

If you like some heat, add a few slices of jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce before drizzling it over the chicken.

Use Fresh Pineapple

Fresh pineapple works best for this recipe. If you have to use canned, make sure to drain it well to avoid too much extra moisture in the packet.

Add Extra Veggies

Feel free to add more veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or sweet potatoes. Just make sure to cut them to similar sizes so everything cooks evenly.

Grill vs. Oven

Grilling these foil packets adds a bit of smoky flavor, but baking them in the oven works just as well. The choice is yours depending on what equipment you have or the weather!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

A1: Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and will add a bit more flavor. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as they might take a little longer.

Q2: Can I make these foil packets ahead of time?

A2: Yes! You can prep the foil packets ahead of time, cover them with foil, and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just pop them on the grill or in the oven when you’re ready to cook.

Q3: Can I use canned pineapple?

A3: While fresh pineapple is preferred for the best texture and sweetness, canned pineapple will work as well. Just make sure to drain it thoroughly to prevent excess moisture.

Q4: Can I make these packets on a stovetop instead of the grill or oven?

A4: You can cook them on a stovetop using a large pan or skillet. Just cook them over medium heat, covered, and flip the packets occasionally until the chicken is fully cooked.

Q5: How do I know when the chicken is done?

A5: The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check.

Q6: Can I use a different type of BBQ sauce?

A6: Definitely! Feel free to use your favorite BBQ sauce, whether it’s sweet, smoky, tangy, or spicy. It’s all about your personal taste!

Q7: Can I add other fruits to the packets?

A7: Yes! You could try adding mango or even peaches to the foil packets for an extra tropical flair.

Q8: How do I store leftovers?

A8: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave when ready to eat.

Q9: Can I use frozen chicken?

A9: It’s best to use fresh or thawed chicken for this recipe, as frozen chicken will take much longer to cook and might result in unevenly cooked chicken.

Q10: Can I make this recipe without foil?

A10: If you don’t have foil, you can use parchment paper or bake the chicken and veggies in a covered baking dish, though the texture might be a bit different.

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