Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets

If you’re looking for a super easy and delicious dinner that’s packed with flavor and requires minimal clean-up, then these Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets are calling your name! Imagine juicy chicken marinated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, paired with the tropical sweetness of pineapple, all wrapped up in a convenient foil packet that locks in all those amazing flavors. You simply toss everything together, pop it in the oven (or on the grill!), and let the magic happen. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight or a summer BBQ, and the best part? It’s practically mess-free!

Why You’ll Love Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets

• Convenient: These foil packets are a total game-changer when it comes to easy clean-up. Once you’re done, just throw away the foil! It’s perfect for busy nights when you want a delicious dinner without the hassle of tons of dishes.
• Flavor Packed: The combo of tender chicken, tangy teriyaki sauce, and sweet, caramelized pineapple is everything. Every bite feels like a tropical vacation, and the flavors meld together so beautifully.
• Quick and Easy: These packets come together in no time—there’s no need for complex steps or tons of ingredients. Just a few simple components, and you’ve got a complete meal that feels fancy but is super approachable.
• Customizable: Want to add some veggies? Go for it! Toss in some bell peppers, onions, or snap peas to make it even more colorful and nutritious.
• Great for Any Occasion: Whether you’re grilling outside with friends or making a cozy dinner inside, these foil packets will steal the show. They’re perfect for both weeknight meals and summer cookouts.

Ingredients in Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these easy and delicious foil packets:

• Chicken Breasts: The star of the show! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook up tender and juicy, absorbing all the flavors from the marinade.
• Pineapple: Fresh pineapple adds a sweet, juicy burst that balances the savory teriyaki sauce. It also caramelizes beautifully as it cooks.
• Teriyaki Sauce: The key to that delicious sweet and savory flavor. You can use store-bought or homemade!
• Garlic: A little minced garlic gives the dish an extra layer of aromatic flavor that enhances the teriyaki sauce.
• Ginger: Fresh ginger gives the dish that little zing of spice, which pairs so nicely with the sweetness of the pineapple.
• Sesame Seeds (optional): For a crunchy finish and a touch of extra flavor when serving.
• Green Onions (optional): A little garnish of fresh green onions adds a pop of color and fresh flavor.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements can be found in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Let’s get those packets ready for some delicious cooking! Here’s how to do it:

Preheat the Oven or Grill

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) or preparing your grill for medium heat. Whether you’re baking or grilling, both methods work wonderfully, so use whichever is most convenient for you.

Prepare the Chicken and Pineapple

Place your chicken breasts on a clean surface and lightly season with salt and pepper. Cut the pineapple into bite-sized chunks. If you’re using fresh pineapple, this adds a lovely, natural sweetness, but canned pineapple works too if that’s what you have on hand.

Make the Teriyaki Marinade

In a small bowl, combine the teriyaki sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk everything together until the marinade is well mixed. You can also add a dash of honey or brown sugar if you like a little extra sweetness.

Assemble the Foil Packets

Cut large squares of aluminum foil, about 12 inches in length, for each serving (you’ll need one for each packet). Place one chicken breast in the center of each foil square, and top it with pineapple chunks. Pour a generous amount of the teriyaki marinade over the chicken and pineapple. Be sure to coat everything well, so it all gets that delicious flavor.

Seal the Packets

Fold the sides of the foil up around the chicken and pineapple, creating a sealed packet. Make sure it’s tightly closed to keep all the flavors inside while cooking. If you’re grilling, make sure the shiny side of the foil is facing in.

Cook to Perfection

Place your foil packets in the oven (or on the grill) and cook for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you’re using thicker chicken breasts, you might need to cook a bit longer, so just check that it’s fully cooked through.

Serve and Enjoy

Once the packets are done, carefully open them (watch out for steam!) and serve your teriyaki chicken and pineapple right from the foil, or transfer to plates. If you like, garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an added pop of flavor and texture. Serve with rice, noodles, or a simple salad for a complete meal.

How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets

• With Steamed Rice: A bowl of fluffy steamed rice is the perfect base for this dish, helping to soak up that sweet and savory teriyaki sauce.
• Noodles: Serve with soba noodles or your favorite pasta for a fun and filling twist.
• Fresh Salad: A light side salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance the rich flavors of the teriyaki chicken.
• Grilled Veggies: You can toss some grilled vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers on the grill alongside the foil packets for a complete and colorful meal.

Additional Tips

• Add Veggies: Feel free to throw in some bell peppers, onions, or snap peas to add more texture and flavor to your foil packets.
• Homemade Teriyaki Sauce: If you’re feeling adventurous, homemade teriyaki sauce is a fantastic option. Simply mix soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and a little cornstarch to thicken it up.
• Make Ahead: Prep the foil packets ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. This makes dinner even easier when you’re busy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: 300
Total Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 820mg
Total Carbohydrates: 34g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 22g
Protein: 30g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A1: Yes! Chicken thighs would work beautifully in this recipe, and they tend to stay even juicier than chicken breasts.

Q2: Can I make this recipe in advance?
A2: Absolutely! You can prepare the foil packets ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

Q3: Can I use canned pineapple?
A3: Yes, canned pineapple works just fine. Just be sure to drain it well before adding it to the foil packets.

Q4: Can I make these foil packets on the grill instead of the oven?
A4: Yes, grilling is a great option! Just preheat your grill to medium heat and cook the foil packets for about 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

Q5: Can I add other vegetables to the foil packets?
A5: Definitely! Feel free to add in veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or snap peas to make this a one-pan meal.

Q6: Can I freeze the foil packets?
A6: Yes! Assemble the packets, freeze them, and then cook from frozen. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Q7: How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
A7: You can check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—it should reach 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, cut into the chicken to ensure it’s no longer pink inside.

Q8: What can I serve with this dish?
A8: Rice, noodles, or a simple salad are all great sides that complement the teriyaki chicken and pineapple.

Q9: Can I use a different protein, like shrimp or tofu?
A9: Yes! Shrimp or tofu would work great in this recipe as well. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly—shrimp cooks much faster, and tofu might need a bit longer if it’s firm.

Q10: Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?
A10: Yes, store-bought teriyaki sauce works perfectly, especially when you’re looking for a quick and easy meal. Just pick one you love!

Conclusion

These Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets are a quick, flavorful, and mess-free dinner option that everyone will love. The combo of savory chicken, sweet pineapple, and tangy teriyaki sauce is totally irresistible. Whether you’re cooking indoors or grilling outside, this recipe will make mealtime easy, fun, and packed with tropical flavor. Enjoy every bite!

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