Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets: A Flavorful and Easy Dinner
Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets bring the sweet and savory combination of juicy chicken, tangy pineapple, and bold teriyaki sauce straight to your dinner table with minimal cleanup. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, backyard grilling, or even meal prep. Combining the richness of homemade teriyaki sauce with the natural sweetness of pineapple, this dish packs an incredible balance of flavors in every bite.
Cooking in foil packets not only locks in moisture but also makes for incredibly tender chicken with deep, rich flavors. Plus, with easy prep and hands-off cooking, this dish is great for meal planning—including camping trips. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this teriyaki chicken recipe offers restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort.
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: A perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, featuring rich teriyaki sauce, caramelized pineapple, and tender chicken.
- Texture: The chicken remains moist and juicy, while the pineapple adds bursts of softness and sweetness with every bite.
- Aroma: The dish releases a fragrant mix of soy, garlic, and ginger, complemented by the tropical fruitiness of pineapple.
- Visual Appeal: Vibrant golden pineapple, deep brown teriyaki glaze, and fresh green garnishes make for a visually stunning dish.
- Skill Level Needed: Beginner-friendly, requiring simple ingredient prep and basic wrapping techniques.
- Special Equipment: Aluminum foil, baking sheet (for oven cooking), or grill (for outdoor cooking).
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: This recipe is easy to make, requiring only basic chopping, marinating, and foil packet assembly.
- Category: Perfect for dinner, meal prep, or a healthy weekday meal.
- Cuisine: A fusion of Hawaiian tropical flavors and traditional Japanese teriyaki influences.
- Cost: Budget-friendly, using everyday ingredients with the option to adjust based on available pantry staples.
- Season: Ideal for summer grilling but can be made year-round using an oven.
- Occasion: Perfect for summer BBQs, quick family dinners, or even light meal prepping.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sweet and savory teriyaki chicken is a classic crowd-pleaser, and when combined with caramelized pineapple, it creates an irresistible umami-packed bite. This dish offers the perfect contrast of juicy, tender protein with lightly charred, slightly crispy pineapple.
With its easy foil packet preparation, this recipe is a game changer for minimal cleanup. Everything cooks together, meaning you don’t need multiple pans, which makes kitchen cleanup incredibly fast.
In addition to taste, this dish is a high-protein meal with a good balance of carbohydrates and vitamins. Pineapples provide vitamin C, while chicken delivers lean protein for muscle repair and sustained energy.
This meal is also amazing for social gatherings, as guests can customize each packet with added vegetables, sauces, or spice levels, making it extremely versatile.
Lastly, teriyaki chicken and pineapple foil packets are incredibly affordable. With minimal ingredients and easily available staples, this meal is accessible for all budgets, making delicious, restaurant-quality dinners possible at home.
The Recipe
Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Aluminum foil
- Baking sheet (if using oven)
- Grill (if using BBQ)
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp green onions, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ginger powder
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) or heat your grill to medium-high.
- In a bowl, coat the chicken with teriyaki sauce, garlic powder, and ginger powder. Let marinate for at least 10 minutes.
- Lay out 4 pieces of aluminum foil and lightly brush with olive oil.
- Divide the marinated chicken among the four foil sheets, then evenly distribute pineapple chunks, bell pepper slices, and red onion.
- Seal each foil packet tightly, ensuring no liquid escapes.
- If using an oven, bake for 25 minutes. If grilling, cook on medium-high heat for 20-25 minutes.
- Carefully open the foil packets and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
- Serve immediately, either alone or over rice.
Recipe Notes
- For extra spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Substitute chicken with firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Swap bell peppers for zucchini or mushrooms for a different vegetable twist.
