Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets Recipe

Bursting with bold flavors and effortless charm, Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets transform simple ingredients into a show-stopping meal you’ll want on repeat. Tender chicken soaks up a savory-sweet teriyaki marinade, mingling with juicy pineapple and vibrant veggies—all cooked to perfection in individual foil packets. Whether you’re firing up the grill or popping them in the oven, these fuss-free packets guarantee a taste of summer with very little cleanup. This is one of those recipes that makes dinner feel both exciting and relaxed—just the way I love it!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of fresh ingredients and pantry staples, you can create Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets in no time. Each element brings its own unique flavor and texture, ensuring every bite is packed with color, crunch, and a hit of tropical sweetness.

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 ½ pounds): Cut into bite-sized pieces, chicken cooks quickly and stays juicy wrapped in foil.
• Red bell pepper (1, chopped): Adds beautiful color and a natural sweetness that complements the teriyaki sauce.
• Green bell pepper (1, chopped): Brings a peppery crunch and a touch of earthiness to balance the dish.
• Fresh pineapple chunks (1 cup): Juicy pops of sweetness that caramelize slightly as they cook.
• Red onion (½, sliced): Lends subtle sharpness and a hint of sweetness once roasted in the packet.
• Teriyaki sauce (⅓ cup): The star marinade; rich, savory, and slightly sweet for that signature flavor.
• Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Deepens the umami factor and balances the sweetness.
• Honey (1 tablespoon): Enhances the caramelized glaze on the chicken and pineapple.
• Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Just a dash amps up the aroma and provides a bit of nutty depth.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): For a fragrant punch that infuses each packet.
• Grated fresh ginger (1 teaspoon): Lends a zingy freshness to the marinade.
• Cornstarch mixed with water (1 tablespoon each, optional): If you love a thicker sauce, this quick mix will do the trick.
• Chopped green onions & sesame seeds (optional, for garnish): Sprinkle for color, crunch, and a touch of restaurant-style magic before serving.

How to Make Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets

Step 1: Whip Up the Marinade

Start by pulling out your largest mixing bowl. Combine the teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk them together until everything’s perfectly blended and fragrant. This is your flavor base—so don’t be shy about taking a little whiff. It’ll smell incredible!

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add your chicken pieces to the bowl and toss well, making sure every bit is coated with the marinade. Let the chicken sit for at least 15 to 30 minutes. This is the secret to ensuring every bite is moist and full of layered flavors—the quick marinade really works its magic.

Step 3: Prep Your Grill or Oven

While the chicken marinates, preheat your grill to medium-high heat or preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lay out four large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil on your counter. This is a perfect moment to involve the kids or guests if you want to make dinner interactive!

Step 4: Assemble the Foil Packets

Evenly divide the marinated chicken, chopped red and green bell peppers, pineapple chunks, and sliced red onion among the four foil sheets. Spoon any extra marinade over the top for extra flavor. If you like your sauce thick, drizzle a little bit of your cornstarch-and-water mixture before sealing. Fold the foil up and over the fillings, pinching the edges tightly to seal in all the steamy goodness.

Step 5: Cook to Perfection

Place your sealed Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets onto the grill or baking sheet. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, depending on the heat of your grill or oven, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Be careful when opening—the steam inside is hot! I love to peek and see the glossy sauce coating every piece.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Carefully open each foil packet and, if you’d like, sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. You can serve these beauties right from the foil for a casual, no-dishes meal or plate them up for something a little fancier.

How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets

Garnishes

For the finishing touch, sprinkle a generous handful of chopped green onions and sesame seeds over each packet. These simple garnishes add color, crunch, and a restaurant-worthy look that’ll make everyone at the table want to dig in immediately.

Side Dishes

Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets pair beautifully with fluffy white rice, brown rice, or a simple bowl of steamed jasmine rice. For extra greens, a crisp Asian-inspired slaw or roasted broccoli is always a hit. If it’s summer, serve alongside grilled corn or a cucumber salad for the ultimate backyard feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your presentation up a notch by serving the packets directly on plates for a rustic vibe, or slide each packet onto a bed of greens for a healthy twist. You can also carefully remove the contents and pile everything into lettuce wraps, turning this dish into a fun, interactive meal that’s perfect for picnics or casual dinner parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers especially delicious the next day. Be sure to spoon in any remaining sauce to keep everything juicy.

Freezing

If you want to freeze these packets, assemble everything raw inside the foil (without garnishes), seal up tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, just thaw overnight in the fridge and cook as directed. This makes weeknight meal planning so much easier!

Reheating

To reheat, place the contents of each packet (or serve directly from the foil) in an oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 10 to 12 minutes. You can also pop them in the microwave for a quick reheat—just transfer to a microwave-safe dish. Garnish after reheating for the freshest taste and look.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are slightly juicier and more forgiving if overcooked. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces and keep an eye on the cooking time—they may need just a couple of extra minutes.

Is there a good substitute for pineapple if I can’t find fresh?

Canned pineapple chunks (drained well) work just fine in Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets. You can also try mango or even peaches for a fun, fruity variation.

Can these packets be prepped ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the foil packets up to a day in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. This makes entertaining or busy weeknights a total breeze.

What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?

Mix the cornstarch with equal parts water, and drizzle it into each packet before sealing. As the packets cook, the sauce will thicken to a glossy perfection, coating all your ingredients beautifully.

Are Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets gluten-free?

They absolutely can be! Simply use a gluten-free soy sauce and check that your teriyaki sauce is gluten-free as well. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

If you love quick, vibrant, and flavor-packed meals, you’ve got to try Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets. Whether you’re grilling for friends or need an easy oven dinner, these packets will wow everyone at the table and make cleanup a breeze. Give this recipe a go—a new family favorite could be just one foil packet away!

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