When I first made these Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets, my kids literally thought it was magic. There’s something so exciting about opening up your own little foil “presents” at the table and finding a juicy, sweet, and savory meal inside. 🍍
Not only is this recipe incredibly easy to prep (perfect for busy weeknights!), but the flavors are super kid-friendly. Sweet pineapple, tender chicken, and that sticky teriyaki sauce combine into a dish that’s both comforting and a little bit tropical. 🌴
Plus, less cleanup. 🙌 One foil packet per person means practically no dishes after dinner. (You’re welcome.)🙃
What You’ll Need
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 yellow bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 small red onion (sliced thin)
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- ¾ cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 green onions (chopped, for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Heavy-duty aluminum foil
📌Pro Tips
- Cut everything small and evenly: Bite-sized pieces make cooking faster and more kid-friendly (no knives needed at the table!).
- Double-wrap foil packets: Especially if you’re cooking on the grill, you don’t want any delicious sauce leaking out!
- Let kids build their own packets: Make it a fun “build your meal” night so everyone gets exactly what they like.
- Use parchment inside foil: For even easier cleanup and no sticking.
- Add extra sauce: Some kids love extra teriyaki sauce for dipping!
Tools Needed
- Heavy-duty aluminum foil
- Mixing bowls
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs or a spatula
- Baking sheet (if using the oven)
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap chicken: Use boneless thighs or even shrimp!
- Make it vegetarian: Use tofu or a hearty veggie like mushrooms.
- Change the sauce: Try a sweet chili sauce for a spicier version.
- More veggies: Add zucchini, carrots, or snap peas!
Make Ahead Tips
- Pre-chop everything and store it in the fridge up to 2 days ahead.
- Pre-make packets (uncooked) and refrigerate up to 12 hours before cooking.
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven or Grill
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat up your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Prep Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss chicken pieces with teriyaki sauce and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Assemble Packets
Lay out a large sheet of aluminum foil. Add about ¼ cup of cooked rice to the center, then top with chicken, pineapple chunks, red and yellow bell peppers, and red onion slices. Drizzle with a little extra teriyaki sauce if you like.
4. Seal the Packets
Bring the sides of the foil up and over the food, folding to seal tightly into a packet.
5. Bake or Grill
Place the foil packets on a baking sheet (if using oven) or directly onto the grill. Bake/grill for 20–25 minutes until chicken is fully cooked.
6. Garnish and Serve
Carefully open the packets (watch for steam!). Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Tips for Leftovers
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave (covered) for about 1-2 minutes.
- Leftovers are great tossed into a quick fried rice the next day!
FAQs
Q: Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
A: Yes! Just make sure to drain it really well so the packets don’t get soggy.
Q: Can I freeze the uncooked packets?
A: It’s not recommended because the texture of the pineapple and peppers can get mushy after thawing.
Q: How do I know the chicken is cooked?
A: The chicken should be white inside with juices running clear. If you have a meat thermometer, it should read 165°F.
Q: Can I cook these in the air fryer?
A: Yep! Set it to 375°F and cook for about 18-20 minutes.
Wrapping Up
I hope you love making and eating these Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets as much as we do! They’re easy, delicious, and totally customizable for your whole family. 🍴✨
If you try it, please leave a comment below sharing how it went, or any fun variations you tried. I’d love to hear from you and help answer any questions you have!
