Name: Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 1 cup teriyaki sauce; 2 teaspoons sesame oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced (about 1 small pineapple); 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced; 2 green onions, chopped; Cooked rice or quinoa

Jump to Recipe

Nothing beats the vibrant, mouthwatering flavors of Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets. This dish brings together tender, juicy chicken thighs soaked in savory teriyaki sauce, perfectly complemented by sweet, caramelized pineapple and crisp bell peppers. Wrapped up and cooked in foil, the ingredients steam beautifully, marrying their tastes while locking in all the delicious juices—making each bite a burst of tropical, umami goodness. It’s an effortless, colorful dinner that feels special but comes together quickly, perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend meals.

Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are refreshingly simple, yet each piece plays a vital role. From the succulent chicken thighs providing hearty protein, to the fresh pineapple delivering a sweet tang, every item contributes to the perfect balance of flavor and texture.

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs: This cut stays juicy and tender, ideal for grilling or baking.
1 cup teriyaki sauce: Brings that sweet and savory glaze that defines the dish.
1 cup fresh pineapple, diced: Adds a burst of tropical sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory chicken.
1 red bell pepper, sliced: Offers crunch and vibrant color for a visually appealing meal.
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced: Enhances sweetness and makes the foil packets look irresistible.
2 green onions, chopped: Provides a fresh, mild onion flavor to top off the dish.
2 teaspoons sesame oil: Adds a nutty depth that enriches the marinade.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to elevate every ingredient.
Cooked rice or quinoa (optional): Perfect for serving alongside to soak up all the delightful juices.

How to Make Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets

Step 1: Prepare Your Grill or Oven

Start by heating your grill to medium-high or preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Getting your temperature right sets the stage for perfectly cooked chicken that’s juicy inside with a hint of smoky char or oven-roasted warmth.

Step 2: Mix the Marinade

In a bowl, whisk together the teriyaki sauce, sesame oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This simple mix serves as the magic potion that infuses every bite with sweet-savory goodness and a subtle nutty undertone.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken thighs to your marinade bowl and stir to coat each piece evenly. Let them soak up the flavors for about 10 minutes. This quick marinating step ensures the chicken is seasoned throughout without slowing down your dinner prep.

Step 4: Assemble the Foil Packets

Tear off four 12×12 inch sheets of aluminum foil. Place one marinated chicken thigh in the center of each sheet, then divide the diced pineapple and bell pepper slices evenly around the chicken. Top everything with the chopped green onions for an extra pop of flavor.

Step 5: Seal and Cook

Fold the foil edges over the ingredients, sealing tightly to create a neat packet. This keeps all the juices locked inside as the chicken steams and the pineapple and peppers soften. Place packets directly on the grill or a baking sheet in the oven, cooking for about 25 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Carefully remove the foil packets and let them rest for a few minutes before opening. This helps all the juices redistribute, making each bite incredibly juicy and tender. Spoon the contents over cooked rice or quinoa if you want a complete meal.

How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets

Garnishes

Sprinkle the finished dish with extra chopped green onions or a light shower of toasted sesame seeds to add contrast in texture and a fresh finish. For a little zing, a drizzle of sriracha mayo or a squeeze of fresh lime energizes the flavors even more.

Side Dishes

While the Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets are deliciously complete on their own, pairing them with simple steamed rice, fluffy quinoa, or even a vibrant Asian-inspired slaw brings balanced textures and rounds out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun family dinner, serve the foil packets directly on plates so everyone can unwrap the steamy treasure themselves. Alternatively, you can unwrap and plate the chicken with the vegetables fanned out alongside a scoop of rice, garnished for that restaurant-style presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which honestly is rare with this dish), store the sealed foil packets or the contents transferred to an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the flavors fresh and ready to enjoy again.

Freezing

You can prepare the packets ahead of time and freeze them before cooking. Just wrap each packet securely in an extra layer of foil or plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling or baking.

Reheating

To reheat, place the foil packets back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. If reheating leftovers out of the foil, microwave or gently reheat in a skillet with a splash of water to keep the chicken moist.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work fine, but they tend to dry out faster, so keep a close eye on cooking time to ensure they stay juicy. Consider slightly reducing the cooking time or marinating a bit longer for extra moisture.

Is this recipe suitable for the grill only?

Not at all! While grilling adds a wonderful smoky flavor, baking these foil packets in the oven yields delicious results too. It’s a flexible recipe for any kitchen or weather condition.

Can I add other vegetables to the foil packets?

Definitely. Snap peas, zucchini slices, or shredded carrots are great additions. Just make sure to cut veggies evenly so everything cooks at the same rate inside the packet.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The safest way is to use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have one, make sure the juices run clear when you cut into the chicken.

Can I make these packets vegetarian?

For sure! Swap out the chicken for firm tofu or chickpeas and keep all the other ingredients. The teriyaki sauce and pineapple will still provide fantastic flavor and sweetness.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend trying the Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets enough. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a little tropical escape right on your plate—simple to make, packed with flavor, and totally satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a family or just craving an easy dinner that tastes like you spent hours cooking, this dish is a winner every time.

Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 28 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

Delicious and easy-to-make Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets combine tender marinated chicken thighs with sweet pineapple and colorful bell peppers. Cooked in foil packets on the grill or in the oven, this recipe offers a flavorful, juicy meal with minimal cleanup, perfect for weeknights or outdoor gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken & Marinade

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 cup teriyaki sauce
2 teaspoons sesame oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

Vegetables & Fruit

1 cup fresh pineapple, diced (about 1 small pineapple)
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
2 green onions, chopped

Optional for Serving

Cooked rice or quinoa

Instructions

Preheat the Grill or Oven: Set your grill to medium-high heat or preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure proper cooking temperature for the foil packets.
Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the teriyaki sauce, sesame oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to blend the flavors.
Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and coat thoroughly. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors while you prep the vegetables and pineapple.
Prepare the Foil Packets: Tear four sheets of aluminum foil, each approximately 12×12 inches, enough to fold and seal packets around the ingredients.
Assemble the Packets: Place one marinated chicken thigh in the center of each foil sheet. Evenly divide the diced pineapple and sliced red and yellow bell peppers around the chicken. Sprinkle chopped green onions on top.
Seal the Packets: Fold the sides of the foil over the chicken and vegetables, sealing tightly to form individual packets that will steam and lock in the flavors during cooking.
Cook the Packets: Place the foil packets on the preheated grill and cook for about 25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If using an oven, place the packets on a baking sheet and cook for the same duration.
Rest and Serve: Carefully remove the hot packets from the grill or oven. Let them rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to settle. Open carefully to avoid steam burns.
Serve: Spoon the cooked chicken and vegetables over cooked rice or quinoa if desired, making a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked for food safety.
You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
For a spicier kick, add sliced fresh chili or a dash of chili flakes to the marinade.
Foil packets can also be cooked in a campfire or on a stovetop griddle if a grill or oven is unavailable.
Leftover foil packets can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling or Baking (Foil Packet Cooking)
Cuisine: Asian-inspired