Here’s a Teriyaki Chicken & Pineapple Foil Packets recipe that’s very detailed, step-by-step, and basically foolproof. Perfect for oven, grill, or even campfire vibes.
🍍 Teriyaki Chicken & Pineapple Foil Packets
Sweet, savory, juicy chicken with caramelized pineapple and tender veggies—no dishes to wash.
🧺 INGREDIENTS (Serves 4)
Main
-
1½ lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1½-inch chunks
(thighs = juicier, highly recommended) -
2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
(canned works—drain VERY well) -
1 red bell pepper, sliced
-
1 cup broccoli florets
-
½ red onion, thickly sliced
Sauce
-
½ cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
-
2 tablespoons soy sauce
-
1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
-
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
-
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (or ½ tsp ground)
Optional Garnish
-
Green onions, sliced
-
Sesame seeds
-
Cooked rice (for serving)
🔥 EQUIPMENT
-
Heavy-duty aluminum foil
-
Baking sheet or grill
-
Tongs
STEP-BY-STEP DIRECTIONS (With Visual Cues)
STEP 1: Prep the Oven or Grill
-
Oven: Preheat to 400°F (205°C)
-
Grill: Heat to medium-high
What this should feel like:
Hot enough to cook quickly and caramelize the sauce without burning.
STEP 2: Make the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together:
-
Teriyaki sauce
-
Soy sauce
-
Honey (or brown sugar)
-
Garlic
-
Ginger
What it should look like
-
Glossy
-
Slightly thick
-
Sweet-savory aroma
Set aside.
STEP 3: Prep the Foil
-
Tear 4 large foil sheets (about 12×18 inches).
-
Lightly spray or brush center with oil.
Why:
Prevents sticking and tearing later.
STEP 4: Assemble the Packets
On the center of each foil sheet:
-
Add chicken pieces (about equal amounts).
-
Top with pineapple, bell pepper, broccoli, and onion.
-
Spoon 3–4 tablespoons sauce over each packet.
What it should look like
-
Chicken mostly covered by veggies
-
Sauce lightly pooling at the bottom
❗ Don’t overfill—packets need space to steam.
STEP 5: Seal the Packets
-
Bring long sides of foil together.
-
Fold down tightly.
-
Fold in the ends to create a sealed packet.
What it should look like
-
Puffy tent shape
-
Fully sealed (no gaps)
This traps steam = juicy chicken.
STEP 6: Cook
Oven Method
-
Place packets on baking sheet
-
Bake 25–30 minutes
Grill Method
-
Place packets directly on grill
-
Cook 12–15 minutes per side
What’s happening inside
-
Chicken steams, then roasts
-
Pineapple releases juices
-
Sauce thickens naturally
STEP 7: Check for Doneness
Carefully open one packet (watch the steam 🔥):
-
Chicken should be 165°F (74°C)
-
Veggies tender
-
Sauce thick and glossy
If needed, reseal and cook 5 more minutes.
STEP 8: Serve
Open packets and:
-
Garnish with green onions & sesame seeds
-
Serve over steamed white rice or jasmine rice
Optional move:
Pour extra sauce from the packet over the rice 🤌
🌟 PRO TIPS
-
Thighs > breasts for juiciness
-
Add a little chili paste or sriracha for heat
-
Want caramelization? Open packets and broil 2–3 minutes
-
Double sauce if serving with rice
🔄 EASY VARIATIONS
-
🥩 Swap chicken for salmon (cook 15–18 min)
-
🥕 Add carrots or snap peas
-
🍯 Use pineapple juice + soy + honey for homemade teriyaki
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🥥 Finish with a splash of coconut milk for tropical vibes