Teriyaki Chicken & Pineapple Foil Packets

📋 Description

Tender chicken chunks, fresh pineapple, bell peppers, and onions are coated in a homemade teriyaki sauce, wrapped in foil, and cooked until sticky, juicy, and caramelized. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or baking inside, this recipe delivers a tropical twist on classic teriyaki chicken in convenient single-serve packets.

🍽 Servings

4 packets / servings

📝 Ingredients for Teriyaki Chicken & Pineapple Foil Packets

• ½ cup soy sauce (low sodium)

• ¼ cup honey or brown sugar

• 2 tbsp rice vinegar or lemon juice

• 1 tbsp sesame oil (optional)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (or ½ tsp dried)

• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry)

For the Packets:

• 1½ lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped

• 1 yellow or green bell pepper, chopped

• 1 small red onion, sliced

• 1 cup snap peas or zucchini (optional)

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• Sesame seeds & sliced green onions, for garnish

🍳 Instructions

1. Make Sauce:
   In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Simmer for 2 minutes. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened. Cool slightly.

2. Prep Packets:
   Tear 4 large sheets of heavy-duty foil. Lightly oil each. Divide chicken, pineapple, peppers, and onions evenly among the foil. Season lightly with salt & pepper.

3. Sauce It:
   Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of teriyaki sauce over each packet (reserve the remaining sauce).

4. Seal:
   Fold foil over mixture and crimp edges tightly to seal each packet.

5. Cook:

   • Grill: Place packets seam-side up on medium-high grill (400°F / 200°C) for 15-20 min, flipping once halfway.

   • Oven: Bake on a sheet pan at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 min.

6. Serve:
   Carefully open packets (watch for steam). Drizzle with extra sauce and garnish with sesame seeds & green onions.

💡 Notes

• Swap pineapple for mango or peaches when in season.

• Use pre-made teriyaki sauce to save time.

• Heavy-duty foil or double layering helps prevent leaks.

• Slice veggies uniformly so everything cooks evenly.

🌟 Tips

• Add cooked rice or noodles inside the packet for a one-step complete meal.

• Marinate the chicken in teriyaki sauce 30 min beforehand for even more flavor.

• Add chili flakes or Sriracha for a spicy kick.

🔥 Nutritional Info (per packet — approx.)

💪 Benefits

• High-protein and nutrient-rich.

• Pineapple adds bromelain, aiding digestion.

• Foil cooking locks in flavor while keeping things light and low-fat.

• Almost no cleanup required — great for camping or busy weeknights.

❓ Q & A

Q: Can I prep these ahead?
A: Yes! Assemble packets (without sauce) up to 8 hours ahead. Add sauce just before cooking.

Q: Can I freeze them?
A: Freeze raw packets (excluding pineapple) up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before cooking.

Q: What’s best to serve with it?
A: Steamed rice, quinoa, cauliflower rice, or a fresh green salad.

Q: Can I use other proteins?
A: Absolutely — shrimp, salmon