Here’s a complete, easy-to-follow recipe for Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets—perfect for a flavorful, mess-free dinner, either in the oven or on the grill.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
- 1 small red onion, cut into wedges
- 2–3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1–2 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ tsp ground ginger (or 1 tsp fresh grated ginger)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: sliced green onions, sesame seeds
Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
- Oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C).
- Grill: Preheat to medium-high heat.
- Tear four large pieces of heavy-duty foil (about 12×12 inches each).
2. Make the Teriyaki Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or saltiness as desired.
3. Assemble the Foil Packets
- Place chicken, pineapple, bell pepper, and onion in the center of each foil sheet.
- Pour the teriyaki sauce over each portion, making sure everything is coated.
- Fold the foil over the ingredients and seal the edges tightly to form a packet.
4. Cook
- Oven: Place packets on a baking sheet and bake 25–30 minutes, until chicken is fully cooked (165°F / 74°C).
- Grill: Place packets on the grill and cook 20–25 minutes, turning once halfway through.
5. Serve
- Carefully open the foil (steam will escape!).
- Optional: sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
- Serve with steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles.
Tips & Variations
- Veggies: Add zucchini, snap peas, or carrots for extra color and crunch.
- Spicy kick: Add ½ tsp chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce.
- Marinate: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Single-serve: Make smaller packets for easy portioning or meal prep.
If you want, I can make a shortcut one-pan version that skips the foil and cooks everything together in a skillet for faster cleanup.
Do you want me to do that?