This Teriyaki Chicken with Pineapple is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and a rich teriyaki glaze, all wrapped in foil for a mess-free cooking experience. Whether baked in the oven or grilled outdoors, these foil packets lock in moisture and flavor, creating a delicious meal with minimal cleanup. The combination of savory teriyaki sauce and caramelized pineapple makes this dish a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- 2 green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven or Grill:
- If baking, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- If grilling, preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, mix teriyaki sauce, garlic, ginger, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the chicken breasts and coat them evenly.
- Let the chicken marinate for 15–20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Prepare the Foil Packets:
- Cut four large pieces of aluminum foil and lightly grease them with olive oil.
- Divide the pineapple chunks, bell peppers, and red onion evenly among the foil sheets.
- Place a marinated chicken breast on top of each vegetable mixture.
- Drizzle any remaining teriyaki sauce over the chicken.
- Seal the Packets:
- Fold the foil over the ingredients and seal the edges tightly to create a packet.
- Ensure there are no openings to keep the steam inside while cooking.
- Cook the Packets:
- Oven Method: Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and bake for 25–30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Grill Method: Place the packets on the grill and cook for 12–15 minutes per side.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Carefully open the foil packets (watch out for steam!).
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
Tips for the Best Teriyaki Chicken Foil Packets:
- Use fresh pineapple for the best caramelized sweetness.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of soy sauce or a squeeze of lime juice before sealing the packets.
- Customize with vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms for added texture.
Variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or sriracha to the marinade.
- Coconut Infusion: Stir in ¼ cup coconut milk for a tropical twist.
- Low-Carb Option: Replace pineapple with zucchini or cauliflower for a lighter meal.
This Teriyaki Chicken with Pineapple is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy nights or outdoor grilling. Try it out and let me know how it turns out! 😋