Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets

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Juicy chicken, caramelized pineapple, and a sticky-sweet teriyaki glaze — this is one of those meals that makes you want to savor every bite. I’ve always been a fan of easy, flavor-packed dinners, and Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets are exactly that. Whether you’re grilling in the summer or roasting in the oven on a busy weeknight, this recipe never fails to bring that savory-sweet magic to the table.

What I love most is how this dish practically makes itself. With minimal prep, everything cooks together in one foil packet — meaning no cleanup and maximum flavor. The chicken gets infused with the teriyaki sauce as it cooks, while the pineapple becomes golden and tender. Every bite is a burst of sticky glaze, savory chicken, and tropical sweetness.

Why You’ll Love This Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets

This dish is a lifesaver when you need a quick, satisfying meal with a little twist. It’s loaded with bold flavors, requires no fancy ingredients, and cleanup is a breeze. You get that sweet, tangy, savory teriyaki punch with the natural juiciness of pineapple. It also scales up beautifully if you’re feeding a crowd or doing meal prep.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are my go-to for this recipe. They stay juicy, soak up the teriyaki flavor beautifully, and cook evenly in foil packets. You can also use chicken breasts, but make sure they aren’t too thick or they might take longer to cook through. Thinly sliced or pounded chicken breasts will work great too.

Options for Substitutions

Not a fan of pineapple? Swap it for mango or even orange slices for a citrusy twist. Don’t have teriyaki sauce? A simple mix of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and a splash of vinegar will do in a pinch. You can also swap chicken for tofu or shrimp if you’re leaning toward a different protein. As for veggies, bell peppers, red onion, and even zucchini make great additions to the mix.

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Ingredients for this Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs – These are ideal because they remain juicy and tender even when cooked in foil.
• Fresh pineapple chunks – Adds natural sweetness and acidity that pairs perfectly with teriyaki sauce.
• Red bell pepper – Provides crunch and a subtle sweetness.
• Red onion – Brings a sharp bite and deepens the flavor profile.
• Teriyaki sauce – The star ingredient that brings all the sweet and savory elements together.
• Sesame oil – Enhances the umami flavors with its nutty aroma.
• Minced garlic – Adds depth and a slight sharpness to the marinade.
• Ground black pepper – For a mild kick and flavor balance.
• Green onions – A fresh, colorful garnish with mild onion flavor.
• Sesame seeds – For added crunch and a subtle nutty finish.
• Aluminum foil – Essential for creating the foil packets and locking in moisture.

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Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F (or get your grill heated to medium-high). Lay out four large sheets of aluminum foil. This will be your cooking surface, so make sure they’re big enough to fold over the ingredients and seal tightly.

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Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine chicken thighs with teriyaki sauce, minced garlic, sesame oil, and black pepper. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15-20 minutes (or longer if you have time) to soak in the flavors.

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Step 3: Assemble the Packets

Evenly distribute the marinated chicken, pineapple chunks, red bell pepper slices, and red onion into the center of each foil sheet. Spoon a bit of extra marinade over the top of each portion.

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Step 4: Seal the Foil Packets

Fold the foil over the ingredients to create a packet. Seal the edges tightly by folding them over several times. This traps the steam and juices inside, creating a self-saucing, flavorful dish.

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Step 5: Cook the Packets

Place the foil packets on a baking sheet if using the oven, or directly onto the grill. Cook for 20-25 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Pineapple and vegetables should be tender and juicy.

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Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Carefully open each packet (watch out for hot steam). Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top. Serve directly in the foil for easy cleanup or transfer to plates if you prefer.

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How Long to Prepare the Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets

The beauty of this recipe is how effortlessly it comes together. From prep to plate, you’re looking at just around 35–45 minutes total.

Prep Time: Give yourself about 15–20 minutes to chop your ingredients, marinate the chicken, and assemble the foil packets. If you let the chicken marinate longer (up to an hour), the flavor intensifies, but it’s not mandatory.

Cook Time: Whether you bake in the oven or grill, it will take 20–25 minutes to fully cook the chicken and soften the pineapple and veggies. Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.

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Tips for Perfect Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets

• Use heavy-duty aluminum foil to prevent tearing and ensure even cooking.
• Marinate the chicken for at least 20 minutes to infuse flavor.
• Cut all veggies and pineapple into uniform pieces for even cooking.
• Don’t overcrowd the foil packet; leave space to trap steam.
• Let the foil packet rest for 5 minutes before opening — it keeps everything juicy.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the marinade: It’s tempting to rush, but skipping this step dulls the flavor.
• Foil not sealed tightly: Steam escapes, and the chicken may cook unevenly.
• Overcooking: Chicken thighs are forgiving, but they still dry out if left too long.
• Using canned pineapple with syrup: Fresh or juice-packed chunks work better — syrup makes the dish too sweet.
• Not checking for doneness: Always check that chicken hits 165°F internally.

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What to Serve With Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets?

1. Steamed White Rice

A fluffy bed of jasmine or basmati rice soaks up all the sweet and savory teriyaki juices.

2. Coconut Rice

Add richness and a hint of tropical flavor that matches the pineapple perfectly.

3. Grilled Corn on the Cob

A charred, slightly sweet side that enhances the summer vibes of this dish.

4. Asian Slaw

Crunchy, tangy slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing brings balance.

5. Stir-Fried Noodles

Garlicky noodles tossed with sesame oil and veggies are a great match.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: If you have leftovers, transfer them (foil and all or repackage) to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F in foil for 10–12 minutes. You can also microwave, but the foil must be removed — place the contents in a microwave-safe dish and cover lightly.

Freezing: This dish can be frozen before cooking. Assemble the foil packets, seal well, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking as instructed.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 4 servings total):

• Calories: ~420 kcal
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Sugars: 18g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Sodium: 670mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Cholesterol: 115mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer — the internal temperature should reach 165°F. The chicken will also be firm to the touch and no longer pink inside.

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Yes, but use pineapple packed in juice, not syrup. Drain it well to avoid excess liquid.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely. Substitute the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh. Reduce cooking time slightly and use a vegetarian-friendly teriyaki sauce.

Can I prepare the packets in advance?

Yes! Assemble them up to a day ahead and store in the fridge until ready to cook. Great for meal prep or camping.

Can I open the foil while it’s cooking to check?

Avoid opening the foil mid-cook. It releases the trapped steam and interrupts the cooking process. Trust the timing or use a thermometer to check doneness through the foil.

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Conclusion

Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets are everything you want in a weeknight meal — easy, flavorful, and minimal cleanup. The blend of sweet pineapple, savory teriyaki glaze, and juicy chicken makes each bite a delight. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or baking indoors, this recipe brings a taste of the tropics straight to your plate. It’s flexible, family-friendly, and guaranteed to become a regular in your meal rotation.

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