Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Pineapple Foil Packets Recipe
If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with vibrant tropical flavors and effortless in preparation, the Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Pineapple Foil Packets Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts kissed by smoky, tangy BBQ sauce, perfectly paired with sweet pineapple chunks and colorful bell peppers, all cooked together in foil to seal in the moisture and infuse every bite with pure deliciousness. This recipe is not just a dinner; it’s a bright, flavorful experience that makes weeknight cooking feel like a mini vacation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Pineapple Foil Packets Recipe is refreshingly simple but essential for delivering that perfect blend of sweet, savory, and slightly smoky taste. Each item plays a key role—from the juicy chicken breasts as the hearty base, to the fresh pineapple adding that tropical sweetness, and the bell peppers and onion lending crunch and vibrant color.
- 1 cup BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite sauce to bring depth and a smoky-sweet kick to the packets.
- 1 can pineapple chunks or 1½ cups fresh pineapple: Adds a juicy, tropical sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory BBQ.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Provides a pop of color and sweet, crisp texture.
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced: Balances the red pepper with bright, sunny notes and crunch.
- 1 medium red onion, sliced: Brings a mild sharpness that softens when cooked, enriching the flavor.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein — tender and perfect for absorbing the BBQ sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings to enhance all the natural flavors.
- Fresh chopped cilantro (for garnish): Adds freshness and a hint of herbal brightness as a finishing touch.
- Aluminum foil sheets: Essential for creating the packets that lock in moisture and flavor.
How to Make Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Pineapple Foil Packets Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Chicken and Pineapple
Start by rinsing your chicken breasts under cold water, then pat them dry really well with paper towels. This step helps the BBQ sauce cling perfectly to the meat and ensures even cooking. Next, whether you’re using canned or fresh pineapple, cut the chunks into bite-sized pieces so they mix easily with the other ingredients inside the foil packets.
Step 2: Slice Your Vegetables
Slice the red and yellow bell peppers into strips that aren’t too thick—this way they’ll cook through perfectly without losing their crunch. Do the same with the red onion, slicing it thin to soften nicely and add a bit of sweetness once heated. These colorful veggies will brighten your plate and add wonderful texture contrasts.
Step 3: Assemble the Foil Packets
Lay out large sheets of aluminum foil, giving yourself plenty of room to fold and seal later. Place a chicken breast in the center of each sheet, season it lightly with salt and pepper, then spoon BBQ sauce generously over the top. Next, layer on the pineapple chunks, bell pepper slices, and red onion. The foil packets are your little flavor bundles that keep everything juicy and steaming in its own delicious juices.
Step 4: Cook Until Perfect
You have two great options here: place the foil packets directly on a preheated grill or bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Cook for about 25–30 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is completely cooked through. The pineapple will soften, the peppers will get tender-crisp, and the BBQ sauce will caramelize slightly, creating a mouthwatering mix of flavors.
How to Serve Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Pineapple Foil Packets Recipe
Garnishes
This dish shines even brighter with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro. The herb brings an invigorating pop of color and a burst of fresh, slightly citrusy flavor that complements the sweetness of the pineapple and smokiness of the BBQ sauce wonderfully. For an extra touch, consider a wedge of lime on the side to squeeze over the packets.
Side Dishes
Serve these foil packets alongside fluffy coconut rice or steamed jasmine rice to soak up every last drop of that incredible BBQ and pineapple sauce. A light green salad or grilled corn on the cob also pairs beautifully, adding fresh crunch and balancing the sweet and savory elements of the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun and casual presentation, place each foil packet on a colorful plate and let your guests open their own “mini treasure chests” at the table. Alternatively, serve the chicken and vegetables plated up family-style, garnished with cilantro and extra pineapple chunks for a lively, tropical feast vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, simply transfer the cooled contents of the foil packets into an airtight container and store them in the fridge. They’ll stay tasty and juicy for up to 3 days, making for an easy lunch or dinner option.
Freezing
You can also freeze the assembled packets before cooking. Wrap them tightly and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then cook as directed. This is super handy for meal prepping or last-minute dinners.
Reheating
To reheat, place the foil packets on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15–20 minutes until heated through. This gentle reheating method keeps the chicken moist and retains the delicious flavors without drying out the meat.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option if you prefer juicier, more flavorful meat. They work wonderfully in this recipe and might even hold up better in foil packets during cooking, remaining tender and moist.
Is fresh pineapple better than canned for this dish?
Both work well, but fresh pineapple offers brighter, more vibrant flavor and texture. Canned pineapple is convenient and still adds sweetness, just be sure to drain any extra juice to avoid sogginess.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Definitely! Substitute chicken with firm tofu or hearty vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. Just add plenty of BBQ sauce and keep the pineapple and peppers for that tropical touch.
How do I prevent the foil packets from leaking?
Use heavy-duty foil and make sure to fold the packets tightly, sealing edges well to trap all the juices inside. Double wrapping can help if you’re worried about leaks, especially on a grill.
What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
Choose a BBQ sauce you love—whether it’s smoky, sweet, spicy, or tangy. A thicker sauce tends to cling better to the chicken and vegetables, but feel free to experiment with homemade or store-bought varieties to match your taste.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am for you to try out this Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Pineapple Foil Packets Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that’s simple to make but feels special every time you serve it. Whether you’re hosting a cookout or just want a tasty, effortless dinner, these foil packets bring a little tropical sunshine to your table that everyone will adore. Go ahead, give it a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner!
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Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Pineapple Foil Packets Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Pineapple Foil Packets recipe combines tender boneless skinless chicken breasts with juicy pineapple chunks, colorful bell peppers, and red onion, all smothered in tangy BBQ sauce. Wrapped in foil and cooked on a grill or in the oven, this dish is easy to make, flavorful, and perfect for a quick weeknight meal or summer cookout. Garnished with fresh cilantro, it offers a tropical twist on classic BBQ chicken.
Ingredients
Chicken & Protein
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Vegetables & Fruit
- 1 can pineapple chunks (about 1½ cups) or 1½ cups fresh pineapple, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium red onion, sliced
Sauce & Seasonings
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other
- Fresh chopped cilantro for garnish
- Aluminum foil sheets
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Rinse the boneless skinless chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure the BBQ sauce adheres well and to promote even cooking.
- Prepare the Pineapple: If using fresh pineapple, cut it into bite-sized chunks. If using canned pineapple chunks, drain the juice to prevent sogginess in the foil packets.
- Assemble the Foil Packets: Lay out large sheets of aluminum foil. Place one chicken breast in the center of each sheet, then evenly distribute pineapple chunks, sliced red and yellow bell peppers, and sliced red onion around the chicken. Season everything lightly with salt and pepper. Spoon BBQ sauce generously over the chicken and vegetables.
- Seal the Packets: Fold the foil over the chicken and vegetables, sealing the edges tightly to create individual packets that will steam in their own juices while cooking.
- Cook the Packets: Place the sealed foil packets directly on a preheated grill over medium heat or in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). Cook for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Cooking times may vary slightly depending on thickness of the chicken breasts.
- Serve: Carefully open the foil packets (watch for hot steam), transfer the contents to plates, and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve immediately for a delicious, flavorful meal.
Notes
- To ensure even cooking, use chicken breasts of similar size and thickness.
- For extra smoky flavor, grill the foil packets instead of baking.
- You can customize with other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms if desired.
- Use gluten-free BBQ sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Leftover foil packets can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
