Hawaiian BBQ Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets Recipe

If you’re craving a vibrant, flavorful dish that feels like a mini vacation on your plate, the Hawaiian BBQ Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets Recipe is exactly what you need. This recipe brings together the smoky sweetness of BBQ sauce with juicy pineapple chunks and tender chicken, all sealed in foil packets so every bite bursts with steam-infused goodness. It’s an easy, no-fuss meal that brightens up any dinner and invites warm, tropical vibes straight to your backyard or kitchen table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is wonderfully simple but packs a powerful punch thanks to each ingredient’s unique role. From the succulent chicken to the sweet pineapple and smoky seasonings, every component is essential to create the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color.

• Chicken breasts or thighs: Choose boneless, skinless cuts for quick cooking and tender bites.
• BBQ sauce: Pick your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce for a sweet and smoky glaze.
• Pineapple chunks: Fresh or canned, they add juicy sweetness that perfectly complements the BBQ flavors.
• Red bell pepper: Thinly sliced for a pop of color and a slight crunch.
• Red onion: Adds a sharp, savory flavor to balance the sweetness.
• Olive oil: Helps the seasonings cling to the chicken and adds a touch of richness.
• Salt and pepper: Basic but necessary to bring all the flavors together.
• Garlic powder: For a subtle savory depth.
• Onion powder: Enhances the natural sweetness of the chicken and veggies.
• Smoked paprika (optional): Adds a smoky complexity that takes this dish to the next level.
• Fresh cilantro (optional): A bright garnish that lends freshness at the end.
• Aluminum foil sheets: Essential for sealing in all the juicy flavors while cooking.

How to Make Hawaiian BBQ Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Grill or Oven

Get things started by preheating your grill to medium-high heat, around 375-400°F. If you’re cooking indoors, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and the foil packets steam to perfection without drying out.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Pat your chicken dry and then sprinkle it generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika if you’re using it. Drizzle olive oil over each piece and rub the seasonings in well for that flavorful base layer that’ll shine through once cooked.

Step 3: Slice Your Veggies

Slice the red bell pepper and red onion into thin strips. These will cook quickly inside the foil packets, releasing their natural sweetness and adding a colorful, fresh contrast to the rich BBQ and chicken.

Step 4: Assemble the Foil Packets

Lay out four large sheets of aluminum foil. Place one piece of chicken in the middle of each sheet. Spoon a little BBQ sauce over the chicken, then pile on the pineapple chunks, red bell pepper slices, and onion slices. Drizzle the remaining BBQ sauce over everything to keep the flavors juicy and melded.

Step 5: Seal and Cook

Carefully fold the sides of the foil up and crimp the edges together tightly to trap all the steam and flavors inside. If you’re grilling, place the packets directly on the grill and cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through to cook evenly. For oven cooking, place the foil packets on a baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes. The magic number to look for is 165°F internal temperature—this ensures the chicken is perfectly cooked.

Step 6: Finish and Garnish

With oven mitts or tongs, carefully open the hot foil packets—beware of the deliciously hot steam escaping! Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top for a burst of color and brightness.

How to Serve Hawaiian BBQ Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro is a classic choice that adds a lively green note and herbaceous freshness to the dish. If you want to mix it up, consider a squeeze of lime juice or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Side Dishes

This Hawaiian BBQ Chicken pairs beautifully with fluffy white rice or coconut rice to soak up all the extra sauce. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad or steamed veggies like broccoli and snap peas complement the richness without overpowering the tropical vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun dinner presentation, serve these foil packets on colorful plates with the foil partially peeled back to reveal the vibrant contents inside. You can also open the packets over bowls of rice or quinoa to turn it into a casual, hearty bowl meal that’s both eye-catching and satisfying.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Hawaiian BBQ Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets should be transferred from the foil into an airtight container and refrigerated. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3-4 days, making for an easy next-day lunch or dinner.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken and veggies once cooled by placing them in freezer-safe containers or bags. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Keep in mind, the texture of pineapple might soften slightly after freezing but the flavor remains delicious.

Reheating

To reheat, unwrap the packets and place their contents on a baking sheet. Warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring halfway to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe, adding a bit more juiciness and richness. Just make sure to cook them until the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.

What if I don’t have a grill?

No problem at all! The oven method works just as well and is a great alternative if the weather isn’t cooperating or you don’t have access to a grill.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

You sure can! Swap the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, and use a vegan BBQ sauce. The pineapple, peppers, and onions will still provide a flavorful, satisfying meal packed with color and texture.

Is fresh pineapple better than canned?

Both work fine, but fresh pineapple offers a brighter, sweeter flavor and a bit more texture. If using canned, be sure to drain it well to avoid soggy packets.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Sealing the packets tightly is key to locking in moisture, plus the BBQ sauce and pineapple juices help keep the chicken tender. Avoid opening the packets too early during cooking as that releases steam and can dry out the meat.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about the simplicity and vibrant flavors of the Hawaiian BBQ Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that brightens up meal times and makes you feel like you’re somewhere sunny and relaxing. Whether you grill it outdoors or bake it in the oven, this recipe promises juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and bold BBQ flavors all wrapped up in a fuss-free, easy-to-clean package. Give it a try soon—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner!

Hawaiian BBQ Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets Recipe

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Hawaiian BBQ Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets recipe offers a flavorful and easy grilled or baked meal, combining tender chicken breasts with sweet pineapple chunks, vibrant bell peppers, and onions in a BBQ sauce-infused foil packet. Perfect for a quick, delicious dinner with minimal cleanup, this recipe seals in juices and flavors, resulting in a juicy, savory-sweet dish garnished with fresh cilantro.

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Ingredients

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Chicken and Marinade

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)

Vegetables and Extras

• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small red onion, sliced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
• 4 large sheets of aluminum foil

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken and Veggies: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F) or your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the cooking environment is ready for even cooking.
2. Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika for a smoky depth. Drizzle with olive oil to help the spices adhere and promote browning.
3. Slice the Vegetables: Thinly slice the red bell pepper and red onion to ensure they cook through quickly and evenly within the foil packets.
4. Prepare Foil Packets: Lay out four large sheets of aluminum foil, each sized to comfortably hold one chicken breast and accompanying veggies. This allows individual servings and easy handling.
5. Assemble the Packets: Place one seasoned chicken breast in the center of each foil sheet. Drizzle with a small amount of BBQ sauce to begin infusing the flavor.
6. Add Pineapple and Veggies: Top each chicken breast with pineapple chunks, red bell pepper slices, and onion slices to create a balanced and flavorful packet.
7. Add Remaining BBQ Sauce: Drizzle the remaining BBQ sauce evenly over the chicken and vegetables to enhance the sweet and tangy flavor profile.
8. Seal the Foil Packets: Fold up the sides of each foil sheet and crimp edges tightly to create sealed packets that trap steam and flavors during cooking.
9. Cook the Packets: For grilling, place the foil packets on the preheated grill and cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches 165°F internally. For oven baking, place the packets on a baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes at 400°F until cooked through.
10. Open Packets Carefully: Remove from heat and carefully open the foil packets to avoid hot steam burns.
11. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the cooked chicken and veggies for a fresh, vibrant finish before serving.

Notes

• Ensure aluminum foil packets are sealed tightly to trap steam and prevent juices from leaking.
• Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
• Fresh pineapple adds juicier sweetness, but canned drained pineapple works well too.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven wrapped in foil.
• Optional smoked paprika adds a smoky depth, but can be omitted if unavailable.
• For gluten-free, verify that your BBQ sauce is gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Hawaiian