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
Scale
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
