Here’s a flavor-packed and easy-to-clean-up recipe for Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets — juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and colorful veggies all cooked together in a sticky, savory-sweet sauce. 🍍🍗✨
🍍 Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
🧄 Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks (or canned, drained)
- 1 red bell pepper — chopped
- 1 green bell pepper — chopped
- 1 small red onion — chopped
- 2 cups broccoli florets (optional but great for color and crunch)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 4 sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil
🍶 Homemade Teriyaki Sauce:
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup pineapple juice (from the can or fresh)
- 2 tbsp honey (or brown sugar)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
- 2 cloves garlic — minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger — grated
- 1 tsp sesame oil
🔥 Instructions:
- Preheat Oven or Grill:
- Oven: 400°F (200°C)
- Grill: Medium-high heat
- Make the Teriyaki Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water) and cook until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.
- Assemble Foil Packets:
- Lay out 4 large sheets of foil (about 12×12 inches).
- Lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray or brush with oil.
- Place 1 chicken breast in the center of each sheet.
- Surround with pineapple chunks, bell peppers, onions, and broccoli.
- Drizzle 2–3 tablespoons of teriyaki sauce over each packet.
- Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Seal the Packets:
- Bring the sides of the foil up and fold them tightly to seal (make sure they’re airtight).
- Cook:
- Oven: Place packets on a baking sheet and bake 25–30 minutes, or until chicken is fully cooked (165°F / 74°C).
- Grill: Place packets directly on the grill and cook 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Serve:
- Carefully open packets (watch out for steam!)
- Drizzle with extra teriyaki sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds or chopped green onions if desired.
🍚 Serving Ideas:
- Serve over steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice.
- Add a side of edamame or Asian cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.
💡 Tips:
- Want it spicier? Add a few drops of sriracha or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
- Make it low-carb by skipping the rice and doubling the veggies.
- These packets can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking or grilling.
Would you like me to give you a Weight Watchers-friendly version or a Mediterranean-inspired twist on this recipe next?
