Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets
If there’s a dish that can transport you straight to a summer evening by the beach, it’s this one. Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets combine the smoky depth of grilled chicken with the irresistible sweetness of pineapple — all tied together by a glossy teriyaki glaze.
Each foil packet is its own little treasure — juicy chicken, tender vegetables, caramelized pineapple chunks, and a fragrant sauce that soaks into everything it touches. The best part? It’s ridiculously easy, mess-free, and ready to serve straight from the foil.
Whether you bake them in the oven, grill them at a cookout, or toss them on a campfire, this dish is proof that delicious doesn’t need to be complicated.
🌿 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ All-in-one meal: Protein, veggies, and fruit — all in one packet.
✅ Quick cleanup: No pots, no pans, no fuss — just toss the foil when done.
✅ Flavor explosion: The tangy-sweet teriyaki glaze caramelizes beautifully with pineapple.
✅ Versatile: Works great for meal prep, BBQs, camping, or weeknight dinners.
🧾 Ingredients
Serves: 2–3 people
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Main Ingredients:
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (or canned, drained)
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¼ cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 red bell pepper, sliced
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1 carrot, thinly sliced (julienned works beautifully)
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1 zucchini, sliced into thin rounds
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2 green onions, chopped
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Aluminum foil, for wrapping
Optional Add-ins:
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A handful of snap peas or broccoli florets for extra greens.
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Sesame seeds or chili flakes for garnish.
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A drizzle of honey for added caramelization.
🍯 Homemade Teriyaki Sauce (Optional)
If you want to make your own, whisk together the following:
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¼ cup soy sauce
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2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
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1 tbsp rice vinegar
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1 tsp minced garlic
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1 tsp grated ginger
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1 tsp cornstarch, mixed with 1 tbsp water (for thickening)
Simmer all ingredients in a small saucepan for 3–4 minutes until glossy. Let it cool before using.
🔪 Preparation Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Foil Packets
Tear off 2 large sheets of aluminum foil (about 12–14 inches each).
Lightly grease the center of each with olive oil or cooking spray.
These will hold your chicken and vegetables, sealing in all the steam and flavor as they cook.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Cut each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create thinner pieces for faster, more even cooking.
In a bowl, mix the chicken with teriyaki sauce and olive oil.
Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes (or up to 2 hours if you have time).
The marinade not only infuses the chicken with umami and sweetness but also keeps it juicy during cooking.
Step 3: Assemble the Packets
Place each chicken portion in the center of the foil.
Top with:
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Pineapple chunks
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Sliced bell pepper
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Carrot
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Zucchini
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A sprinkle of green onions
Drizzle a little extra teriyaki sauce on top. Season with a light touch of salt and pepper.
🍍 Tip: Don’t overdo the salt — teriyaki sauce already has a savory soy base.
Step 4: Seal the Packets
Fold the foil over the ingredients and crimp the edges tightly to form a sealed packet.
Make sure there are no open gaps — you want the steam to stay inside for tender, flavorful results.
For presentation: Double-layer the foil if grilling, to prevent tearing.
🔥 Cooking Options
Option 1: Grill Method (Best Flavor!)
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (400°F / 200°C).
Place foil packets directly on the grill and cook for 20–25 minutes, turning once halfway through.
When done, carefully open one packet (watch out for steam!) and check if the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature: 165°F / 74°C).
Option 2: Oven Method
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Place packets on a baking sheet and bake for 25–30 minutes.
Option 3: Campfire Method
Place the packets on a grill rack over hot coals for 20–25 minutes, rotating occasionally for even cooking.
🍽️ Serving the Foil Packets
You can serve the packets as-is for a rustic presentation — just open the foil, sprinkle sesame seeds or green onions, and enjoy straight from it!
Or, for a plated look:
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Place the chicken and veggies on a bed of steamed jasmine rice or quinoa.
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Pour any extra teriyaki sauce from the foil on top — it’s liquid gold!
Garnish with:
🌿 Fresh cilantro or parsley
🍋 A squeeze of lime for brightness
🌶️ Crushed red pepper flakes for heat
💡 Tips & Tricks
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Cut evenly: Slice veggies into similar thicknesses so they cook at the same rate.
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Use fresh pineapple for the best flavor and texture — canned tends to be softer and sweeter.
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Double the recipe if you’re cooking for a crowd — it scales easily!
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Don’t overcook: The chicken continues to cook slightly after removing from heat.
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Add extra glaze: Brush more teriyaki sauce during the last 5 minutes of grilling for a stickier finish.
🧠 Related Questions
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Thighs are juicier and hold up well to high heat. Just trim excess fat and increase cooking time by 5 minutes if needed.
Q2: Can I make these packets ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble them up to 12 hours ahead, refrigerate, and cook when ready. Perfect for meal prep or camping trips!
Q3: Can I bake them without foil?
You can use a covered baking dish instead. The goal is to trap steam, so cover tightly with a lid or parchment paper.
Q4: What veggies pair well with teriyaki chicken?
Aside from the ones listed, try broccoli, snow peas, onions, mushrooms, or even baby corn for extra crunch.
Q5: How do I make it spicier?
Add sriracha, red chili flakes, or chili oil to your teriyaki sauce. The sweet-and-spicy combo is divine!
Q6: Can I freeze the foil packets?
Yes! Assemble raw packets (without pineapple if freezing) and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before cooking.
🌺 Serving Ideas
✨ Pair it with steamed jasmine rice, coconut rice, or garlic noodles.
✨ Add a crisp Asian cucumber salad or coleslaw for contrast.
✨ Finish with a drizzle of extra teriyaki glaze and toasted sesame seeds.
🍋 Nutrition (per serving)
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Calories: ~370
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Protein: 35g
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Carbs: 22g
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Fat: 14g
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Fiber: 3g
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Sugars: 11g
It’s a balanced, nourishing meal — high in protein, moderate in carbs, and full of antioxidants from colorful vegetables and pineapple.
❤️ Final Thoughts
Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets are the definition of effortless elegance — simple ingredients, big flavors, and a presentation that feels fresh and fun. The tender chicken absorbs the teriyaki glaze beautifully, while the pineapple bursts with tangy sweetness in every bite.
Whether you’re camping, grilling, or just looking for an easy dinner idea with minimal cleanup, this recipe checks all the boxes. Every packet opens up like a warm tropical breeze, carrying with it the sweet, smoky aroma of summer.
