If you love vibrant, sweet-and-savory flavors mingling together in a single, easy-to-make meal, you’re about to fall head over heels for these Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets! Juicy chicken breasts, crisp bell peppers, tangy pineapple, and a glossy teriyaki glaze all steam together in their own little foil pouches, infusing every bite with irresistible flavor. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or keeping things cozy in the oven, this dish guarantees juicy chicken, tender-crisp veggies, and tropical notes—all served up with minimal cleanup and absolute maximum satisfaction.

Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets lies in its simplicity—each ingredient not only brings flavor but also pops of color and perfect texture. Here’s why every element matters and how to make each one count.

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless cuts offer a lean, hearty protein base that holds up perfectly in the foil packets.
Teriyaki Sauce: This staple brings all the sweet, tangy, and umami-rich flavors that define this dish—be sure to use one you love or try making your own!
Fresh Pineapple Chunks: Adds bursts of juicy sweetness with every bite—fresh is best for that extra pop and tang.
Red Bell Pepper: Brings crunch, color, and a gentle sweetness that plays beautifully with teriyaki.
Green Bell Pepper: Offers a slightly more earthy note, balancing the plate both visually and flavor-wise.
Red Onion: Adds sharpness and a mellow caramelized edge as it cooks in the packet.
Olive Oil: A light drizzle keeps everything moist and helps prevent sticking inside the foil.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing all the natural flavors in your packet.
Sesame Seeds (optional): This finishing touch adds a nutty crunch and a pretty sprinkle for presentation.
Green Onions: Slice these thin for a fresh, zippy garnish that brightens every serving.
Cooked Rice: Fluffy white or brown rice acts as the perfect vehicle to soak up all those delicious juices.

How to Make Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets

Step 1: Prep Your Foil and Ingredients

Begin by preheating your grill or oven to 400°F. While it comes up to temperature, cut four large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil—these will be the envelopes that lock in all the tasty teriyaki goodness. Drizzle each sheet lightly with olive oil to keep everything moist and nonstick. Set out your chicken breasts and prepare your veggies and pineapple for easy assembly.

Step 2: Layer and Season

Place one chicken breast in the center of each foil sheet. Season generously with salt and pepper to ensure your chicken has plenty of flavor from the inside out. Next, evenly divide the pineapple chunks, red and green bell peppers, and red onion around and over the chicken. These layers will infuse the chicken with sweetness, tang, and a bit of crunch as they cook together.

Step 3: Add the Teriyaki Magic

Now for the star of Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets: pour about 1/4 cup of teriyaki sauce over each chicken and veggie pile. Let the sauce cascade over the top, ensuring every ingredient gets a flavorful glaze that will caramelize beautifully as it cooks.

Step 4: Seal and Cook

Fold up each foil sheet by bringing the long sides together and folding them down tightly, then pinching the ends to seal. This creates a steamy environment that cooks everything perfectly. Place the packets on your grill or a baking sheet if using the oven. Cook for 20–25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches 165°F at the center. The aroma when you open these packets is pure magic!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Carefully open each packet (watch out for hot steam!). Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for color and crunch, and serve each portion directly over a bowl of fluffy rice to absorb all those gorgeous teriyaki juices.

How to Serve Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets

Garnishes

Once you plate up your Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets, don’t skip the finishing touches. A scattering of sesame seeds adds visual appeal and a tiny nutty crunch, while thinly sliced green onions bring a fresh pop of color and sharpness that wakes up every bite. If you like a little heat, try a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of fresh lime for an extra layer of flavor.

Side Dishes

My favorite pairing for these packets is definitely fluffy steamed rice—white or brown, whichever you prefer—since it soaks up all those incredible juices. If you want to add more veggies to the table, try a crisp Asian slaw, some edamame, or even grilled corn on the cob for a fun twist. The beauty of these packets is that they’re satisfying as a complete meal, but play really well with a whole host of sides.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets couldn’t be more fun! I love letting each guest open their own packet at the table—it turns dinner into an event. For a party, you can build mini packets as appetizers or arrange the open foil packets on a big platter family-style, sprinkled with extra garnishes so everyone can dig in. Or, serve the contents directly in halved, hollowed-out pineapples for a showstopping tropical presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets (lucky you!), simply allow the packets to cool completely before transferring the contents to an airtight container. Store the chicken, veggies, and juices together in the fridge for up to three days, making reheating a breeze and the flavors even more integrated over time.

Freezing

For longer-term storage, these foil packets freeze surprisingly well. Assemble the uncooked packets and freeze them flat on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just let the packets thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling or baking as directed—no messy prep required on a busy night!

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, arrange the contents in a microwave-safe dish or return them to foil and warm in a 350°F oven until hot throughout. If microwaving, add a splash of water or extra teriyaki sauce to keep everything moist. Be sure not to overcook, as the chicken can dry out—heat just until steaming.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are perfect for Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets if you prefer juicier, more flavorful meat. Just make sure they are boneless and adjust cook time as needed.

Is it possible to bake these foil packets instead of grilling?

Yes, these packets transition flawlessly from grill to oven. Just preheat your oven to 400°F and bake on a sheet pan—the results will be just as juicy and flavorful!

Can I prepare the foil packets in advance?

Definitely. You can assemble Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets the night before, store them in the fridge, and pop them on the grill or in the oven when you’re ready to cook. This makes them perfect for meal prep or entertaining.

What other vegetables work well in these foil packets?

Feel free to experiment with snap peas, baby corn, zucchini, or mushrooms—they all complement the sweet and savory combination in Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets. Just chop them into similarly sized pieces for even cooking.

Is this recipe gluten free?

The main thing to watch is your teriyaki sauce—many brands contain soy sauce with wheat. To keep Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets fully gluten free, choose a certified gluten-free teriyaki sauce.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal that brings big flavor, color, and a touch of tropical sunshine to your table with minimal fuss, these Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets are a must-try. They’re perfect for weeknight dinners, summer cookouts, or anytime you want something crowd-pleasing and easy. Give them a go—you’ll be amazed at how much flavor is hiding inside those little foil bundles!