If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and effortless charm, the Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Pineapple Foil Packets Recipe is exactly what you need. This delightful meal combines tender, juicy chicken with sweet pineapple, smoky BBQ sauce, and colorful bell peppers—all wrapped up in foil packets that lock in moisture and make cleanup a breeze. It’s a fantastic way to bring a tropical twist to your dinner table, with a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy notes that will have you coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Pineapple Foil Packets Recipe lies in its simple ingredient list, yet each component plays a vital role in crafting the dish’s irresistible taste and vibrant presentation. From the zingy sweetness of pineapple to the smoky richness of BBQ sauce, these ingredients come together to create a symphony of flavors that’s as colorful as it is delicious.
- 1 cup BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite brand or make your own for that smoky, tangy base flavor.
- 1 can pineapple chunks or 1½ cups fresh pineapple: Adds juicy sweetness that perfectly complements the savory chicken.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Brings a subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced: Adds a bright, sunny hue and mild crunch.
- 1 medium red onion, sliced: Gives a hint of sharpness and depth of flavor as it softens while cooking.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that soaks up the BBQ sauce and fruits beautifully.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
- Fresh chopped cilantro (for garnish): Adds a fresh, herbal note at the end for extra brightness.
- Aluminum foil sheets: For wrapping the ingredients and keeping the steam locked in during cooking.
How to Make Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Pineapple Foil Packets Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by rinsing the chicken breasts under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. Drying the chicken helps the BBQ sauce adhere better and ensures even cooking. Season each piece lightly with salt and pepper to bring out their natural flavor.
Step 2: Chop the Pineapple and Vegetables
If you’re using fresh pineapple, cut it into bite-sized chunks to match the size of your veggies. Slice the red and yellow bell peppers and the red onion into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. Preparing everything ahead makes the assembly process smooth and quick.
Step 3: Assemble the Foil Packets
Lay out large sheets of aluminum foil, enough to fold and seal around each serving. On each sheet, place one chicken breast, then generously spoon BBQ sauce over the top. Layer the pineapple chunks, bell pepper slices, and onion strips around and over the chicken. These layers will steam beautifully inside the packet, melding the flavors together while keeping the chicken juicy.
Step 4: Seal and Cook the Packets
Fold the foil around the ingredients carefully, creating tight packets so no steam escapes during cooking. You can grill these packets over medium heat or bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes. The chicken should be fully cooked through, tender, and infused with the sweet and smoky BBQ-pineapple aroma.
How to Serve Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Pineapple Foil Packets Recipe
Garnishes
A little fresh chopped cilantro sprinkled over the cooked packets just before serving adds a burst of color and delivers a fresh, lively flavor that complements the sweet and smoky profile perfectly. You can also add a wedge of lime on the side for an extra zing.
Side Dishes
To complete your meal, serve these packets with a simple side like steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice to soak up every bit of the delicious juices. A crisp green salad or grilled vegetables also pair beautifully, balancing the rich flavors with fresh crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re making this dish for a fun gathering or family dinner, consider serving the foil packets right at the table for a rustic, hands-on experience. Alternatively, open the packets before plating and drizzle with extra BBQ sauce for a polished look. You can also place the cooked chicken and veggies over a bed of greens for a colorful, BBQ chicken salad twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Pineapple Foil Packets can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the chicken and vegetables together to preserve that tasty, infused flavor.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the assembled but uncooked foil packets individually. Wrap them tightly with an extra layer of foil or plastic wrap to avoid freezer burn. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling or baking.
Reheating
Reheat leftover cooked packets in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, open the foil and microwave on medium power, stirring vegetables occasionally for even heating. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken moist and tender.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add even more flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
Is it necessary to use foil packets?
Foil packets help trap steam, cooking the chicken and vegetables evenly and keeping everything moist. You can bake the ingredients in a covered baking dish as an alternative but expect less of that tender steaming effect.
Can I make this recipe on a campfire grill?
Yes! This recipe is perfect for outdoor cooking. Just keep an eye on the packets to prevent burning, and flip them halfway through cooking for even heat distribution.
What can I substitute for pineapple if I’m not a fan?
Mango or peaches can add a similar sweet and juicy quality. Just pick ripe fruit that holds up well to heat and slice it into chunks for the best results.
How spicy is this dish?
This dish is mild and friendly for all palates, but you can add a pinch of cayenne or some diced jalapeños to the packets if you want to introduce a little heat.
Final Thoughts
The Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Pineapple Foil Packets Recipe is one of those rare meals that’s so simple, fun, and flavorful it feels like a mini celebration every time you make it. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a weekend cookout, it invites a tropical vibe with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and enjoy the perfect harmony of sweet pineapple and smoky BBQ chicken wrapped up in each tender bite.
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Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Pineapple Foil Packets Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Pineapple Foil Packets combine juicy chicken breasts with sweet pineapple chunks and vibrant bell peppers, all smothered in tangy BBQ sauce. Cooked in aluminum foil packets on the grill or baked in the oven, this easy meal is packed with flavor and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or summer cookout. The foil packets keep everything moist and juicy, while the fresh cilantro garnish adds a burst of freshness.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables and Fruit
- 1 can pineapple chunks (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
Garnish & Supplies
- Fresh chopped cilantro (for garnish)
- Aluminum foil sheets
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry thoroughly using paper towels. This helps remove any excess moisture for better cooking.
- Prepare the pineapple: If using fresh pineapple, cut it into bite-sized chunks. If using canned, drain the pineapple chunks well to avoid excess liquid in the packets.
- Assemble the foil packets: Tear off four large sheets of aluminum foil. On each sheet, place one chicken breast in the center. Spoon about 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce over each chicken breast, then layer pineapple chunks, sliced red and yellow bell peppers, and sliced red onions evenly over the chicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Seal the packets: Fold the foil over the ingredients and seal the edges by folding them firmly to create packets that will trap the steam during cooking.
- Cook the packets: Place the foil packets on a preheated grill at medium heat or in a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C). Cook for approximately 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the vegetables are tender.
- Finish and serve: Carefully open the packets (watch out for hot steam), garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, and serve immediately for a delicious, savory, and sweet meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the BBQ sauce for 30 minutes before assembling the packets.
- If grilling, use indirect heat to prevent burning and cook evenly.
- Double the recipe to feed a larger group; just use larger foil sheets or multiple packets.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure the BBQ sauce is certified gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
