Hawaiian BBQ Chicken & Pineapple Foil Packets are a simple and flavorful meal that combines tender chicken, sweet pineapple, colorful veggies, and smoky barbecue sauce all cooked together inside a foil packet. It's the perfect dish for grilling season or a fuss-free oven meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how easy these foil packets are to prepare and customize. Each packet locks in so much flavor, and cleanup couldn't be easier. The combination of juicy chicken, tangy barbecue sauce, and sweet pineapple creates an irresistible tropical twist that's perfect for family dinners, picnics, or camping trips.
Ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- Red bell pepper, diced
- Red onion, diced
- Barbecue sauce
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Aluminum foil
- Fresh cilantro (optional for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat or the oven to 400°F.
- Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Tear large sheets of aluminum foil and place them on a flat surface.
- In the center of each foil sheet, layer chicken pieces, pineapple chunks, bell pepper, and red onion.
- Drizzle barbecue sauce generously over the top.
- Fold the sides of the foil over the chicken mixture, sealing the packets tightly.
- Place the packets on the grill or a baking sheet if using the oven.
- Cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Carefully open the packets (watch out for steam) and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20-25 minutes to cook.
Variations
I sometimes swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs for extra juiciness. For a spicier kick, I add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. I also like using different veggies such as zucchini, snap peas, or carrots for more variety.
storage/reheating
I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I like placing the packet (or contents) in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or microwaving until warmed through. I avoid reheating the foil in the microwave.
FAQs
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
I check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F using a meat thermometer.
Can I make these packets ahead of time?
Yes, I prepare the packets a few hours in advance and keep them refrigerated until ready to cook.
Can I bake these packets instead of grilling them?
Absolutely. I bake them at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked and tender.
What kind of barbecue sauce works best?
I like using a smoky or sweet BBQ sauce, but I sometimes experiment with spicy or Hawaiian-flavored sauces.
Can I use frozen pineapple?
Yes, I thaw the frozen pineapple first and drain any excess liquid before adding it to the packets.
Conclusion
Hawaiian BBQ Chicken & Pineapple Foil Packets make dinner easy, delicious, and full of tropical flavor. I love how customizable and convenient they are for busy nights or relaxed weekends. Whether grilled or baked, this recipe brings a taste of the islands to the table with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Hawaiian BBQ Chicken & Pineapple Foil Packets
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
- Total Time: 30–35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Baking (foil packet method)
- Cuisine: Hawaiian, American
Description
Enjoy the tropical flavors of Hawaiian BBQ Chicken & Pineapple Foil Packets, an easy-to-make, flavorful meal combining tender chicken, juicy pineapple, colorful veggies, and smoky barbecue sauce, perfect for grilling or oven baking. Ideal for summer dinners, picnics, and camping trips!
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- Red bell pepper, diced
- Red onion, diced
- Barbecue sauce
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Aluminum foil
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high or oven to 400°F.
- Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, toss chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Tear large sheets of aluminum foil and place them on a flat surface.
- In the center of each foil sheet, layer chicken, pineapple chunks, red bell pepper, and red onion.
- Drizzle barbecue sauce generously over the mixture.
- Fold foil over the mixture, sealing the packets tightly.
- Place packets on the grill or a baking sheet if using the oven.
- Cook for 20–25 minutes until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
- Carefully open packets (watch out for steam) and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
Notes
- Swap chicken breasts for thighs for extra juiciness.
- Add sliced jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Mix up the veggies—try zucchini, snap peas, or carrots.
- Prepare packets a few hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to cook.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F.
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