Name: Hawaiian BBQ Chicken & Pineapple Foil Packets
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-490153H35M36S
Total time: PT-490153H35M36S
Cuisine: Hawaiian
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)

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.