Hawaiian Bbq Chicken And Pineapple Foil Packets Recipe

Quick Hawaiian BBQ Chicken & Pineapple Foil Packets Recipe

My latest culinary adventure with Hawaiian BBQ chicken and pineapple foil packets brings tropical flavors straight to your dinner table.

Sweet pineapple chunks mingle beautifully with tender grilled chicken, creating an irresistible combination.

Summer evenings call for simple yet delicious meals that transport you to beachy paradise.

Aluminum foil makes cleanup a breeze while infusing each morsel with incredible smoky-sweet marinade.

Marinades packed with tangy soy sauce and zesty ginger ensure maximum flavor penetration into every chicken piece.

Quick cooking times mean you can enjoy this meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Grab your grill and prepare for a mouthwatering journey that’ll make your taste buds dance with excitement.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of chicken breasts. Just ensure the chicken is cooked to the proper internal temperature of 75C (165F).

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. Use gluten-free barbecue sauce and gluten-free soy sauce to make the recipe gluten-free. Always check ingredient labels carefully.

  • Can I make these packets ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the foil packets up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just add cooking time if they’re cold when you start cooking.

  • What if I don't have fresh pineapple?

Canned pineapple chunks work perfectly fine. Just drain them well before adding to the foil packets to prevent excess liquid.

What Makes Hawaiian BBQ Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets Great

  • Simplify Meal Prep: Create delicious Hawaiian BBQ chicken packets with minimal kitchen mess and cleanup, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to match personal taste preferences, making this recipe flexible for different dietary needs and flavor profiles.
  • Healthy One-Packet Wonder: Pack protein, vegetables, and tropical flavors into a single nutritious meal that delivers balanced nutrition without multiple cooking steps.
  • Grill or Oven-Ready: Cook these versatile packets in the oven or on the grill, giving you convenient cooking options for indoor or outdoor meal preparation.

Ingredients for Hawaiian BBQ Chicken and Pineapple Packets

Protein Base:
  • Chicken Breast: Lean and tender meat that serves as the main protein in this Hawaiian-style dish.
Sauce and Seasoning:
  • Barbecue Sauce, Soy Sauce: Provides a rich, tangy flavor profile that complements the chicken.
  • Olive Oil: Helps to distribute flavors and prevent sticking.
  • Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall taste and aroma of the dish.
Vegetables and Fruit:
  • Pineapple Chunks: Adds a sweet and tropical flavor that pairs perfectly with the barbecue-style chicken.
  • Bell Peppers, Red Onion: Provide color, crunch, and additional layers of flavor to the foil packet.
  • Fresh Cilantro: Offers a bright, fresh garnish that adds a final touch of flavor.
Serving Accompaniments:
  • Rice: A classic side dish that absorbs the delicious sauce from the foil packet.
  • Lime Wedges: Provides a zesty citrus accent to brighten the entire dish.

How to Make Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Foil Packets

Step 1: Fire Up The Cooking Station

Crank up your oven to 400F or preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grab four large aluminum foil sheets, each measuring about 12×12 inches.

Step 2: Create Flavor Magic Sauce

Whip together a tantalizing sauce using:
  • Barbecue sauce
  • Soy sauce
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic powder
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Mix these ingredients in a small bowl until well combined.

Step 3: Build Your Flavor Packets

Place a chicken breast in the center of each foil sheet.

Generously brush each piece of chicken with the zesty sauce mixture. Layer on top:
  • Pineapple chunks
  • Sliced bell peppers
  • Red onion

Drizzle any remaining sauce over the ingredients for extra flavor punch.

Step 4: Wrap And Seal The Goodness

Carefully fold the foil over the chicken and vegetables, creating a tight seal around the edges. Ensure the packets are completely closed to lock in all the delicious flavors.

Step 5: Cook To Perfection

Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes or grill over medium-high heat for 15-20 minutes. Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Gently open the foil packets, letting the steam escape. Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top.

Serve alongside fluffy rice and squeeze some lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor. Dive in and savor your Hawaiian-inspired feast!

Tips for BBQ Chicken and Pineapple Packets

  • Crimp foil edges tightly to lock in moisture and prevent leaks, ensuring juicy chicken and flavorful vegetables.
  • Use a meat thermometer to verify chicken reaches 75C (165F) for safe, perfectly cooked protein without drying out.
  • Replace chicken with tofu, shrimp, or salmon for variety while maintaining the delicious Hawaiian-inspired marinade.
  • Adjust barbecue sauce and soy sauce ratios to control saltiness and sweetness according to personal taste preferences.
  • Assemble foil packets earlier in the day and refrigerate, then cook when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Variations for Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Packets

  • Spicy Island Kick: Replace barbecue sauce with sriracha and honey, add jalapeño slices for extra heat and a fiery tropical flavor profile.
  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Swap barbecue sauce with oregano, lemon juice, and olive oil. Use zucchini instead of bell peppers and add crumbled feta cheese.
  • Low-Carb Coconut Fusion: Substitute pineapple with cauliflower florets, use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and sprinkle shredded coconut on top for a keto-friendly version.
  • Vegetarian Tropical Packet: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, use vegan barbecue sauce, and keep the same vegetable and pineapple combination for a plant-based alternative.

Pairings for Hawaiian BBQ Chicken and Pineapple Packets

  • Craft a refreshing mai tai cocktail blending rum, orange curaçao, lime juice, and orgeat syrup to complement the sweet and tangy BBQ chicken flavors.
  • Choose a chilled Riesling or Gewürztraminer with slight sweetness that balances the smoky barbecue sauce and cuts through the rich chicken.
  • Prepare coconut rice using coconut milk instead of water, adding a creamy tropical texture that echoes the Hawaiian-inspired dish's flavor profile.

Storing Hawaiian BBQ Chicken and Pineapple Packets

  • Store leftover chicken packets in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Wrap individual packets tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Frozen meals stay fresh up to 2 months. Label with date for tracking.
  • Place packet on microwave-safe plate. Heat at 50% power for 2-3 minutes, checking internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F). Stir halfway through for even warming.
  • Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Unwrap foil packet, transfer to baking dish. Cover with fresh foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated thoroughly.
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Hawaiian Bbq Chicken And Pineapple Foil Packets Recipe

Hawaiian Bbq Chicken And Pineapple Foil Packets Recipe


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4.8 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling Hawaiian BBQ Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets bring island flavors to your summer grill. Juicy chicken, caramelized pineapple, and tangy barbecue sauce create a quick, delicious meal you’ll crave on warm evenings.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 500 grams or 1.1 pounds)

Fruits and Vegetables:

  • 200 grams (about 1 cup) fresh pineapple chunks
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 small red onion, sliced

Seasonings and Sauces:

  • 4 tablespoons barbecue sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Serving Options:

  • Cooked white rice or coconut rice
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Ignite the oven to 200C (400F) or fire up the grill to medium-high heat, preparing for a sizzling culinary adventure.
  2. Craft four generously sized aluminum foil canvases, each measuring approximately 12×12 inches, ready to cradle a flavor-packed meal.
  3. Whisk together a vibrant marinade in a small bowl, blending barbecue sauce, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper into a harmonious mixture.
  4. Centralize a succulent chicken breast on each foil sheet, positioning it as the star of the packet.
  5. Lavishly brush each chicken breast with the aromatic sauce, ensuring every crevice is coated with the flavor-rich blend.
  6. Artfully scatter pineapple chunks, sliced bell peppers, and crimson onion atop the chicken, creating a colorful medley of ingredients.
  7. Drizzle any remaining sauce over the ensemble, amplifying the dish’s taste profile.
  8. Carefully fold the foil edges, creating a tight seal that will trap the steam and infuse the ingredients with intense flavors.
  9. Depending on your cooking method, bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes or grill over medium-high heat for 15-20 minutes, until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 75C (165F).
  10. Delicately unfurl the foil packets, allowing a burst of aromatic steam to escape, signaling the dish’s readiness.
  11. Sprinkle fresh cilantro as a final flourish, and serve alongside steamed rice and zesty lime wedges for a complete tropical-inspired feast.

Notes

  • Customize the sauce by mixing different barbecue styles for unique flavor profiles, like smoky chipotle or sweet honey-based sauces.
  • Ensure even cooking by cutting chicken and vegetables into uniform sizes, promoting consistent heat distribution and preventing undercooked sections.
  • Use heavy-duty aluminum foil to prevent tearing and leakage during grilling or baking, maintaining the integrity of the delicious packet contents.
  • Transform this recipe into a low-carb option by replacing rice with cauliflower rice or serving over zucchini noodles for a lighter meal alternative.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 238 kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 580 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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