Imagine sinking your teeth into tender, juicy chicken infused with the smoky sweetness of BBQ sauce, perfectly paired with the tropical zing of pineapple and colorful bell peppers. The Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Pineapple Foil Packets Recipe is a vibrant, all-in-one meal that’s as exciting to cook as it is to eat. Whether you’re firing up the grill or using the oven, this easy and flavorful dish brings a delightful taste of the islands right to your table with minimal fuss and maximum fun.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role, combining simple, fresh elements to create an irresistible medley of flavors and textures. From the tangy BBQ sauce to the sweet pineapple and crisp bell peppers, every component adds a splash of color and a burst of taste.
- 1 cup BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite brand or homemade version to provide that rich and smoky flavor base.
- 1 can pineapple chunks or 1½ cups fresh pineapple: Fresh pineapple adds brightness, while canned pineapple is a convenient, juicy alternative.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Adds a sweet crunch and vibrant red color to the packets.
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced: Brings a sunny pop of color and mild sweetness.
- 1 medium red onion, sliced: Offers a hint of sharpness that cooks down to a lovely mellow sweetness.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The protein star of the recipe, tender and perfect for soaking up the flavors.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- Fresh chopped cilantro (for garnish): Adds a fresh, herbal brightness when serving.
- Aluminum foil sheets: The magic that holds all these delicious layers together while cooking.
How to Make Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Pineapple Foil Packets Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by rinsing your chicken breasts under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. Drying the chicken helps the BBQ sauce cling better and ensures more even cooking. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper to boost the natural flavor of the meat.
Step 2: Prep Your Pineapple and Veggies
If you’re using fresh pineapple, cut it into bite-sized chunks for easy layering and even cooking. Slice the red and yellow bell peppers into strips and the red onion into thin slices. These colorful vegetables not only add texture but also infuse the dish with their sweet, earthy notes.
Step 3: Assemble the Foil Packets
Lay out your aluminum foil sheets — each should be large enough to fully wrap the contents. Start by placing one chicken breast in the center. Spoon generous amounts of BBQ sauce over the chicken, then layer on pineapple chunks, bell pepper slices, and red onion. Don’t skimp on the pineapple; it’s key to that signature Hawaiian flavor in this recipe.
Step 4: Seal and Cook
Fold the foil over the chicken and vegetables, sealing the edges tightly to create a packet. This seals in moisture and flavor, almost like a personal steam oven. Cook the packets on a preheated grill at medium heat or in a 400°F (200°C) oven for about 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender.
How to Serve Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Pineapple Foil Packets Recipe
Garnishes
After you open those aromatic foil packets, sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro over the top to add a burst of fresh, herbal brightness that perfectly complements the rich BBQ and sweet pineapple flavors. If you like, add a wedge of lime on the side for a little extra zing.
Side Dishes
This recipe makes a complete meal in itself but pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed rice, coconut rice for a tropical touch, or even a fresh green salad. You could also serve it alongside grilled corn on the cob or roasted sweet potatoes for added comfort and color on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
To make mealtime even more fun, serve the foil packets directly to each guest still wrapped — it’s a delightful reveal and keeps the food warm. Alternatively, carefully unwrap and transfer the contents to a platter, layering the pineapple and veggies over the chicken for a vibrant, family-style feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually meld wonderfully after resting, making for an even tastier lunch the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze individual cooked foil packets by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. They’ll keep well for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, simply place the foil packets directly on your oven rack at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This preserves moisture and flavor much better than microwaving, keeping the chicken juicy and veggies tender.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe on a regular stove?
You absolutely can! While grilling or baking is ideal for the best flavor and texture, you can cook the ingredients in a covered skillet over medium heat. Just be sure to stir occasionally and cook until the chicken is fully done.
What if I don’t like cilantro?
No worries at all. Cilantro is optional and added mostly for fresh flavor. You can substitute parsley, basil, or simply skip the garnish altogether without losing the essence of the dish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use a BBQ sauce that does not contain gluten additives or ingredients. Always check your sauce label to be sure.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless skinless chicken thighs will work beautifully in this dish. They tend to be juicier and more forgiving with cooking times, making the packets even more indulgent.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe is mild and sweet thanks to the pineapple and BBQ sauce. You can add a bit of heat by mixing in some chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce into your BBQ sauce before assembling.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that’s simple to prepare yet bursting with flavor, the Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Pineapple Foil Packets Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s perfect for warm-weather grilling or a cozy oven dinner, and it’s sure to become a regular favorite in your recipe rotation. Give it a try and enjoy the bright tastes and beautiful colors that bring a little tropical sunshine to your plate!
Print
Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Pineapple Foil Packets Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Description
This Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Pineapple Foil Packets recipe combines juicy boneless skinless chicken breasts with sweet pineapple chunks, colorful bell peppers, and red onions, all smothered in tangy BBQ sauce and cooked to perfection in foil packets. Ideal for grilling or baking, these packets create a deliciously easy and flavorful meal packed with tropical zest and vibrant veggies, perfect for 4 servings in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 can pineapple chunks (about 1½ cups fresh pineapple can be used as substitute)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium red onion, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh chopped cilantro for garnish
Additional Supplies
- Aluminum foil sheets
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water, then pat them completely dry with paper towels to ensure proper seasoning and cooking.
- Cut the pineapple: If using fresh pineapple, peel and core it, then cut into bite-sized chunks. Alternatively, drain the canned pineapple chunks.
- Assemble the foil packets: Tear off large sheets of aluminum foil enough to completely wrap each chicken breast. Layer chicken breasts on each foil sheet, spoon BBQ sauce over them generously, then evenly distribute pineapple chunks, red and yellow bell pepper slices, and red onion slices on top. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Seal the packets: Fold the foil over the chicken and vegetables, sealing tightly to form packets while allowing some space inside for steam to circulate.
- Cook the packets: Place the foil packets on a preheated grill over medium heat or on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C). Cook for about 25-30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is cooked through.
- Serve: Carefully open the foil packets to avoid steam burns. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve hot directly from the packets or plated.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh pineapple if preferred for a fresher taste.
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness of chicken breasts and grill or oven temperature.
- These foil packets can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before cooking for convenience.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked.
- If grilling, place the foil packets on indirect heat to avoid burning the foil.
