Description
Hawaiian BBQ Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets make grilling dinner a total breeze. Wrap tender chicken with sweet pineapple chunks in a smoky barbecue sauce for an easy summer meal that brings tropical flavors right to your backyard.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs
Produce:
- 2 cups pineapple chunks (fresh or well-drained canned)
- 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium red onion, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
Sauces and Seasonings:
- ½ cup Hawaiian-style BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey (preferably raw)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to an exact 400°F, creating the perfect temperature for tender chicken and caramelized vegetables.
- Combine ½ cup Hawaiian BBQ sauce, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp grated ginger in a small mixing bowl, whisking until smooth and well-blended.
- Sprinkle 1 lb of chicken breasts with a pinch of salt and pepper, ensuring each piece gets seasoned evenly.
- Layout 4 sheets of 12×18 inch heavy-duty aluminum foil on your work surface, preparing for individual packet assembly.
- Center one chicken portion on each foil sheet, creating a personal cooking space for maximum flavor infusion.
- Distribute 2 cups of pineapple chunks, 1 sliced red bell pepper, and 1 sliced red onion equally across the four packets.
- Drizzle the prepared sauce mixture generously over each packet, making sure every ingredient gets coated with the tangy marinade.
- Carefully fold and crimp the foil edges, creating a sealed packet with enough room for steam circulation.
- Slide the packets into the preheated oven and bake for exactly 25-30 minutes until chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove packets from the oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes before carefully opening to release aromatic steam.
- Sprinkle optional garnishes like chopped cilantro, green onions, and toasted sesame seeds over the top for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- Check chicken doneness by using a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F, preventing undercooking.
- Double-seal foil packet edges tightly to lock in moisture and prevent sauce leakage during cooking.
- For gluten-free version, swap soy sauce with tamari and use gluten-free BBQ sauce.
- Swap chicken with firm tofu or salmon for alternative protein options that work perfectly with this tropical marinade.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes (oven) or 20-25 minutes (grill)
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg