🍍 Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets

A sweet and savory one-packet meal perfect for grill, oven, or campfire

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🥡 Introduction: The All-in-One Dinner You’ll Make on Repeat

Some meals aren’t just about flavor — they’re about convenience, minimal cleanup, and maximum satisfaction. That’s exactly what you get with these Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets. Whether you’re planning a summer BBQ, weeknight dinner, or a campfire meal, these foil packets check every box:

• Sweet-savory flavor from homemade teriyaki sauce

• Juicy chicken, perfectly cooked with pineapple

• Bright vegetables for crunch, color, and balance

• Zero cleanup — eat straight from the foil if you want!

Each packet is a full, balanced meal and can be made ahead, customized per person, and cooked multiple ways: grill, oven, or fire pit.

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🥘 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No dishes – everything cooks in foil

• Balanced flavors – sweet, salty, tangy, and umami

• Healthy – lean protein, fruits, and vegetables

• Flexible – use any veggies or protein you like

• Perfect for outdoor cooking – grill or campfire-friendly

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🍍 Ingredients Breakdown

Let’s go over what you need and why each item matters.

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Chicken

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving, but breasts work if you prefer leaner meat.

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Vegetables

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced

• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced

• 1 zucchini or summer squash, sliced into half-moons
  These vegetables offer sweetness, crunch, and vibrant color.

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Pineapple

• 1 ½ cups fresh pineapple chunks
  Fresh is best for grilling, but canned (drained) works too. Adds sweetness, acidity, and caramelization when roasted.

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Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce

• ¼ cup honey or brown sugar

• 2 tbsp rice vinegar

• 1 tbsp sesame oil

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (or ½ tsp ground ginger)

• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for thickening)

You can use store-bought teriyaki sauce, but homemade is fresher and lets you control sweetness and salt.

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Optional Add-Ins & Garnishes

• Cooked rice or rice noodles (add to packet or serve alongside)

• Green onions, sliced

• Toasted sesame seeds

• Chili flakes or sriracha for heat

• Cilantro or Thai basil

• Lime wedges for serving

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🧰 Tools & Equipment

• Aluminum foil (heavy-duty preferred)

• Mixing bowls

• Whisk

• Small saucepan (for sauce)

• Tongs or spatula

• Grill, oven, or campfire setup

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🧑‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

This recipe yields 4–6 packets, depending on serving size.

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⏲️ Total Time: About 1 hour

• Prep time: 25 minutes

• Cook time: 20–25 minutes (grill/oven)

• Rest time: 5 minutes

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Step 1: Make the Teriyaki Sauce

Ingredients:

• ½ cup soy sauce

• ¼ cup honey or brown sugar

• 2 tbsp rice vinegar

• 1 tbsp sesame oil

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp grated ginger

• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, honey, vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.

2. Bring to a gentle simmer, whisking occasionally.

3. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water. Add to the sauce.

4. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened.

5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Make ahead: Sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 week.

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Step 2: Prepare Chicken and Vegetables

1. Cut chicken into 1.5-inch chunks for faster, even cooking.

2. Slice vegetables into uniform pieces.

3. In a large bowl, toss the chicken with half of the teriyaki sauce. Let it marinate while prepping the packets (at least 10–15 minutes).

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Step 3: Assemble the Foil Packets

1. Cut 4–6 large sheets of heavy-duty foil (about 12x16 inches).

2. Lightly spray or brush the center of each sheet with oil to prevent sticking.

3. To each sheet, add:

   • A handful of vegetables

   • ½ cup pineapple chunks

   • A portion of marinated chicken

4. Drizzle with a little extra teriyaki sauce (about 1 tbsp each).

5. Fold the foil into a packet:

   • Bring long sides up, fold twice

   • Fold in the ends to seal tightly

Tip: For extra security, wrap each packet in a second layer of foil.

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Step 4: Cook the Packets

You can cook these packets three different ways:

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A. Grill Method:

• Preheat grill to medium-high (about 400°F).

• Place foil packets seam-side up on the grill grates.

• Cook for 20–25 minutes, flipping once halfway through.

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B. Oven Method:

• Preheat oven to 400°F.

• Place packets on a baking sheet (just in case of leaks).

• Bake for 25 minutes.

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C. Campfire Method:

• Place packets on hot coals, not direct flames.

• Cook for 15–20 minutes, flipping occasionally.

• Use tongs and wear gloves — foil gets very hot.

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Step 5: Open and Serve

• Let packets rest 5 minutes before opening.

• Carefully unwrap (watch out for steam!).

• Serve straight in the foil or transfer to plates.

• Top with sesame seeds, green onions, chili flakes, or fresh herbs.

• Add a side of rice, noodles, or crusty bread if desired.

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🧊 Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Marinate chicken up to 24 hours ahead.

• Pre-cut veggies and store in fridge 2–3 days ahead.

• Assemble packets up to 1 day before cooking; store in fridge.

• Cooked packets last 3–4 days in the fridge.

Reheat in foil in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave (remove foil first).

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🔁 Variations and Substitutions

Protein:

• Swap chicken with shrimp, tofu, or salmon (adjust cooking times).

• Use pork tenderloin or beef strips for a hearty version.

Veggies:

• Add mushrooms, snap peas, baby corn, or broccoli.

• Thinly sliced sweet potatoes or carrots add heartiness.

Sauce:

• Use store-bought teriyaki, or switch to Korean BBQ, Thai peanut, or sweet chili sauce for flavor variety.

Low-Carb or Paleo:

• Skip the sugar or use coconut aminos and monk fruit sweetener.

• Serve with cauliflower rice.

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🧠 FAQ

Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?

Absolutely. Choose a thick, high-quality sauce. You’ll need about ¾ cup.

Are foil packets safe for grilling?

Yes — especially when using heavy-duty foil and indirect heat. Always place seam-side up to avoid leaks.

Can I freeze these?

You can freeze uncooked packets for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight before cooking. Do not freeze cooked pineapple (it gets mushy).

How do I know if the chicken is done?

Cut into a piece: no pink and juices run clear. Internal temp should be 165°F (74°C).

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📊 Nutrition Estimate (Per Packet)

• Calories: ~375

• Protein: ~28g

• Carbohydrates: ~24g

• Fat: ~15g

• Fiber: ~3g

• Sugar: ~12g (mostly from pineapple and sauce)

These values will vary based on ingredients and portion size.

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🍴 What to Serve With Teriyaki Chicken Foil Packets

Side Dishes:

• Coconut rice or jasmine rice

• Chilled soba noodles with sesame oil and scallions

• Grilled corn or sweet potatoes

• Asian slaw with cabbage, lime, and ginger dressing

Drinks:

• Iced green tea

• Sake or cold beer

• Citrus water or lemonade

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🌟 Hosting Tip: Foil Packet Bar

Make it interactive! Set out:

• Marinated proteins

• Bowls of chopped veggies

• Pineapple chunks

• Teriyaki sauce

• Pre-cut foil squares

Let everyone build their own packet — great for picky eaters or dietary needs!

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📝 Final Thoughts: A Sweet & Savory Crowd-Pleaser

These Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets are proof that simple doesn't have to mean boring. You get:

• Juicy, flavorful chicken

• Tangy-sweet pineapple

• Tender veggies

• Sticky, garlicky teriyaki goodness

They’re easy enough for a weekday, yet impressive enough for guests. And whether you’re cooking over a grill, in your oven, or by a campfire under the stars — this is one dish that delivers flavor, fun, and that unbeatable satisfaction of opening up your own personal meal.