If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and flavorful dinner that requires minimal cleanup, these Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets are the perfect solution. This easy foil packet recipe combines tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and fresh veggies in a savory teriyaki glaze for a meal that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or need a simple weeknight dinner, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Foil packet meals are a game-changer for busy families, campfire cooking, or even a hassle-free oven-baked dinner. The best part? There’s no messy cleanup—just toss the foil when you’re done! This healthy chicken recipe is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, making it a nutritious and balanced meal that fits into any diet. Plus, the sweet and savory teriyaki glaze adds a restaurant-quality touch without the extra calories.
Pineapple isn’t just for dessert—it’s a secret ingredient for tenderizing chicken and adding natural sweetness to savory dishes. When paired with homemade or store-bought teriyaki sauce, it creates a caramelized, sticky glaze that’s absolutely irresistible. This recipe is also highly customizable—swap out veggies, use tofu instead of chicken, or add a spicy kick with sriracha. It’s a versatile meal prep idea that never gets boring.
Why You’ll Love This Teriyaki Chicken Foil Packet Recipe
First, this easy dinner idea takes less than 10 minutes to prep and cooks in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights. Second, the minimal cleanup means more time to relax instead of scrubbing pots and pans. And third, the flavor combination of juicy chicken, caramelized pineapple, and crisp-tender veggies is unbeatable. Even picky eaters will love this family-friendly meal!
Another reason to love this recipe? It’s perfect for meal prep. You can assemble multiple foil packets ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer. When you’re ready to eat, just pop them in the oven or grill for a quick, healthy meal. This makes it an excellent choice for weight loss meal plans, high-protein diets, or gluten-free eating (just use gluten-free teriyaki sauce).
Plus, this dish is great for outdoor cooking—whether you’re grilling, camping, or hosting a backyard BBQ. Foil packets are a camping food staple because they’re easy to transport and cook over an open flame. The smoky char from the grill adds an extra layer of flavor, making this teriyaki chicken recipe even more delicious. Serve it with rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a complete, satisfying meal.
Ingredients for Teriyaki Chicken & Pineapple Foil Packets
To make this healthy teriyaki chicken, you’ll need simple, fresh ingredients that are easy to find at any grocery store. The key components are boneless, skinless chicken breasts, fresh pineapple chunks, and a homemade or store-bought teriyaki sauce. You’ll also need colorful veggies like red bell pepper, carrots, and zucchini for added crunch and nutrition.
Using fresh pineapple instead of canned makes a big difference in flavor and texture. The natural enzymes in pineapple help tenderize the chicken, making it extra juicy. For the teriyaki sauce, you can use a high-quality bottled sauce or make your own with soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. If you prefer a low-sodium version, opt for reduced-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos.
Don’t skip the olive oil, as it helps the chicken stay moist and prevents sticking. The green onions add a fresh, mild onion flavor that balances the sweetness of the pineapple. Feel free to customize the veggies—broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms would also work well. This recipe is highly adaptable, making it a great way to use up leftover produce.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Foil Packet Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C)—this ensures even cooking and helps the teriyaki sauce caramelize. While the oven heats up, prepare two large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil (or double-layer regular foil to prevent leaks). Place one chicken breast in the center of each foil piece and drizzle with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Next, pile on the pineapple and veggies—start with the pineapple chunks, followed by sliced bell peppers, carrots, and zucchini. The key is to distribute the ingredients evenly so every bite is packed with flavor. Once everything is layered, pour the teriyaki sauce generously over the top, making sure the chicken and veggies are well-coated.
Now, fold the foil into a sealed packet—bring the long sides together and fold them down, then crimp the ends to lock in the steam. Place the packets on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally. Let them rest for a few minutes before opening (careful—hot steam escapes!). Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
For a complete meal, serve these foil packets over a bed of steamed white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice. The rice soaks up the extra teriyaki sauce, making every bite even more delicious. You could also pair it with fried rice, quinoa, or noodles for a heartier dish. A side of Asian slaw or edamame adds extra crunch and nutrition.
If you love spicy flavors, drizzle with sriracha or chili garlic sauce before serving. For a low-carb or keto version, skip the pineapple (or use a small amount) and load up on low-carb veggies like broccoli and mushrooms. Vegetarian? Swap the chicken for tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas—just adjust the cooking time as needed.
This recipe is also great for entertaining—assemble the packets ahead of time and bake them when guests arrive. It’s a stress-free dinner party idea that looks impressive but requires minimal effort. You can even let everyone customize their own packets with their favorite ingredients for a fun, interactive meal.
Meal Prep & Storage Tips
One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s perfect for meal prep. You can assemble the foil packets up to 2 days in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to bake. For longer storage, freeze the uncooked packets for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.
Leftovers (if you have any!) can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. The flavors actually get better over time, making this a great make-ahead lunch or dinner.
Final Thoughts – A Must-Try Recipe!
These Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets are a simple, healthy, and delicious meal that works for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for one, feeding a family, or hosting a BBQ, this recipe is a winner. The sweet and savory flavors, minimal cleanup, and quick prep time make it a go-to dish for busy nights.
Try it once, and it’ll become a regular in your meal rotation! Plus, with so many customization options, you’ll never get bored. Serve it with rice, noodles, or eat it straight from the foil—either way, it’s a flavor-packed meal that’s as easy as it is delicious.
Ready to Try It? Pin This Recipe for Later!
Don’t forget to save this easy teriyaki chicken recipe for your next meal prep session or weeknight dinner. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s a dish you’ll come back to again and again. Happy cooking!