Hawaiian BBQ Chicken & Pineapple Foil Packets 🍍

🌺 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Tropical Flavors: Sweet pineapple and tangy BBQ sauce bring island vibes to your plate.
✔ Minimal Cleanup: No dishes to wash—just toss the foil when you're done!
✔ Versatile Cooking: Perfect for grilling, baking, or even a campfire cookout.
✔ Wholesome & Balanced: Packed with lean protein, colorful veggies, and natural sweetness.
✔ Meal-Prep Friendly: Assemble ahead of time for stress-free dinners or easy entertaining.

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Marinade:

½ cup Hawaiian-style BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp honey (or brown sugar for extra sweetness)
1 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp grated ginger (optional, but adds a zesty kick)

For the Foil Packets:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
1 medium onion, sliced
2 cups fresh pineapple chunks (or canned, drained)
Salt & pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes:

Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped
Sesame seeds, for a finishing touch

🔥 How to Make It

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, soy sauce, honey, olive oil, garlic, and ginger.
Add the chicken, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).

Step 2: Assemble the Packets

Preheat your grill to medium heat (375–400°F) or your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Tear off four large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil (about 12x18 inches each).
Divide the marinated chicken evenly among the foil sheets. Top with bell pepper, onion, and pineapple. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Seal the Packets

Fold the foil over the ingredients and crimp the edges tightly to seal, leaving a little space inside for steam to circulate.

Step 4: Cook the Packets

Grill Method: Place on the grill and cook for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is fully cooked (165°F/75°C).
Oven Method: Place packets on a baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, until tender and cooked through.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

Carefully open the packets (watch out for hot steam!).
Garnish with cilantro, green onions, or sesame seeds.
Serve over steamed rice or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.

✨ Why This Recipe Works

🌟 Foil Packet Magic: Locks in moisture, keeping the chicken juicy while caramelizing the pineapple and veggies.
🌟 Flavor Explosion: Sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors blend beautifully.
🌟 Cooking Flexibility: Works for grilling, baking, or even campfire cooking.

🌿 Variations to Try

🔥 Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the marinade.
🥕 Extra Veggies: Toss in zucchini, baby carrots, or snap peas for more color and crunch.
🌾 Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free BBQ sauce and tamari instead of soy sauce.
🐟 Seafood Swap: Replace chicken with shrimp or salmon for a fresh twist.
🏕 Campfire-Friendly: Wrap tightly and cook over glowing embers for a rustic outdoor meal.

💡 Tips for Success

✔ Use Fresh Pineapple for the best flavor, but canned works in a pinch.
✔ Don’t Overfill the Packets—leaving space helps everything cook evenly.
✔ Leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or a skillet.

🍽 Serving Ideas

💕 Date Night Special: Serve over jasmine rice with an extra drizzle of BBQ sauce.
🌞 Brunch-Worthy: Pair with scrambled eggs for a tropical breakfast twist.
🎉 Party Platter: Arrange everything on a serving board with dipping sauces like teriyaki or spicy mayo.

🌴 Final Thoughts

These Hawaiian BBQ Chicken & Pineapple Foil Packets are a delicious way to bring the taste of the tropics to your table! Whether you're firing up the grill for a backyard BBQ, heading out for a camping trip, or looking for an easy weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Your turn! Have you tried foil packet meals before? Share your favorite variations in the comments! 🍍🔥