Easy Hawaiian BBQ Chicken & Pineapple Foil Packets Recipe

Simmering with tropical essence, this hawaiian bbq chicken and pineapple foil packets recipe promises a culinary escape from ordinary dinners.

Juicy chicken meets sweet pineapple in a convenient, flavor-packed meal that whisks you to island paradise.

Aluminum foil becomes your secret weapon for sealing in rich, smoky marinades.

Minimal cleanup and maximum taste define this simple yet spectacular dish.

Compact packets mean everyone gets a perfectly portioned serving bursting with zesty goodness.

Weeknight cooking just became an exciting adventure packed with vibrant island-inspired ingredients.

Let’s turn an ordinary evening into a delicious Hawaiian-style celebration you won’t forget.

What to Serve With Hawaiian BBQ Chicken and Pineapple

• Tropical Rum Cocktail Pairing: Mix a refreshing mai tai with light rum, orange curaçao, lime juice, and a splash of pineapple juice to complement the sweet and tangy Hawaiian BBQ flavors.
• Coconut Rice Companion: Prepare fluffy coconut rice by cooking white rice with coconut milk, which echoes the tropical theme and provides a creamy contrast to the grilled chicken's smoky notes.
• Mango Slaw Sidekick: Whip up a zesty mango slaw with shredded cabbage, diced mango, lime juice, and a touch of honey to add a fresh, crisp element that balances the rich BBQ chicken.

Best Storage Practices for Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Packets

• Store leftover chicken packets in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Place in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the foil sealed to preserve moisture and prevent contamination.
• Wrap individual cooled packets tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date to track freshness.
• Remove chicken from foil and place on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

FAQs

• Can I make these packets in the oven instead of on the grill?

Yes, simply preheat your oven to 400°F and bake the foil packets for 25-30 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken’s internal temperature has reached 165°F, which ensures it’s safe to eat and fully cooked.

• Can I use different types of BBQ sauce?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with sweet, spicy, or tangy BBQ sauces to match your flavor preference. Just ensure you use about 1/4 cup per packet.

Why Hawaiian BBQ Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets Work

• Grill with Ease: Minimal prep and cleanup make this recipe a stress-free cooking adventure for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious tropical-inspired meal.
• Customize Your Feast: Swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to match your taste preferences, making it perfect for picky eaters or adventurous food lovers.
• Pack Flavor in Every Bite: Combining sweet pineapple, tangy BBQ sauce, and juicy chicken creates a mouthwatering combination that transports you to a Hawaiian paradise.
• Family-Friendly Cooking: Simple technique allows kids to help assemble packets, turning meal preparation into a fun and interactive family experience.

Ingredients for Hawaiian BBQ Chicken and Pineapple Packets

• Chicken Breast: A lean and tender protein that serves as the main star of this tropical-inspired dish.

• BBQ Sauce: A sweet and tangy sauce that adds rich, caramelized flavor to the chicken.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural taste of the ingredients.

• Pineapple Chunks: Sweet and juicy tropical fruit that adds a bright, refreshing element to the dish.
• Bell Peppers: Colorful vegetables that provide crunch and a mild, sweet flavor.
• Red Onion: Adds a sharp, slightly pungent taste and crisp texture to the foil packet.
• Cilantro: A fresh herb that offers a bright, citrusy garnish to complete the tropical theme.

• Aluminum Foil: A versatile cooking tool that helps steam and seal in the flavors of the ingredients.

How to Make Hawaiian BBQ Chicken and Pineapple Packets

Step 1: Fire Up The Grill

Get your grill ready by heating it to medium-high heat. This will create the perfect cooking environment for your tropical feast.

Step 2: Prepare Foil Platforms

Grab four large aluminum foil sheets and spread them out on a clean, flat surface. These will be your cooking vessels for the Hawaiian-inspired dish.

Step 3: Position Chicken Centerpiece

Gently place a chicken breast right in the middle of each foil sheet. This will be the star of your delicious packet.

Step 4: Drench In Tropical Sauce

Generously coat each chicken breast with BBQ sauce, ensuring every inch gets a tasty layer of flavor.

Step 5: Create A Colorful Topping

• Pineapple chunks
• Sliced bell peppers
• Chopped red onion

Step 6: Season With Zest

Dust the chicken and vegetables with salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavors.

Step 7: Wrap And Seal

Carefully fold the foil over the chicken and vegetables. Crimp and fold the edges tightly to create a sealed packet that will lock in all the delicious juices.

Step 8: Grill To Perfection

Place the foil packets on the grill and cook for 25-30 minutes. The chicken is done when it’s completely white and no longer pink in the center.

Step 9: Unveil The Deliciousness

Carefully open the packets, being mindful of the hot steam. The aroma will transport you straight to a Hawaiian paradise.

Step 10: Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for an extra burst of flavor. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes and enjoy a tropical meal that brings the islands to your plate.

Tips to Perfect Hawaiian BBQ Chicken and Pineapple Packets

• Crimp and fold foil edges tightly to lock in moisture and prevent leaks, ensuring juicy chicken and flavorful ingredients.
• Select ripe, golden pineapple chunks for maximum sweetness and tropical flavor that complements the BBQ sauce.
• Check chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer to guarantee safe and perfectly cooked protein.
• Try different BBQ sauce varieties like honey chipotle or spicy mango to create unique flavor profiles and keep the dish exciting.
• Assemble foil packets earlier in the day and refrigerate, making mealtime quick and convenient for busy schedules.

Variations for Hawaiian BBQ Chicken and Pineapple Packets

• Spicy Island Kick: Replace classic BBQ sauce with hot habanero sauce and add sliced jalapeños for extra heat.
• Coconut Tropical Style: Sprinkle shredded coconut over chicken and replace BBQ sauce with coconut milk and curry powder.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Swap pineapple with cherry tomatoes, replace BBQ sauce with olive oil and oregano, and add crumbled feta cheese.
• Asian Teriyaki Version: Use teriyaki sauce instead of BBQ, include sliced green onions, and garnish with sesame seeds.

Hawaiian BBQ Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hawaiian BBQ Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets merge island-inspired flavors with easy grilling magic. Juicy chicken, caramelized pineapple, and smoky barbecue sauce create a quick meal packed with tropical excitement you can savor in minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Vegetables and Fruit:

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium red onion, sliced
• 1 cup (226 grams) pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)

Seasonings and Sauces:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) BBQ sauce
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro (optional)
• Aluminum foil

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Instructions

1. Preheat grill to 400°F, creating medium-high heat zone for optimal cooking environment.
2. Cut four generously sized aluminum foil sheets, positioning them on clean work surface.
3. Centralize each chicken breast on individual foil sections, ensuring ample surrounding space.
4. Generously drench chicken with tangy BBQ sauce, coating every surface thoroughly.
5. Distribute tropical pineapple chunks, vibrant bell peppers, and zesty red onion evenly across chicken landscape.
6. Sprinkle kosher salt and cracked black pepper to enhance flavor profile.
7. Carefully envelope ingredients by folding foil edges, creating tight sealed packets with crimp technique.
8. Transfer foil packages directly onto preheated grill grates, maintaining consistent temperature.
9. Grill packets for approximately 25-30 minutes, monitoring chicken’s internal temperature reaching 165°F.
10. Cautiously open packets, allowing trapped aromatic steam to escape gradually.
11. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for vibrant color and complementary herbal notes.
12. Plate immediately with complementary side dishes, serving while ingredients remain piping hot.

Notes

• Customize BBQ sauce by mixing store-bought sauce with pineapple juice for extra tropical flavor complexity.
• Ensure chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee safe and perfectly cooked protein without drying out.
• Experiment with alternative protein options like tofu or shrimp for vegetarian or seafood variations that maintain similar Hawaiian-inspired taste profile.
• Prep foil packets ahead of time and refrigerate for convenient make-ahead meals, allowing flavors to marinate and intensify before grilling.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 335 kcal
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg