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This Hawaiian BBQ Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packet recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a tropical vacation on your plate. The sweet pineapple caramelizes perfectly alongside tender chicken chunks, while the BBQ sauce infuses everything with smoky goodness. The best part is how the foil locks in all those amazing flavors, creating a deliciously simple meal that always reminds me of summer.
I first made these foil packets during a backyard camping trip with my family last summer. We were looking for something easy but impressive to cook over the campfire, and these packets became an instant hit. Even my picky nephew went back for seconds, which is the ultimate seal of approval in our family.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: These stay moist and tender when cooked in the packet. Look for plump pieces with a pinkish color and no brown spots.
- Fresh pineapple chunks: Provides natural sweetness and a juicy texture. Choose a pineapple that smells sweet at the bottom and has golden color peeking through.
- Red and green bell peppers: Add vibrant color and a slightly sweet crunch. Select peppers that feel firm and heavy for their size.
- Red onion: Delivers a mild bite that mellows beautifully when cooked. Choose firm onions with shiny, crackly skin.
- BBQ sauce: Creates the signature flavor base. I prefer one with a balance of sweet and smoky notes, but use your favorite.
- Olive oil: Helps prevent sticking and adds richness. Extra virgin works best for maximum flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Enhances all the other flavors. Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper make a noticeable difference.
- Green onions or cilantro: Optional for garnish but adds fresh flavor and color. Look for perky, vibrant stems.
- Cooked rice: Makes the meal more substantial. Jasmine rice complements the tropical flavors particularly well.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Your Cooking Surface:
- For grilling, preheat to medium high heat around 375 400°F. If using an oven, preheat to 400°F and position the rack in the center. This temperature ensures the chicken cooks through while allowing the vegetables to soften without becoming mushy.
- Create Your Foil Packets:
- Tear off four 12x18 inch sheets of heavy duty aluminum foil and lay them flat on your work surface. Regular foil can work but heavy duty prevents tearing when you flip the packets. Divide the chicken cubes, pineapple chunks, chopped bell peppers, and red onion evenly among the four sheets, placing the ingredients in the center of each foil piece.
- Season Everything Perfectly:
- Drizzle each portion with olive oil, which prevents sticking and adds richness. Sprinkle with salt and pepper generously enough to season all the ingredients. Then spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce over each portion. Using your hands or a spoon, gently toss everything together right on the foil to ensure even coating of all ingredients.
- Seal The Packets Properly:
- Bring the long sides of the foil together above the food and fold them over several times to create a secure seal. Then fold in the shorter sides in the same manner, creating a completely sealed packet. Make sure there are no openings where steam could escape, but leave a little room inside for heat circulation.
- Cook To Perfection:
- If grilling, place the packets on the preheated grill and close the lid. Cook for 15 18 minutes, flipping halfway through. For oven cooking, place packets on a baking sheet and bake for 20 22 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure proper doneness without drying out.
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The combination of pineapple and BBQ sauce might seem unusual, but it creates magic in these packets. The natural enzymes in pineapple help tenderize the chicken while the sugars caramelize during cooking, creating these incredible flavor pockets. My family moved to Hawaii for two years when I was a teenager, and this recipe always takes me back to the roadside BBQ stands we discovered there.
Make Ahead Options
These foil packets truly shine as a make ahead meal solution. You can assemble all the ingredients in the foil packets up to 24 hours before cooking, which makes them perfect for busy weeknights or when entertaining. Simply prepare as directed, but instead of cooking, seal the packets and refrigerate. When ready to cook, you might need to add 2 3 minutes to the cooking time since the ingredients will be cold. This advance preparation actually allows the flavors to meld together even better.
Customization Ideas
The beauty of foil packet cooking lies in its versatility. For a spicier version, add a diced jalapeño or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to each packet. If you prefer a sweeter profile, drizzle a tablespoon of honey over the ingredients. Vegetarians can substitute the chicken with firm tofu or just double up on veggies and pineapple. For a heartier meal, add par cooked potato chunks or corn on the cob pieces. You can even experiment with different sauces like teriyaki or sweet chili instead of BBQ sauce.
Serving Suggestions
While these packets are delicious on their own, serving them over a bed of warm jasmine or coconut rice creates a complete meal that soaks up all the flavorful juices. For a lower carb option, cauliflower rice works beautifully. A side of simple coleslaw provides a cool, crunchy contrast to the warm, tender packet contents. For a casual outdoor gathering, set up a topping bar with extra BBQ sauce, diced avocado, crushed macadamia nuts, and lime wedges so everyone can customize their plate.
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These Hawaiian foil packets are easy to prepare and deliver a burst of tropical flavors that will delight your taste buds.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prepare these foil packets ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the foil packets up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator. This makes them perfect for camping trips or busy weeknights. Just be sure to add about 2-3 minutes to the cooking time if grilling from cold.
- → Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Absolutely. While fresh pineapple provides the best flavor, canned pineapple chunks work well too. Just be sure to drain them thoroughly before adding to your foil packets to prevent excess liquid.
- → What type of BBQ sauce works best for this dish?
A sweet and tangy BBQ sauce complements the pineapple perfectly, but any variety works! Try a Hawaiian-style, honey, or even a spicy BBQ sauce to customize the flavor profile to your preference.
- → Can I cook these foil packets in a campfire?
Yes! These foil packets are perfect for campfire cooking. Place them on a grill grate over medium coals (not direct flames) and cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken reaches 165°F.
- → How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer - chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you don't have a thermometer, carefully open one packet and check that the chicken is no longer pink and the juices run clear.
- → What sides pair well with these foil packets?
While these packets contain a complete meal, especially when served over rice, they also pair wonderfully with coconut rice, macaroni salad, Hawaiian rolls, grilled corn, or a simple green salad for a fuller meal.