If you’re craving the vibrant, sweet-savory flavors of a tropical getaway but want a no-fuss meal that can be thrown together with minimal cleanup, look no further than these Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Foil Packets with Pineapple. This dish captures the essence of island-inspired cuisine in a simple, foil-wrapped bundle of juicy chicken, tangy barbecue sauce, fresh vegetables, and sweet pineapple. It’s perfect for warm-weather cookouts, weeknight dinners, or backyard gatherings with friends and family.
Foil packet meals have long been a favorite among campers and busy home cooks alike for their simplicity, versatility, and easy cleanup. With this recipe, you get all the convenience of foil packet cooking with the bold flavors of a Hawaiian-style BBQ. The tender, marinated chicken soaks up the smoky sweetness of barbecue sauce, while chunks of pineapple add juicy brightness and a natural sweetness that complements the savory notes of the meat and veggies.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Foil Packets are as flavorful as they are easy to prepare. Each packet is a self-contained, perfectly portioned meal that cooks evenly and locks in moisture and flavor. The ingredients are fresh and colorful, the steps are simple, and the result is a crowd-pleasing dish that delivers on both taste and presentation.
This recipe is highly adaptable—you can customize the veggies, adjust the spice level, or even prepare it in the oven if grilling isn’t an option. Plus, foil packets make prep and cleanup a breeze, making this an ideal recipe for anyone with a busy schedule or limited kitchen space.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (thighs are especially flavorful and juicy)
- Fresh pineapple chunks or canned (drained)
- Bell peppers (any color), sliced
- Red onion, sliced
- Zucchini or yellow squash, chopped (optional)
- Your favorite barbecue sauce (a Hawaiian-style or honey BBQ works beautifully)
- Garlic powder, salt, pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat
- Olive oil or melted butter for drizzling
- Heavy-duty aluminum foil
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh chopped cilantro or parsley
- Lime wedges for a zesty finish
- Cooked rice or grilled flatbread on the side
How to Make It
- Prep the Ingredients
Begin by slicing your vegetables and cutting your chicken into even-sized pieces or leaving the breasts/thighs whole, depending on your preference. If using fresh pineapple, cut it into bite-sized chunks. Set everything aside while you prepare your foil sheets. - Assemble the Foil Packets
Tear large sheets of heavy-duty foil—one for each serving. Lightly grease each sheet with olive oil or nonstick spray. Place the chicken in the center of each sheet and season it with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Spoon barbecue sauce over the chicken, then top with sliced bell peppers, onion, zucchini (if using), and pineapple chunks. Add a drizzle of olive oil or melted butter for added richness. - Seal the Packets
Fold each foil sheet over the chicken and toppings, crimping the edges tightly to seal the packets. Be sure to leave a little space inside the packet for steam to circulate, which helps the food cook evenly and stay moist. - Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the foil packets on the grill and cook for about 20–25 minutes, flipping once halfway through. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken and the heat of your grill. You’ll know they’re done when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is no longer pink in the center. - Serve and Enjoy
Carefully open the foil packets—be cautious of the hot steam—and garnish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice for added brightness. Serve the packets on their own or pair them with a side of steamed rice, grilled corn, or a fresh green salad to complete the meal.
Make It Your Own
This recipe is wonderfully customizable. Prefer a spicier kick? Add sliced jalapeños or use a spicy barbecue sauce. Want to boost the nutrition? Add broccoli florets, cherry tomatoes, or carrots. If you’re watching your sugar intake, opt for a low-sugar barbecue sauce and use fresh pineapple instead of canned.
For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for tofu or thick slices of portobello mushrooms and use a plant-based BBQ sauce. The beauty of foil packets is that everyone can build their own based on their tastes and dietary needs.
Cook Indoors or While Camping
Don’t have a grill? No problem. These packets can also be baked in the oven at 400°F for about 25–30 minutes, or cooked over a campfire. That makes them an ideal choice for everything from weekday meals to weekend camping trips.
Why It Works
The secret to this recipe’s irresistible flavor lies in the balance of ingredients. The smoky, sticky barbecue sauce mingles with the sweet acidity of pineapple and the natural moisture of the vegetables, creating a vibrant and juicy meal. Because everything is cooked together in one packet, the flavors meld beautifully without drying out. The result is a dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but took less than 30 minutes to prepare.
Conclusion
Grilled Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Foil Packets with Pineapple are more than just a quick and easy dinner—they’re a celebration of fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Whether you’re hosting a cookout, meal prepping for the week, or just looking for a fun new way to enjoy grilled chicken, this recipe is sure to impress. The colorful combination of tender meat, sweet fruit, and crisp vegetables wrapped in a no-mess foil packet is as practical as it is delicious. With a few simple steps and a hot grill, you can bring a taste of the islands to your backyard table.Tools
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