BBQ Chicken Pineapple Foil Packs Recipe

If there’s one recipe that shouts “easy summer dinner” with maximum flavor, it’s these BBQ Chicken Pineapple Foil Packs! Sweet pineapple, saucy barbecue chicken, and colorful veggies steam together in tidy little foil bundles—whether you’re grilling outdoors or keeping things simple in the oven.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of accessible, colorful ingredients to make BBQ Chicken Pineapple Foil Packs, but each one brings unique flavor and texture to the dish. This is one of those glorious recipes where the simple combination of sweet, smoky, and savory really shines—trust me, every element has a purpose!

• Heavy Duty Tin Foil: Go for the thick stuff—it keeps your foil packs leak-proof and sturdy enough to handle both grill and oven heat.
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cut into bite-size pieces for super-fast, even cooking and irresistibly juicy chicken.
• Barbecue Sauce: Use your go-to brand, whether it’s smoky, spicy, or sweet—it clings to every bite and infuses the whole pack with BBQ flavor.
• Pineapple Tidbits: Fresh or canned both work! Pineapple’s sweetness pairs perfectly with barbecue sauce and keeps things bright and juicy.
• Red Bell Pepper: Diced for an extra pop of color and a hint of crunch—plus, it’s a natural match for both BBQ and pineapple.
• Red Onion: Adds a mild bite and turns deliciously sweet as it cooks right in the packet.
• Fresh Cilantro: Completely optional, but it adds a fresh, green finish that really highlights the tropical flavors.

Variations

If you love putting your own spin on recipes (or just want to use up what’s in your fridge), BBQ Chicken Pineapple Foil Packs are endlessly flexible. Don’t be afraid to personalize yours—here are some fun ways to make this dish your own.

• Swap the Protein: Try boneless chicken thighs for extra tenderness, or substitute shrimp or firm tofu for a tasty twist.
• Change Up the Veggies: Toss in zucchini, snap peas, or even corn kernels—whatever colorful veggies you love most.
• Use a Different Sauce: Go tangy with a Carolina-style BBQ, or bring the heat with a spicy chipotle sauce; teriyaki works well, too!
• Low-Carb Option: Use sugar-free barbecue sauce and bump up the veggies for a light but satisfying meal.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Pineapple Foil Packs

Step 1: Prep the Foil and Ingredients

Start by tearing off four big sheets of heavy-duty foil—large enough to fully wrap each serving without leaks. Dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch) so they’ll cook fast and evenly, and chop your red bell pepper and onion. Drain your pineapple tidbits if using canned, or chop fresh pineapple into small chunks.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Add your chicken pieces to a large bowl with the barbecue sauce. Give everything a good toss so that each bit of chicken is glistening and totally coated in that sweet, tangy goodness. This step is key for juicy, flavorful BBQ Chicken Pineapple Foil Packs!

Step 3: Assemble the Packs

Lay out your foil on a flat work surface. Divide the saucy chicken evenly among the four sheets, placing it right in the center. Top each pile with an even share of pineapple tidbits, diced bell pepper, and red onion. Try to keep everything centered—they’ll steam perfectly right in the middle.

Step 4: Seal the Foil Packs

Bring the two long sides of the foil up and together, then fold them tightly over each other a couple of times to seal—leaving just a bit of room inside for heat to circulate. Fold the ends in the same way. This keeps all the saucy goodness inside and ensures your BBQ Chicken Pineapple Foil Packs cook evenly and stay juicy.

Step 5: Cook—Grill or Oven

Fire up your grill to medium-high and place the foil packs directly on the grates. Close the lid and cook for 10 minutes, then turn each pack and cook for 10–15 minutes more, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender (internal temp should reach 165°F). No grill? Pop the foil packs on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 35 minutes. Either way, get ready for the most aromatic, flavorful steam when you open them!

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Pineapple Foil Packs

Garnishes

As soon as you crack open the foil, sprinkle on plenty of freshly chopped cilantro for a pop of color and a citrusy-fresh finish. If you’re not a cilantro fan, thinly sliced green onions or a dash of chili flakes make fabulous alternatives—both add a restaurant-style flourish right at home.

Side Dishes

BBQ Chicken Pineapple Foil Packs are hearty enough for a one-packet dinner, but they’re even better alongside fluffy rice (white, brown, or even coconut), classic grilled corn, or a summery salad. A side of crusty bread is great for soaking up any extra sauce—talk about comfort food heaven!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your foil packs straight from the packet for a fuss-free backyard vibe, or carefully transfer the saucy contents onto a plate and pile on your favorite toppings. For parties, set out a DIY garnish bar—everyone can top their own BBQ Chicken Pineapple Foil Pack with whatever they like best. Instant dinner fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow any leftover BBQ Chicken Pineapple Foil Packs to cool to room temperature. Carefully scoop the contents into an airtight container (or tightly wrap the foil packs and place them in a resealable bag). Refrigerate for up to 3 days to keep the flavors fresh and the chicken juicy.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze these! Wrap cooled foil packs (or just the filling) tightly and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, place the foil pack (or the filling in a covered dish) in a 350°F oven until piping hot—about 15–20 minutes should do it. Add a splash of extra sauce if things look dry, and avoid microwaving in the foil (transfer to a microwave-safe plate if needed).

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you crave bold flavors and an easy, fuss-free meal, it’s time to try BBQ Chicken Pineapple Foil Packs. They’re a little sweet, a little smoky, and 100% crowd-pleasing—perfect for dinner al fresco, a laid-back gathering, or even a weeknight cozy night in. Grab your foil, and let’s make something delicious together!

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