🧂 Step 3: Season & Add Sauce
Drizzle each pile with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and spoon 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce into each packet. Gently toss with a fork or spoon to coat everything evenly.
📦 Step 4: Seal It Up
Fold the foil over the ingredients and crimp the edges to seal tightly, forming a packet. Make sure each packet is completely sealed so the steam stays inside during cooking.
🔥 Step 5: Cook to Perfection
- Grill the packets over medium-high heat for 15–18 minutes.
- Bake in the oven at 400°F for 20–22 minutes.
Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and juices run clear.
🌿 Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Carefully open the packets (watch out for the steam!) and garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro. Serve directly in the packet or spoon over a bed of steamed rice.
Serving Suggestions: Take It to the Next Level
This dish is super flexible. Here are a few fun ways to elevate your foil packet feast:
- Make it a Bowl: Serve over coconut jasmine rice or garlic herb quinoa for a tropical twist.
- Add Crunch: Top with toasted sesame seeds or chopped macadamia nuts.
- Zest it Up: Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice or some lime zest before serving.
- Tropical Tacos: Stuff the cooked contents into warm flour tortillas and top with slaw for instant Hawaiian BBQ tacos.
Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips
🕒 Assemble Ahead
You can fully assemble the foil packets up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them sealed and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to grill or bake.
❄️ Freeze for Later
Want to batch prep? Assemble and freeze the raw packets for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking.
🎒 Great for Camping
Pre-make the packets at home, throw them in the cooler, and cook over the campfire for a no-fuss gourmet meal outdoors.
Customization Ideas: Make It Your Own
Swap the Protein
- Use shrimp, salmon, or even tofu for a pescatarian or vegetarian version.
- Swap chicken for turkey or pork tenderloin cubes if preferred.
Add More Veggies
- Try zucchini, corn, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes.
- For a heartier dish, add pre-cooked baby potatoes or sweet potato cubes.
Change Up the Sauce
- Try teriyaki, honey garlic, or Korean BBQ sauces for a different flavor profile.
- Mix BBQ sauce with a little pineapple juice for extra tang and sweetness.
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
Chicken Breast
A lean protein that helps build muscle and keeps you full without excess fat.
Pineapple
Packed with vitamin C, manganese, and digestive enzymes like bromelain, pineapple adds a tropical sweetness and natural tenderness to the chicken.
Bell Peppers
Loaded with antioxidants, especially vitamin C and A, they add both crunch and color.
Onions
Not just for flavor—they provide fiber and powerful flavonoids that support immunity.
Olive Oil
A heart-healthy fat that enhances absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and adds richness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make these foil packets in the air fryer?
Yes! Use a smaller piece of foil and cook at 375°F for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What if I don’t have foil?
You can use parchment paper pouches in the oven (not grill). Or cook all ingredients in a covered baking dish.
Is it safe to cook with aluminum foil?
Yes, especially at moderate temperatures like in this recipe. Just make sure not to reuse foil or use it with acidic marinades.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—just make sure not to overcrowd your grill or oven. Cook in batches if necessary.
What to Serve With Hawaiian BBQ Chicken & Pineapple Foil Packets
Here are a few pairing ideas to complete the meal:
- Coconut Rice or Lime Cilantro Rice
- Grilled Corn on the Cob with lime butter
- Tropical Slaw with mango and cabbage
- Grilled Pineapple Spears with cinnamon
- Mai Tai or Pineapple Mocktail for the full island experience
Storage & Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F or microwave in a covered dish until hot.
Pro Tip: Use leftovers to make Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Quesadillas or a rice bowl for lunch the next day.
Final Thoughts: Bring Aloha Home Tonight
Hawaiian BBQ Chicken & Pineapple Foil Packets are more than just a recipe—they’re an experience. With every juicy bite, you get the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors that remind you to slow down and enjoy life, island-style.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, impressing guests at a cookout, or just looking for a simple yet unforgettable dinner, this recipe checks all the boxes. Best of all, it’s customizable, cleanup is a breeze, and it leaves you craving more.
So grab your foil, fire up the grill or oven, and get ready to bring a taste of the tropics to your table. Your Aloha-inspired dinner awaits!