There’s nothing quite like the sweet, smoky aroma of BBQ chicken mingled with juicy pineapple sizzling away in foil packets. This Hawaiian BBQ Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets recipe brings tropical flair to your table with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. Imagine tender chicken breasts marinated in tangy barbecue sauce, paired with the natural sweetness of pineapple chunks, bell peppers, and red onions—all wrapped up in foil and grilled to perfection. It’s a feast for your senses and your soul.
Whether you’re planning a backyard cookout, a weeknight dinner, or a campfire meal under the stars, this Hawaiian BBQ Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets recipe is your go-to. It’s a deliciously healthy, family-friendly dish that balances savory, sweet, and smoky flavors in every bite. Unlike many BBQ dishes that require hours of marinating or complicated equipment, this foil packet method is effortless and mess-free.
Plus, it’s versatile! Grill it, bake it, or roast it over a campfire. This Hawaiian BBQ Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets recipe will quickly become your warm-weather staple. And if you’re craving more island vibes, check out our popular Creamy Salmon Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes – A Quick & Flavorful Meal recipe, too!
Key Takeaways
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✅ Easy, foil-packet cooking method—no cleanup needed.
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✅ Sweet & smoky tropical flavors from pineapple and BBQ sauce.
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✅ Great for grilling, oven baking, or campfires—super versatile.
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✅ Ideal for families, meal preppers, and outdoor lovers.
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✅ Customizable for low-carb, gluten-free, or dairy-free diets.
Why This Hawaiian BBQ Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets Recipe Stands Out
Most BBQ chicken recipes stick to traditional smoky sauces and grilled cuts, but the Hawaiian BBQ Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets recipe takes things up a notch with island-inspired ingredients and an ultra-convenient cooking method. What sets it apart? A vibrant balance of flavors and foolproof technique.
Instead of just grilling chicken breasts, this recipe encases everything—chicken, pineapple, bell peppers, and onions—inside foil packets. This technique locks in moisture and flavor while eliminating the hassle of flipping, turning, or cleaning a greasy grill pan. It’s truly the best Hawaiian BBQ Chicken for summer cookouts or busy weeknight dinners.
Culturally, this dish pays homage to the fusion flavors of Hawaiian cuisine—where Asian, Polynesian, and American BBQ influences collide. The tangy BBQ sauce, often blended with soy sauce or ginger, combined with tropical fruit, embodies Hawaii’s diverse food culture.
No grill? No problem. This Hawaiian BBQ Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets recipe adapts easily to oven baking or even air frying. It’s a crowd-pleasing favorite that delivers restaurant-quality flavor with almost zero effort.
Nutritional Benefits of the Ingredients
The beauty of this nutrient-rich Hawaiian BBQ Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets recipe lies in its colorful, wholesome ingredients. Each packet packs a powerhouse of vitamins, fiber, and lean protein, making it perfect for clean eating and balanced diets.
Let’s break it down:
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Chicken Breast (4 oz per serving):
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✅ 26g lean protein
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✅ Low in fat and carbs
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✅ High in niacin (vitamin B3), supporting heart and brain health
(Source: USDA)
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Pineapple (½ cup per serving):
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✅ 100% of daily Vitamin C
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✅ Contains bromelain, a digestive enzyme with anti-inflammatory benefits
(Source: Healthline)
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Bell Peppers (½ cup per serving):
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✅ Rich in beta-carotene, Vitamin A, and antioxidants
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✅ Supports vision and skin health
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Red Onions:
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✅ High in quercetin, an antioxidant that supports heart health
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✅ Natural antibacterial properties
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Barbecue Sauce:
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✅ Adds flavor; choose low-sugar or keto versions for dietary needs
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Dietary Adaptations:
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Keto or Low Carb? Use sugar-free BBQ sauce and skip pineapple.
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Gluten-Free? Ensure your BBQ sauce is certified GF.
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Paleo-Friendly? Opt for clean BBQ sauces without refined sugar.
This Hawaiian BBQ Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets recipe offers a smart, satisfying option for weight management, clean eating, and anyone wanting to sneak more veggies into their meals.
Ingredients for a Perfect Hawaiian BBQ Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets Recipe
Essential Ingredients:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
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1½ cups fresh pineapple chunks
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1 red bell pepper, sliced
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1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
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1 small red onion, sliced
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1 cup BBQ sauce (Hawaiian-style or tangy sweet)
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2 tbsp olive oil
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Salt & pepper to taste
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Heavy-duty aluminum foil
Optional Add-Ons:
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Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish
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A dash of soy sauce or teriyaki sauce for extra umami
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Crushed red pepper for heat
Best Substitutes for Special Diets:
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Low-carb: Swap pineapple with zucchini or cauliflower.
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Vegetarian: Use tofu or chickpeas in place of chicken.
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Organic Upgrade: Choose organic chicken, non-GMO veggies, and all-natural BBQ sauce.
Need help selecting the right pineapple? Check out our Pineapple Selection & Storage Guide.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Prep Your Ingredients (10 minutes)
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Cut chicken into 1-inch cubes.
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Slice bell peppers and onions.
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Chop fresh pineapple into bite-sized chunks.
Pro Tip: Pat chicken dry with paper towels to enhance browning and prevent steaming.
2. Season the Chicken (5 minutes)
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In a bowl, toss chicken with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
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Add ½ cup of BBQ sauce and mix until well coated.
Common Mistake: Don’t skip seasoning! A bland base will affect the overall flavor.
3. Assemble the Foil Packets (10 minutes)
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Cut 4 large squares of aluminum foil (approx. 12″x12″).
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Evenly divide the chicken, pineapple, peppers, and onions among the packets.
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Drizzle each with additional BBQ sauce.
Pro Tip: Fold edges tightly to prevent leaking. Use double layers of foil for campfire cooking.
4. Cook the Packets (20–25 minutes)
Grill Method:
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Preheat grill to medium-high.
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Grill packets for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through.
Oven Method:
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Bake packets on a sheet tray for 25 minutes.
Campfire Method:
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Place on hot coals for 20 minutes. Flip halfway through.
Common Mistake: Avoid overcooking—check for an internal chicken temp of 165°F.
5. Serve & Enjoy (5 minutes)
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Carefully open packets (watch out for steam!).
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Garnish with cilantro or green onions.
For a deeper dive into grilling techniques, explore our BBQ Chicken Cooking Tips.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
This Hawaiian BBQ Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets recipe shines on its own, but you can elevate it with these creative pairings:
Perfect For:
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🌞 Summer BBQs
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🏕️ Camping trips
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🍽️ Easy weeknight dinners
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🥗 Meal prepping (they reheat beautifully!)
Drink Pairings:
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Tropical mocktails
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Light beer or pineapple cider
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Coconut water or iced green tea
Cultural Variations:
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Korean Twist: Add gochujang and kimchi.
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Jamaican Vibe: Use jerk seasoning and mango.
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Vegan Version: Substitute with tempeh and more veggies.
For more food pairing inspiration, check out Food52’s guide to BBQ pairings.
Pro Tips for Success
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Best way to cook Hawaiian BBQ Chicken and Pineapple: Use foil packets for mess-free, juicy results.
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Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor.
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Cut all ingredients to similar sizes for even cooking.
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Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
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Avoid watery sauces; thick BBQ sauces work best in foil.
Time-Saving Hack: Prep all ingredients ahead and store in the fridge until ready to assemble packets.
Avoid This Mistake: Don’t overcrowd the foil packets—it steams the food instead of caramelizing it.
Final Thoughts
This Hawaiian BBQ Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets recipe is your all-in-one solution for easy, flavorful, and healthy meals that wow any crowd. Whether you’re firing up the grill or using your oven, this tropical dish delivers bold flavor with almost no cleanup.
Try it out and let us know what you think in the comments! Looking for more island-inspired meals? You’ll love our Shrimp and Spinach Stuffed Pasta Rolls Recipe.