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#### **Ingredients**
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for more flavor)
* 1 cup teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
* 1/2 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
* 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
* 1 small onion, thinly sliced
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon ground ginger
* Salt and pepper, to taste
* Fresh cilantro or green onions, for garnish (optional)
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### **Instructions**
1. **Prepare the Foil Packets:**
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or your oven to 400°F (200°C). Tear off four large sheets of aluminum foil (about 12–14 inches long) and set them aside.
2. **Marinate the Chicken:**
In a bowl, combine the chicken breasts with half of the teriyaki sauce, garlic powder, ground ginger, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the chicken marinate for at least 10 minutes, or up to an hour if you have time. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavor it will absorb.
3. **Assemble the Foil Packets:**
Lay a piece of foil flat and place one piece of marinated chicken in the center. Surround the chicken with the pineapple chunks, sliced bell pepper, and onion. Drizzle a little more teriyaki sauce over the top of the chicken and vegetables for added flavor.
4. **Seal the Foil Packets:**
Carefully fold the sides of the foil over the chicken and vegetables, sealing the packet tightly so no juices can escape. Make sure the foil packet is well-closed to trap in all the flavors while cooking.
5. **Cook the Foil Packets:**
Place the foil packets on the grill and cook for about 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F). If you’re cooking in the oven, place the foil packets on a baking sheet and bake for the same amount of time.
6. **Serve and Garnish:**
Once the packets are done, carefully open them (watch out for steam!) and serve the chicken and vegetables on a plate. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions, if desired, for a burst of color and flavor.
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### **Why Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets Are Perfect for Any Occasion**
* **Grill-Friendly for Summer:**
Fire up the grill and let the smoky char from the outdoor cooking bring out the best in this dish. Grilling adds an extra depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the pineapple and the savory teriyaki sauce.
* **Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal:**
If you’re short on time, foil packets are the answer! Prep takes just minutes, and the chicken cooks to perfection in under 30 minutes, making this the perfect weeknight meal when you want something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
* **Great for Meal Prep and Leftovers:**
These foil packets store well in the fridge for a couple of days, so if you have leftovers, they’re easy to reheat. You can also prep the packets ahead of time and store them in the fridge to cook later in the day.
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### **Customizing Your Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets**
1. **Add More Veggies:**
Feel free to add other veggies to your foil packets. Snap peas, zucchini, mushrooms, or carrots would all make great additions to this dish. The more veggies, the better!
2. **Spicy Twist:**
If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a few slices of jalapeño or drizzle some sriracha over the chicken before sealing the packet. The combination of sweet and spicy is absolutely delicious.
3. **Swap the Pineapple:**
While pineapple is a classic addition to this dish, you can swap it out for other tropical fruits like mango or even peaches. These fruits complement the teriyaki sauce beautifully and offer a unique flavor twist.
4. **Use Chicken Thighs:**
Chicken thighs are perfect for foil packets because they’re more forgiving and have more flavor than breasts. They stay juicy and tender throughout the cooking process.
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### **Final Thoughts**
**Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets** are the ultimate no-fuss meal that’s packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re grilling in the backyard or baking in the oven, this recipe ensures a delicious and satisfying meal with minimal cleanup. The combination of tender chicken, tangy teriyaki sauce, and sweet pineapple is a crowd-pleasing hit that everyone will love.
This recipe is versatile, quick, and easy—everything you want in a weeknight meal or weekend cookout. So the next time you’re craving a tropical, savory dish with a little bit of everything, give these foil packets a try—you won’t be disappointed!
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Would you like tips on making a homemade teriyaki sauce for this recipe or ideas for additional side dishes to serve with it? Let me know!