Description
Juicy pineapple BBQ baked chicken nestled in a foil packet delivers island-inspired comfort with minimal cleanup. Tender chicken infused with sweet and tangy flavors promises a quick, delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Fruits and Vegetables:
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small red onion, sliced
Sauces and Seasonings:
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400F (200C) or prepare the grill at medium-high heat, creating an optimal cooking environment for the chicken packets.
- Cut four generously sized aluminum foil sheets, approximately 12×12 inches, ensuring sufficient space for ingredients.
- Center a chicken breast on each foil sheet, seasoning thoroughly with salt and pepper to enhance the foundational flavor profile.
- Evenly distribute BBQ sauce over each chicken breast, creating a rich, tangy coating that will infuse the meat with robust taste.
- Strategically layer pineapple chunks, sliced bell peppers, and red onion atop the sauced chicken, adding color, texture, and complementary flavors.
- Lightly drizzle olive oil across the vegetables, promoting caramelization and preventing potential dryness during cooking.
- Carefully fold and crimp foil edges, creating a sealed packet that traps moisture and prevents any flavorful juices from escaping.
- If using an oven, place packets on a baking sheet; for grill method, position directly on grates for direct heat exposure.
- Cook for 25-30 minutes, ensuring chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165F/74C, which guarantees thorough cooking.
- Open packets cautiously to release steam, allowing aromas to escape and preventing potential burns.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley to add a vibrant, herbal finishing touch before serving hot.
Notes
- Prep Ahead: Marinate chicken in BBQ sauce for deeper flavor absorption and tenderness before assembling foil packets.
- Customize Proteins: Swap chicken with turkey, tofu, or fish for diverse dietary preferences while maintaining similar cooking techniques.
- Low-Sodium Option: Use homemade or reduced-sodium BBQ sauce to control salt intake without compromising taste complexity.
- Vegetable Variations: Experiment with different bell pepper colors or add zucchini, mushrooms for extra nutritional variety and visual appeal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg