🍍 Teriyaki Chicken & Pineapple Foil Packets (Mediterranean Twist)

This Teriyaki Chicken and Pineapple Foil Packets recipe blends sweet-savory Asian flavors with fresh Mediterranean ingredients like olive oil, herbs, and colorful vegetables. It’s light, juicy, and perfect for grilling or baking — with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

🌿 Description

Tender chicken breasts are coated in a homemade Mediterranean-style teriyaki glaze made with olive oil, garlic, honey, and soy sauce, then paired with sweet pineapple chunks, zucchini, bell peppers, and red onions. Everything is sealed in foil and cooked to lock in moisture and flavor. The result? A vibrant, juicy, slightly caramelized dish with a fresh herbal finish.

Perfect for:

• Summer grilling

• Easy weeknight dinners

• Meal prep

• Outdoor gatherings

📝 Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Chicken & Veggies:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks

• 1 zucchini, sliced

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped

• 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped

• 1 small red onion, sliced

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• Salt & black pepper to taste

• Fresh chopped parsley or basil (for garnish)

For the Mediterranean Teriyaki Sauce:

• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, paprika, and red pepper flakes.

2️⃣ Prep the Foil

Preheat grill to medium heat (about 400°F / 200°C) or oven to 400°F (200°C).
Cut 4 large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil.

3️⃣ Assemble Packets

• Place one chicken breast in the center of each foil sheet.

• Season lightly with salt and pepper.

• Top with pineapple, zucchini, bell peppers, and onion.

• Drizzle generously with teriyaki sauce.

4️⃣ Seal

Fold foil over the ingredients and seal tightly to create packets.

5️⃣ Cook

• Grill: Cook for 20–25 minutes, flipping once.

• Oven: Bake for 25–30 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) internal temperature.

6️⃣ Garnish & Serve

Carefully open packets (watch for steam). Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
Serve with:

• Brown rice

• Quinoa

• Couscous

• Warm pita bread

🌞 Mediterranean Serving Ideas

• Add crumbled feta cheese before serving

• Serve with a side of cucumber-tomato salad

• Drizzle with a spoon of Greek yogurt mixed with lemon

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

1. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the foil packets up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Cook when ready.

2. Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Absolutely. Boneless thighs work great and stay even juicier. Adjust cooking time slightly if thicker.

3. Can I cook this without foil?

Yes. Use a covered baking dish or parchment packets instead.

4. Is this recipe healthy?

Yes. It’s high in protein, contains fresh vegetables, and uses olive oil instead of heavy sauces. You can reduce honey for lower sugar.

5. Can I make it gluten-free?

Use tamari or certified gluten-free soy sauce.

6. What other vegetables work well?

Cherry tomatoes, eggplant cubes, asparagus, or artichoke hearts fit beautifully with the Mediterranean profile.

7. How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken.