
Introduction to Teriyaki Chicken Foil Packet
Are you looking for a meal that’s as easy as it is delicious? Welcome to my world of the Teriyaki Chicken Foil Packet! As a busy mom, I totally understand how hectic our lives can get. Between work, school, and everything in between, finding time to cook can feel like a major hurdle.
This delightful foil packet recipe is here to save the day! It’s bursting with flavor, requires minimal cleanup, and can be on the table in just 22 minutes. Trust me, you’ll relish every bite—making family dinners a breeze!
Why You’ll Love This Teriyaki Chicken Foil Packet
This Teriyaki Chicken Foil Packet is the superhero of weeknight dinners. It’s not just about how quickly it comes together; it’s also super flavorful and satisfying.
Picture this: delicious chicken, crisp veggies, and a sweet-savory teriyaki sauce—all wrapped up in a neat little packet! Plus, there’s minimal cleanup involved, which means more time for you to unwind after a busy day. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredients for Teriyaki Chicken Foil Packet
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need for this mouth-watering Teriyaki Chicken Foil Packet.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Dice them into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking. They’re lean and protein-packed!
- Bell Peppers: Use any color you like—red, yellow, or green. They add a delightful crunch and vibrant color.
- Onion: A small onion adds depth and sweetness to the dish. You can use yellow or red for different flavors.
- Broccoli Florets: These little green trees not only look cute but are loaded with nutrients. Plus, they cook quickly!
- Sugar Snap Peas: Sweet and crispy, they’re perfect for this meal. If you can’t find them, snow peas work just as well.
- Brown Sugar: This gives the sauce that delightful caramel flavor. A touch of sweetness balances out the saltiness of the soy sauce.
- Low Sodium Soy Sauce: It’s key for that savory umami taste. Opt for low sodium to keep it healthier.
- Rice Vinegar: This adds a hint of tanginess to the sauce. If you don’t have rice vinegar, regular vinegar can work, but it might change the flavor a bit.
- Honey: A natural sweetener, it enhances the sauce and adds richness.
- Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic brings an aromatic punch to the dish. Garlic powder can be a quick substitute if you’re in a pinch.
- Ground Ginger: A little kick of ginger adds warmth and depth. Fresh ginger is an awesome swap if you have it on hand!
- Pepper: This simple seasoning rounds out the flavors. You can use fresh cracked pepper for more intensity.
- Cornstarch: It acts as a thickener for the sauce, giving it that glossy finish we love in teriyaki. If you’re avoiding cornstarch, a little flour can also do the trick.
- Sesame Seeds: These are for garnish—nutty and pretty! You can toast them lightly for added flavor.
- Green Onions: Chopped for topping, they add a fresh crunch and a pop of color.
You’ll find specific measurements at the end of the article, ready for printing. With these ingredients, you’ll create a delightful meal that everyone will love!
How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Foil Packet
Step 1: Preheat the Grill and Prepare Foil
Kick things off by preheating your grill to medium-high heat, around 400 degrees F. This is the sweet spot for cooking. While the grill warms up, cut four squares of aluminum foil, each about 12×12 inches. Think of these as little cooking vessels for all those flavors! It’s like wrapping up a cozy present, only this time, it’s dinner that’s waiting to be unwrapped.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, toss together all the sauce ingredients—brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, ground ginger, and pepper. Whisk them until well combined. This sweet-savory blend is the backbone of your teriyaki chicken foil packet. Now, remember to reserve half of this sauce in a saucepan for later. This will give your dish a second boost of flavor!
Step 3: Combine Chicken and Vegetables
Now it’s time to add those diced chicken breasts and your vibrant veggies: bell peppers, onion, broccoli, and sugar snap peas to the mixing bowl. Stir gently but thoroughly, letting the sauce hug every piece of chicken and veggie. I love watching the colors meld together; it’s like a mini rainbow in a bowl! This step is where the magic begins to happen.
Step 4: Prepare the Foil Packets
Divide the chicken-vegetable mixture evenly among the four squares of foil. Here’s a tip: make sure not to overfill—less is more when folding them up! Just gather the edges, fold them together tightly, and create neat packets. Think of these packets as little gifts of flavor waiting to be opened on the grill.
Step 5: Grill the Packets
Place those beautifully wrapped foil packets directly on the grill. Let them sizzle away for about 5-6 minutes. Then, flip them over and continue cooking for another 5-6 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. That’s key for safe eating, plus it ensures the chicken is juicy and tender!
Step 6: Prepare the Sauce for Serving
While the packets are sizzling away, take that reserved sauce you set aside earlier. Heat it gently in the saucepan over medium heat. In a separate small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with a little water until it’s dissolved, then mix this into the saucepan. This step thickens your sauce, creating that lovely glossy finish. Drizzle it over your finished packets for that extra kick of flavor!
Tips for Success
- Experiment with your veggies! Feel free to swap in favorites like zucchini or asparagus.
- Don’t rush the grilling. Ensuring the chicken is cooked through guarantees tenderness.
- Use heavy-duty foil for easy handling and to prevent any leaks during cooking.
- Double the sauce if you love extra flavor—it’s perfect for drizzling!
- Try making these packets ahead of time for a quick weeknight dinner!
Equipment Needed
- Grill: A traditional outdoor grill works beautifully, but a stovetop grill pan is a great alternative!
- Aluminum Foil: Regular or heavy-duty foil is essential for creating those neat packets.
- Mixing Bowl: Any large bowl will do for mixing the sauce and ingredients together.
- Whisk: Perfect for combining your sauce ingredients.
- Meat Thermometer: Ensures your chicken is cooked to the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
Variations of Teriyaki Chicken Foil Packet
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh. They soak up the teriyaki sauce brilliantly!
- Seafood Delight: Use shrimp or fish fillets for a lighter twist. Just adjust cooking time as seafood cooks faster!
- Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for some heat!
- Low-Carb Version: Swap out sugar snap peas and starchy vegetables for zucchini or mushrooms for a keto-friendly meal.
- Sweet Pineapple Addition: Toss in fresh pineapple chunks for a tropical, fruity flavor that pairs beautifully with the teriyaki.
Serving Suggestions for Teriyaki Chicken Foil Packet
- Rice or Quinoa: Serve over fluffy rice or nutty quinoa to soak up that delicious sauce.
- Chilled Sides: Pair with a refreshing cucumber salad or sesame coleslaw for a crunchy contrast.
- Drink Pairing: Enjoy alongside a light iced tea or a crisp white wine to complement the flavors.
- Presentation: Serve the packets directly on plates for a fun reveal, garnished with extra sesame seeds and green onions.
FAQs about Teriyaki Chicken Foil Packet
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time. Frozen chicken might need an extra few minutes on the grill. Ensure the internal temperature still hits 165 degrees F for safety.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No worries! You can bake these teriyaki chicken foil packets in your oven at 400 degrees F. Just place them on a baking sheet and cook according to the same timeframe. It’s just as delicious!
How can I ensure my chicken stays juicy?
Marinating the chicken in the sauce longer before cooking can help. Also, make sure not to overcook it on the grill. Using a meat thermometer is your best friend here!
What are some good side dishes to serve with this meal?
Serve this tasty dish with jasmine rice, a simple salad, or steamed dumplings. Each side pairs wonderfully with the flavors of your teriyaki chicken foil packet.
Can I prepare these packets in advance?
Yes, you can prep them a few hours ahead of time! Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to grill. It’s a fantastic time-saver for busy nights!
Final Thoughts
The Teriyaki Chicken Foil Packet is more than just a meal; it’s a delightful culinary adventure wrapped in convenient simplicity. I cherish those moments when my family gathers around, excited to open their little packets of joy. Each bite bursts with flavors that create smiles and spark joy at the dinner table.
This recipe turns a hectic evening into a special occasion filled with laughter and warmth. I hope you find as much joy in preparing and sharing this easy dish as I do. After all, nothing beats a quick, delicious meal that brings everyone together!
Print
Teriyaki Chicken Foil Packet
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A quick and delicious teriyaki chicken foil packet recipe that’s perfect for grilling.
Ingredients
- 4 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts diced into 1 inch pieces
- 2 Bell Peppers diced
- 1 small Onion diced
- 2 cups Broccoli Florets
- 1 cup Sugar Snap Peas
- For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup Brown Sugar
- ½ cup Low Sodium Soy Sauce
- ¼ cup Rice Vinegar
- ¼ cup Honey
- 2 teaspoons Minced Garlic
- ½ teaspoon Ground Ginger
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
- 1 Tablespoon Cornstarch
- For the Topping:
- 2 Tablespoons Sesame Seeds
- 2 Stalks Green Onions diced
Instructions
- Preheat a grill over medium high heat (approximately 400 degrees F) and set aside 4 12X12 inch squares of foil.
- In a large mixing bowl, add in all the sauce ingredients except for the cornstarch. Whisk to thoroughly combine all the ingredients and then transfer half of the sauce to a small saucepan and leave the rest in the mixing bowl.
- Add in the chicken and vegetables to the large mixing bowl. Stir to coat it all with the sauce.
- Then distribute the mixture evenly between the pieces of foil and fold up the ends to create a foil pack.
- Place the foil packets on the grill. Cook for 5-6 minutes. Then flip the packets and cook for 5-6 more minutes until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165 degrees F).
- While the foil packets are cooking, heat the remaining sauce in the saucepan over medium heat. Whisk the cornstarch with a small amount of water in a small bowl until the cornstarch is dissolved and whisk this mixture into the saucepan.
- Brush the extract sauce on the chicken and veggies when serving and top them with the sesame seeds and diced green onions.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F for safe consumption.
- Feel free to substitute any of the vegetables based on your preference.
- This recipe can also be baked in the oven instead of grilling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 packet
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg