Description
Get ready to fire up bold island flavor with these Caribbean BBQ Chicken and Rice Foil Packets! This all-in-one meal is juicy, sweet, tangy, and smoky—featuring tender chicken, zesty pineapple, and perfectly seasoned rice all wrapped up in a convenient foil packet. Whether you’re grilling, baking, or camping, this recipe delivers tropical vibes with minimal cleanup.
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Ingredients
For the Chicken & Marinade:
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1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into large chunks
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½ cup BBQ sauce (Caribbean-style or sweet & smoky)
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2 tbsp pineapple juice
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1 tbsp lime juice
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp allspice
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½ tsp smoked paprika
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½ tsp ground cumin
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
For the Rice Base:
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1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
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1½ cups low-sodium chicken broth or water
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½ cup canned coconut milk
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp onion powder
For the Veggies & Extras:
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1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
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1 red bell pepper, diced
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1 small red onion, thinly sliced
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½ cup black beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
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1 jalapeño, sliced (optional, for extra heat)
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Fresh cilantro, for garnish
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Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, pineapple juice, lime juice, olive oil, allspice, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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Add chicken chunks and toss to coat evenly.
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Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).
Step 2: Prepare the Rice Base
4. In a separate bowl, combine uncooked rice, chicken broth, coconut milk, salt, and onion powder.
5. Stir until well combined. No need to pre-cook the rice—it will steam inside the foil packet!
Step 3: Assemble the Foil Packets
6. Tear 4 large sheets of foil (around 12″x12″). Lightly spray or brush with oil.
7. Divide the rice mixture evenly among the center of each foil sheet.
8. Top each with marinated chicken pieces.
9. Add pineapple chunks, bell pepper, red onion, black beans (if using), and jalapeño slices.
10. Drizzle a little extra BBQ sauce on top of each packet if desired.
Step 4: Seal the Packets
11. Fold the sides of the foil over the filling, then fold the ends to seal tightly. Make sure the packets are secure so no steam escapes.
Step 5: Cook the Packets
Grill Method:
12. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F).
13. Place foil packets on the grill and cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
Oven Method:
14. Preheat oven to 400°F.
15. Place packets on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, until chicken is fully cooked and rice is tender.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
16. Carefully open foil packets (watch for steam).
17. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side.
18. Enjoy straight from the packet or plate it up for a colorful meal!
Notes
Cut Chicken Evenly – Uniform chunks help ensure even cooking.
Use Heavy-Duty Foil – Prevents tearing and holds up to heat better.
Let Them Rest – Allow packets to rest for 2-3 minutes before opening to finish steaming.
Make It Spicier – Add more jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the marinade.
Meal Prep Friendly – Assemble the packets ahead and refrigerate until ready to cook.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Cuisine: Caribbean