Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe

Looking for a flavorful and easy-to-make chicken dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering? This Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast recipe is the answer! It combines juicy chicken breasts with the tangy sweetness of pineapple and smoky barbecue sauce for a delicious, tropical-inspired meal. The best part? It’s a one-pan dish that comes together quickly with just a few ingredients, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re looking for something tasty yet simple to prepare.

this Recipe

---

What is Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast?

Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast is a savory and sweet dish that features boneless chicken breasts baked in a rich BBQ sauce with pineapple chunks. The sweet pineapple complements the tangy and smoky flavors of the barbecue sauce, creating a deliciously balanced flavor profile. The chicken becomes tender and juicy as it bakes, soaking up all the flavors from the sauce and pineapple. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner, a summer barbecue, or even as a meal-prep option since it reheats beautifully.

---

Ingredients List for Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1½ to 2 pounds total)
• 1 cup barbecue sauce (use your favorite brand or homemade)
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• ½ cup pineapple juice (from the can or fresh)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for an extra layer of flavor)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
• Green onions, sliced
• Sesame seeds (for added texture)

---

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is flexible and can be customized to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Here are a few ideas:

• Chicken thighs: You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a juicier, richer flavor.
• Homemade BBQ sauce: If you prefer, you can make your own barbecue sauce using ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings.
• Spicy kick: Add a teaspoon of chili powder or some crushed red pepper flakes to the BBQ sauce for a bit of heat.
• Tropical twist: Add other tropical fruits like mango or papaya for a unique flavor combination.
• Low-sugar version: Use a sugar-free BBQ sauce and unsweetened pineapple to make this recipe lower in sugar.

---

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Drizzle with olive oil to ensure they stay moist while baking.

1. Assemble the Ingredients:

• In a small bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, pineapple juice, and soy sauce. Stir until everything is well combined.
• Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the prepared baking dish. Pour the BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken, making sure each breast is evenly coated.
• Scatter the pineapple chunks around the chicken, allowing the juices to mix with the sauce as it bakes.

1. Bake the Chicken:

• Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• After the initial baking time, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes. This will help the sauce thicken and give the chicken a nice caramelized finish.

1. Baste the Chicken:

• Halfway through the uncovered baking time, use a spoon or baster to spoon some of the BBQ sauce and pineapple juices over the chicken. This keeps the chicken moist and adds more flavor.

1. Serve and Garnish:

• Once the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened, remove the baking dish from the oven. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
• Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, parsley, or green onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired.

---

How to Cook Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick summary of how to make this easy and delicious recipe:

1. Preheat the oven and season the chicken.
2. Mix the BBQ sauce, pineapple juice, and soy sauce, then coat the chicken.
3. Add pineapple chunks to the dish and cover with foil.
4. Bake covered for 25-30 minutes, then bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes to caramelize.
5. Baste the chicken with sauce for extra flavor and moisture.
6. Garnish and serve!

---

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out quickly if overcooked, so be sure to use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Not basting the chicken: Basting the chicken with the BBQ sauce mixture halfway through cooking ensures it stays moist and flavorful.
• Using unsweetened BBQ sauce without adjusting: If you’re using a BBQ sauce that’s not sweet, consider adding a little honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar to the sauce to balance the acidity of the pineapple.
• Skipping the pineapple juice: The pineapple juice adds extra moisture and sweetness, which helps balance the tanginess of the BBQ sauce. Don’t skip this key ingredient!

---

Serving and Presentation Tips

Make your Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast look as delicious as it tastes with these presentation tips:

• Serve with rice: A side of steamed white or brown rice is perfect for soaking up the extra BBQ sauce and pineapple juices. You can also use cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
• Add a fresh salad: Pair this dish with a simple green salad or a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad for a light, crisp contrast to the rich BBQ sauce.
• Top with fresh herbs: Sprinkle the chicken with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley just before serving for a burst of color and freshness.
• Serve with tropical sides: Add grilled pineapple rings, roasted sweet potatoes, or coconut-flavored quinoa for a complete tropical-inspired meal.

---

How to Serve Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast

This dish pairs well with a variety of side dishes, making it versatile for any meal. Here are a few ideas:

• Over rice: Serve the chicken and its sauce over jasmine rice, brown rice, or coconut rice for a tropical flair.
• With grilled veggies: Pair the chicken with grilled zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for a healthy and flavorful side.
• With mashed potatoes: The sweetness of the pineapple BBQ sauce complements creamy mashed potatoes or mashed sweet potatoes.
• In sandwiches: Slice the leftover chicken and use it in sandwiches or wraps with extra BBQ sauce and fresh greens for a tasty next-day meal.

---

Presentation Ideas for Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast

• Garnish with citrus slices: Serve the chicken alongside slices of lime, lemon, or orange for a burst of fresh color and acidity.
• Layer of pineapple slices: For extra presentation points, layer whole pineapple slices underneath each chicken breast before baking. They’ll caramelize in the oven, adding flavor and a beautiful garnish.
• Family-style serving: Serve the baked chicken on a large platter with the sauce drizzled on top and pineapple chunks scattered around. Garnish with fresh herbs for an elegant touch.

---

Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe Tips

• Use fresh pineapple: If you have fresh pineapple on hand, it adds a natural sweetness and juiciness to the dish. But canned pineapple works just as well, especially when you want to use the juice.
• Marinate the chicken: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in BBQ sauce and pineapple juice for 1-2 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to really penetrate the meat.
• Grill option: For a smoky flavor, you can grill the chicken instead of baking it. Grill the chicken breasts until cooked through, then baste with the BBQ sauce and add the pineapple chunks during the last few minutes of grilling.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

• Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work perfectly in this recipe and tend to be juicier than chicken breasts.

1. Can I use canned pineapple?

• Absolutely! Canned pineapple is convenient and works well in this recipe. Just be sure to use pineapple packed in juice, not syrup, to avoid making the dish too sweet.

1. How do I store leftovers?

• Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

1. Can I freeze this dish?

• Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

---

Conclusion

This Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast recipe is a sweet and savory dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of juicy chicken, tang

y BBQ sauce, and sweet pineapple creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that will leave everyone coming back for seconds. It’s easy to prepare, customizable to your taste, and pairs well with a variety of sides, making it a versatile go-to meal. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delicious blend of tropical flavors and BBQ goodness!

Print