Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe

Juicy Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe for Dinner Magic

Succulent chicken breasts swimming in a mouthwatering pineapple bbq sauce promise an incredible flavor adventure.

Sweet tropical notes dance alongside tangy barbecue elements for an unexpected culinary surprise.

Weeknight dinners demand something special that breaks through monotonous meal routines.

Home cooks seeking simple yet impressive recipes will adore this delightful dish.

Each bite combines juicy chicken with caramelized pineapple goodness that feels like a mini vacation.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation mean you can craft restaurant-quality magic in your own kitchen.

Pineapple BBQ Chicken Baked with Fresh Spins

  • Tropical Coconut Chicken: Replace BBQ sauce with coconut milk and add shredded coconut for a creamy, island-inspired version.
  • Low-Carb Hawaiian Option: Swap traditional BBQ sauce for sugar-free BBQ sauce and use fresh pineapple to reduce carbohydrate content.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Use certified gluten-free BBQ sauce and ensure all ingredients are processed in a gluten-free facility for sensitive individuals.
  • Spicy Jalapeño Pineapple Chicken: Add diced jalapeños to the pineapple chunks and use a spicy BBQ sauce for those who enjoy extra heat.

FAQs

  • Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs might take a few minutes longer to cook through.

  • How can I make my own BBQ sauce for this recipe?

Create a simple homemade BBQ sauce by mixing ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and your favorite spices. This allows you to control the sweetness and flavor profile.

  • Is it necessary to sear the chicken before baking?

Searing helps lock in moisture and creates a delicious golden-brown exterior. While not absolutely required, it significantly enhances the chicken’s flavor and texture.

  • What type of pineapple works best for this recipe?

Fresh pineapple chunks work wonderfully, but canned pineapple in juice (not syrup) is also a great alternative. Drain the canned pineapple thoroughly before adding to the chicken.

Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe Full Of Sweet Heat

  • Quick Weeknight Hero: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this chicken recipe a lifesaver for busy home cooks.
  • Flavor Explosion: Tangy BBQ sauce combined with sweet pineapple chunks creates a delicious tropical twist that transforms ordinary chicken into an exciting meal.
  • Healthy Protein Powerhouse: Lean chicken breast provides high-quality protein while keeping calories low, perfect for fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious eaters.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adaptable for family dinners, meal prep, or casual gatherings with its universally appealing taste and straightforward cooking method.

Key Components In Pineapple BBQ Chicken

Main Protein:
  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that absorbs flavors well, best when fresh and high-quality.
Sauce and Flavor Enhancers:
  • BBQ Sauce, Pineapple Chunks: Sweet and tangy combination that creates a rich, tropical-style glaze for the chicken.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds depth and aromatic flavor to the dish.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste.
Cooking Preparation:
  • Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and promotes even cooking, choose extra virgin for best flavor.
  • Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that adds a bright, fresh color and mild herbal note to the finished dish.

Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast Baked Method

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400°F, creating the perfect warm environment for your juicy chicken adventure.

Step 2: Flavor Bomb The Chicken

Sprinkle a magical blend of seasonings over the chicken breasts:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder

Massage these spices into the meat, ensuring every inch gets some love.

Step 3: Create Golden Sear

Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Dance the chicken breasts across the pan, creating a gorgeous golden-brown exterior.

Sizzle each side for 2-3 minutes until a beautiful crust forms.

Step 4: Prepare Flavor Explosion

Transfer the seared chicken into a baking dish.

Create a delicious topping with:
  • Sweet BBQ sauce
  • Juicy pineapple chunks

Drench the chicken generously, allowing the sauce to hug every curve.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven.

Let the chicken cook for 25-30 minutes, transforming into a succulent masterpiece.

The chicken is ready when its internal temperature hits 165°F.

Step 6: Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle fresh parsley across the top for a burst of color and freshness.

Serve immediately while the chicken is steaming hot and bursting with tropical flavors.

Easy Ways To Get Juicy Pineapple BBQ Chicken Every Time

  • Sear chicken breasts before baking to lock in moisture and create a delicious golden-brown crust that enhances overall taste.
  • Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe and perfectly cooked protein.
  • Choose a high-quality BBQ sauce with balanced sweetness and tanginess to complement the pineapple's natural flavor.
  • Drain canned pineapple chunks thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from making the chicken soggy during baking.
  • Swap regular BBQ sauce for a sugar-free version to make this recipe more keto-friendly and reduce overall carbohydrate content.

BBQ Chicken Breast: Save and Reheat Tips

  • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours after cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Warm chicken at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
  • Heat chicken in short 30-second intervals, checking temperature and moisture level between each burst to prevent overcooking.
  • Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F when reheating to eliminate potential bacteria and guarantee food safety.

BBQ Chicken Breast Companion Dishes

  • Pair Tropical Wines: Choose crisp white wines like Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc that complement the sweet and tangy pineapple BBQ flavors, cutting through the richness of the chicken.
  • Create Zesty Side Salads: Prepare a fresh cilantro-lime coleslaw or mango-cucumber salad that echoes the tropical notes of the pineapple and adds brightness to the meal.
  • Match Fruity Cocktails: Mix pineapple mojitos or coconut margaritas that mirror the sweet and tangy profile of the chicken, enhancing the overall dining experience with complementary tropical undertones.
  • Serve Grilled Accompaniments: Grill some pineapple rings or corn on the cob to extend the barbecue theme and provide additional caramelized sweetness that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
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Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe

Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe


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4.6 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling “Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast” brings tropical flavors dancing across your dinner plate. Juicy chicken breasts glazed with sweet-tangy sauce promise a quick, delicious meal that satisfies your craving for island-inspired comfort.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup (237 milliliters) pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)
  • 1 cup (237 milliliters) BBQ sauce

Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) garlic powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Garnish Ingredients:

  • Fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Elevate the oven temperature to a robust 400°F, creating an ideal roasting environment for the chicken.
  2. Generously coat the chicken breasts with a harmonious blend of salt, pepper, and aromatic garlic powder, ensuring complete flavor coverage.
  3. Warm olive oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat, strategically searing each chicken breast to develop a golden, caramelized exterior for approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
  4. Carefully transfer the partially cooked chicken into a prepared baking dish, creating a flavorful canvas for the upcoming culinary transformation.
  5. Lavishly drench the chicken with tangy BBQ sauce, then artfully distribute vibrant pineapple chunks across the surface, allowing their tropical essence to infuse the meat.
  6. Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven, allowing the chicken to roast and absorb the complementary flavors for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until the internal temperature precisely reaches the safe 165°F mark.
  7. Upon removing from the oven, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken, adding a final touch of color and herbaceous brightness before serving the dish piping hot.

Notes

  • Check chicken thickness to ensure even cooking, using a meat mallet to pound breasts to uniform size.
  • Select a tangy, sweet BBQ sauce with pineapple notes to enhance the tropical flavor profile.
  • For a low-carb option, choose a sugar-free BBQ sauce and replace pineapple chunks with grilled pineapple slices.
  • Marinate chicken in pineapple juice for 30 minutes before cooking to tenderize and add extra moisture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Emily Harper

Emily Harper

Nutrition Consultant & Recipe Analyst

Expertise

Healthy Recipe Modification, Nutritional Analysis & Meal Planning, Global Cuisine & Dietary Adaptations​

Education

School: French Pastry School, Chicago, IL

Program: L’Art de la Pâtisserie

Focus: Intensive training in traditional French pastry techniques, baking theory, and confectionery arts. ​


Emily’s journey started in a pastry kitchen but took a detour into the world of health and flavor science.
Graduating from the French Pastry School and studying nutrition opened her eyes to a new mission: making healthy food taste like something you’d actually crave.
At Dining At Home, Emily’s the go-to for smart, feel-good recipes that don’t trade flavor for nutrition.
She’s all about adding a fresh spin on old favorites and finding small ways to make everyday meals a little brighter.
Outside of the kitchen, Emily is most at home walking forest trails, testing plant-based recipes, or sharing a picnic under a wide-open sky.

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