Tangy Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe

Sizzling Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe for Dinner

Succulent baked pineapple BBQ chicken breast promises a tropical twist on classic comfort food.

Juicy meat soaks up sweet and tangy flavors that dance across your palate.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this simple yet impressive dish.

Marinades infuse each tender morsel with rich, caramelized notes that sing of Hawaiian-inspired cuisine.

pineapple natural enzymes help tenderize the chicken while adding bright, zesty complexity.

Minimal ingredients create maximum satisfaction in under an hour of cooking time.

Savor every bite of this crowd-pleasing meal that transforms ordinary chicken into something spectacular.

Reasons to Love Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken

  • Boost Flavor Instantly: Combine sweet pineapple chunks with tangy barbecue sauce to create a mouthwatering glaze that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal.
  • Simplify Cooking Process: Sear chicken quickly in a skillet, then finish baking in the oven, reducing total cooking time and ensuring juicy, perfectly cooked meat without complicated techniques.
  • Perfect for Family Dinners: Packed with delicious flavors that appeal to both adults and kids, this one-pan recipe makes mealtime stress-free and enjoyable for everyone around the table.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap barbecue sauce varieties or add different spices to match your taste preferences, making this recipe adaptable to your family's unique flavor profile.

Key Ingredients Behind Pineapple BBQ Chicken

Protein:
  • Chicken Breast: A lean and tender protein that serves as the main star of this flavorful dish.
Seasoning Group:
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika: A blend of spices that adds depth and complexity to the chicken's flavor profile.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
Sauce and Fruit Group:
  • Barbecue Sauce: A sweet and tangy sauce that provides a rich, caramelized coating for the chicken.
  • Pineapple Chunks: Fresh, juicy fruit that adds a tropical sweetness and helps tenderize the meat.
Cooking Essentials:
  • Olive Oil: A healthy oil used for searing the chicken and creating a golden-brown exterior.
  • Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh herb used as a garnish to add color and a light, herbal note to the finished dish.

Step-by-Step Baking Guide to Pineapple BBQ Chicken

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400F (200C) to create the perfect cooking environment for your juicy chicken adventure.

Step 2: Spice Up the Chicken

Lavishly coat chicken breasts with a magical blend of:
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Massage the spices into the meat to ensure maximum flavor penetration.

Step 3: Create Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium flame. Gently sear chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms, locking in those delicious flavors.

Step 4: Prepare the Baking Stage

Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a waiting baking dish, ready for their next flavor transformation.

Step 5: Craft the Tropical Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Barbecue sauce
  • Juicy pineapple chunks

Stir the ingredients until they create a harmonious, mouthwatering mixture.

Step 6: Sauce and Bake

Pour the tantalizing BBQ pineapple sauce generously over the chicken, ensuring every inch is covered with tropical goodness.

Step 7: Culinary Magic

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

The chicken is perfectly cooked when its internal temperature reaches a safe 165F.

Step 8: Final Flourish

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken for a pop of color and extra freshness.

Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

How to Nail Perfect Pineapple BBQ Chicken

  • Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the most tender and juicy results.
  • Check chicken's internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it's fully cooked without drying out.
  • Choose a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce that complements the pineapple's natural sweetness for maximum flavor.
  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help spices adhere better and create a perfect golden-brown sear.
  • Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to help retain moisture and make cutting easier.

Ways to Elevate Pineapple BBQ Chicken Flavors

  • Tropical Mango Salsa Chicken: Replace pineapple chunks with fresh mango salsa for a sweeter, zesty flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower BBQ Chicken: Swap barbecue sauce with sugar-free barbecue sauce and add roasted cauliflower florets for a keto-friendly version.
  • Spicy Jalapeño Pineapple Chicken: Incorporate diced jalapeños into the BBQ pineapple mixture for a hot and tangy kick.
  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Use herb-infused olive oil, add oregano and lemon zest, and replace pineapple with roasted Mediterranean vegetables for a different cultural spin.

Best Matches to Enjoy with Pineapple BBQ Chicken

  • Tropical Dinner Party Platter: Create a vibrant Hawaiian-inspired spread by arranging the chicken over coconut rice, surrounded by grilled pineapple slices and colorful bell pepper rings.
  • Summer Picnic Delight: Pack cooled chicken slices in sandwich wraps with a zesty slaw, perfect for outdoor gatherings and easy transport.
  • Quick Meal Prep Champion: Slice chicken and store in meal prep containers with quinoa and roasted vegetables for a protein-packed lunch that stays delicious for several days.
  • Salad Superstar: Chop cooled chicken and toss over mixed greens with additional pineapple chunks, creating a light and refreshing main course salad with tangy BBQ dressing.

How to Keep Pineapple BBQ Chicken Fresh

  • Refrigerate leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Store the chicken pieces separately from sauce to keep the meat's crispy exterior intact.
  • Freeze cooked chicken breasts in freezer-safe containers or sealed bags for maximum 2 months, ensuring they are completely cooled before freezing.
  • Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for easier portioning and reheating.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, thaw them completely before cooking and pat dry to ensure proper searing and even cooking.

  • What if I don't have fresh pineapple?

Canned pineapple chunks work perfectly fine. Just drain excess liquid before mixing with barbecue sauce.

  • How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165F at the thickest part of the chicken breast.

  • Can I substitute the barbecue sauce?

Choose a similar sweet and tangy sauce like honey mustard or teriyaki if you want a different flavor profile, but keep the consistency similar.

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Tangy Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe

Tangy Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe


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4.5 from 34 reviews

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

Description

Succulent baked pineapple BBQ chicken breast delivers tropical Hawaiian-inspired flavors perfect for family dinners. Juicy chicken breasts glazed with sweet and tangy sauce promise a delightful meal you’ll savor with each delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Sauce and Fruit:

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) barbecue sauce
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)

Seasonings and Herbs:

  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) paprika
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare oven by heating to 400F (200C), ensuring an even temperature for consistent cooking.
  2. Generously coat chicken breasts with a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, creating a flavorful seasoning layer.
  3. Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then carefully sear chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust develops.
  4. Gently transfer seared chicken to a clean baking dish, arranging pieces without overcrowding.
  5. Create a vibrant sauce by combining barbecue sauce and juicy pineapple chunks in a mixing bowl, stirring to integrate flavors.
  6. Evenly distribute the BBQ pineapple mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is generously coated.
  7. Place baking dish in preheated oven and cook for 25-30 minutes, verifying doneness by checking that internal temperature reaches 165F.
  8. Remove from oven and let rest briefly, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and added freshness.
  9. Serve immediately while the chicken remains hot and succulent, allowing the pineapple BBQ sauce to shine.

Notes

  • Check chicken thickness to ensure even cooking, pounding thinner cuts helps maintain consistent texture.
  • Use a meat thermometer for precise doneness, preventing dry or undercooked chicken.
  • Swap regular BBQ sauce with low-sugar or sugar-free options for a healthier version.
  • Consider marinating chicken beforehand in pineapple juice for extra tenderness and tropical flavor depth.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 220 kcal
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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