Name: Pineapple BBQ Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup BBQ sauce; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup canned pineapple chunks (drained, with juice reserved); Fresh cilantro or parsley (optional)

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If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor and incredibly easy to prepare, look no further than the Pineapple BBQ Baked Chicken Breast. This recipe masterfully combines the tangy sweetness of pineapple with smoky, rich BBQ sauce to elevate simple chicken breasts into a vibrant, mouthwatering meal. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that feels special and satisfying, promising juicy, tender bites that everyone will love. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this Pineapple BBQ Baked Chicken Breast will quickly become your go-to comfort food with a tropical twist.

Pineapple BBQ Baked Chicken Breast Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Pineapple BBQ Baked Chicken Breast lies in its straightforward, trusty ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from tenderizing the chicken and adding layers of flavor to bringing in a refreshing pop of color and sweetness that makes this dish so delightful.

1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, naturally tender and lean, perfect for soaking up all the delicious sauce.
1 cup BBQ sauce: Provides that smoky, tangy backbone essential for classic BBQ flavor.
1 cup canned pineapple chunks (drained, with juice reserved): Adds sweetness and a juicy texture, balancing the BBQ’s robustness.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps to enrich the sauce and keeps the chicken moist.
1 tablespoon soy sauce: Brings subtle umami depth and saltiness to elevate the overall taste.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses warming, aromatic notes without overpowering.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a mellow savoriness that complements the garlic perfectly.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a gentle kick to keep flavors balanced and interesting.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors, making every bite pop.
Fresh cilantro or parsley (for garnish, optional): A bright, herbal finish that adds gorgeous color and freshness.

How to Make Pineapple BBQ Baked Chicken Breast

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Sauce

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, whisk together your BBQ sauce, reserved pineapple juice, olive oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt in a mixing bowl. This sauce is the heart of the dish, melding sweet, savory, and tangy flavors into one irresistible blend that will soak right into the chicken.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour half of the BBQ pineapple sauce over them, making sure every piece is well coated. This initial coating sets the stage for juicy, flavorful chicken by seeping into every crevice during baking.

Step 3: Add the Pineapple Chunks

Scatter the drained pineapple chunks evenly over the coated chicken breasts. These juicy bits add bursts of tropical sweetness and a wonderful textural contrast to the tender meat.

Step 4: Pour the Remaining Sauce

Drizzle the remainder of your flavorful BBQ pineapple sauce on top of the chicken and pineapple. This double-layered saucing ensures the meat stays moist and that every bite is saturated with that amazing sweet and smoky flavor.

Step 5: Cover and Bake

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture, which helps the chicken cook evenly and stay succulent. Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven to let all those flavors meld beautifully.

Step 6: Finish Baking Uncovered

Remove the foil and bake the chicken for an additional 10 minutes to allow the sauce to caramelize slightly and the chicken to develop a lovely glaze. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for perfectly cooked chicken.

Step 7: Rest and Garnish

Take the chicken out of the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes—this step is key to locking in juiciness. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley for a burst of bright color and fresh herbal notes before serving.

How to Serve Pineapple BBQ Baked Chicken Breast

Garnishes

Adding fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley at the end not only brightens the presentation but also adds a layer of freshness that balances the rich BBQ sauce and sweet pineapple. A wedge of lime on the side can be a surprisingly delightful touch.

Side Dishes

This Pineapple BBQ Baked Chicken Breast pairs beautifully with fluffy white rice or coconut rice to soak up the luscious sauce. Grilled vegetables, corn on the cob, or a crisp green salad offer refreshing contrasts that complete the meal without stealing the show.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, shred the cooked chicken and toss it in a slider bun for a tropical BBQ sandwich. Alternatively, serve this dish over a bed of quinoa or mix the pineapple chunks into a fresh salsa as a side salad to add extra zing and texture that complements the baked chicken.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Pineapple BBQ Baked Chicken Breast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the sauce and chicken together helps preserve moisture and flavor, making reheated portions just as tasty as freshly baked.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish by placing the cooled chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and taste.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) covered with foil to keep the chicken moist, or microwave in short bursts, stirring the sauce to evenly warm without drying out the meat. Adding a splash of pineapple juice or water can help refresh the sauce during reheating.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh pineapple chunks will bring a brighter, more natural sweetness and a firmer texture, but be sure to reserve some of the juice or add a splash of pineapple juice for the sauce to maintain balance.

Is this recipe spicy?

No, this Pineapple BBQ Baked Chicken Breast is mild and flavorful, focusing on sweet and tangy notes rather than heat. You can add a pinch of chili powder or hot sauce if you enjoy a spicy kick!

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just ensure that your BBQ sauce and soy sauce are labeled gluten-free. Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative to traditional soy sauce.

How thick should the chicken breasts be for even cooking?

Try to use chicken breasts that are about the same thickness, preferably around 1-inch thick. If they are uneven, gently pound them to an even thickness to ensure uniform baking and juiciness.

Can I grill this instead of baking?

Definitely! Marinate the chicken in the BBQ pineapple sauce, then grill over medium heat, basting frequently. Add the pineapple chunks toward the end so they caramelize nicely without burning.

Final Thoughts

This Pineapple BBQ Baked Chicken Breast is a wonderful combination of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors that’s easy to prepare but feels incredibly special. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do sharing it because it’s sure to become a beloved favorite at your dinner table. Give it a try and watch it bring smiles and happy appetites every time!

Pineapple BBQ Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 30 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This Pineapple BBQ Baked Chicken Breast recipe offers a deliciously tangy and sweet twist on classic BBQ chicken. Tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts are baked with a flavorful marinade featuring barbecue sauce, juicy pineapple chunks, and a blend of spices, resulting in a succulent and moist dish perfect for any weeknight dinner or casual gathering.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
Prepare Sauce Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, reserved pineapple juice, olive oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt until well combined to create a flavorful marinade and glaze.
Coat Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a baking dish. Pour half of the BBQ sauce mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated for maximum flavor.
Add Pineapple: Scatter the drained pineapple chunks evenly over the coated chicken breasts to add a sweet and tropical note.
Drizzle Remaining Sauce: Drizzle the remaining BBQ sauce mixture over the pineapple chunks and chicken to enhance moisture and taste.
Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep the chicken moist during cooking.
Bake Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes covered. Then, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Rest Chicken: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain juices and enhance tenderness.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired, and serve the pineapple BBQ baked chicken breasts with your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.

Notes

Ensure chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking.
Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the sauce mixture.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This recipe pairs well with rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American