Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe

Juicy Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe for Summer

Crafting a mouthwatering baked pineapple BBQ chicken breast brings tropical flavors dancing across your dinner plate.

Sweet and tangy notes will surprise you with every succulent bite.

Juicy chicken transforms into a culinary adventure that feels like a quick escape to a Hawaiian paradise.

Pineapple chunks create magical caramelization that locks in incredible moisture and depth.

Simple ingredients combine to deliver maximum flavor without complicated techniques.

Fresh herbs and a bold BBQ sauce elevate this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Let’s turn an average weeknight meal into something spectacular you’ll want to savor again and again.

Why You’ll Love Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast

  • Savor Sweet and Tangy Flavors: This recipe blends barbecue sauce's smoky richness with pineapple's tropical sweetness, creating a mouthwatering taste experience that dances on your palate.
  • Master Simple Cooking Techniques: With just a few basic steps and minimal ingredients, even novice cooks can prepare a restaurant-quality dish that looks and tastes impressive.
  • Craft a Crowd-Pleasing Meal: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, this chicken recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional protein dishes that will have everyone asking for seconds.
  • Enjoy Nutritious and Delicious Dining: Packed with lean protein from chicken and natural sweetness from pineapple, this dish provides a balanced meal that doesn't compromise on flavor or health.

What’s Inside Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast

Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that serves as the main protein for this flavorful dish.
Sauce and Seasonings:
  • Barbecue Sauce: Provides a sweet and tangy base flavor for the chicken.
  • Garlic, Paprika: Add depth and warmth to the overall taste profile.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken.
Fruit and Oil:
  • Pineapple Chunks: Bring a tropical sweetness and juicy texture to the dish.
  • Olive Oil: Helps to keep the chicken moist and promotes even browning.
Optional Garnish:
  • Parsley, Cilantro: Fresh herbs that add a bright, fresh finish to the baked chicken.

How to Make Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F, getting it ready for some delicious cooking action.

Step 2: Create Flavor Explosion

In a mixing bowl, whip together:
  • Barbecue sauce
  • Minced garlic
  • Paprika

Stir until the ingredients dance and blend perfectly.

Step 3: Prepare Chicken Canvas

Place chicken breasts in a baking dish and sprinkle with salt and pepper, creating a tasty foundation.

Step 4: Drench In Sauce

Pour the spicy barbecue mixture all over the chicken, making sure every inch gets a flavor bath.

Step 5: Add Tropical Twist

Scatter fresh pineapple chunks around and on top of the chicken, bringing a sweet and tangy surprise.

Step 6: Drizzle With Liquid Gold

Gently stream olive oil over the chicken and pineapples, adding a beautiful sheen and extra richness.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and let it cook for 25-30 minutes. Watch for the chicken to turn golden and the sauce to bubble with excitement.

Step 8: Finish With Fresh Flair

Sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro on top for a pop of color and fresh herb goodness before serving.

Tips for Juicier Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast

  • Use chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry edges.
  • Opt for a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce to complement the pineapple's natural sweetness.
  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help the sauce adhere better and create a nice caramelized exterior.
  • Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes after baking to retain maximum juiciness and let flavors settle.
  • Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version, adjusting baking time accordingly.

Delicious Twists on Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast

  • Hawaiian Luau Chicken: Add diced bell peppers and red onions around the chicken for a tropical veggie medley that enhances the pineapple flavor.
  • Spicy Caribbean Kick: Mix in some habanero or scotch bonnet peppers with the barbecue sauce to create a fiery version with island-inspired heat.
  • Coconut Crusted Version: Sprinkle shredded coconut over the chicken during the last 10 minutes of baking for a crunchy, golden topping that complements the sweet and tangy sauce.
  • Teriyaki Fusion Option: Replace the barbecue sauce with teriyaki sauce and add sesame seeds for an Asian-inspired take on the original recipe.

Perfect Matches for Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast

  • Pair Tropical Rum Cocktail: Blend fresh pineapple juice, white rum, and a splash of coconut cream for a zesty drink that complements the sweet and tangy chicken flavors.
  • Serve Hawaiian Coleslaw: Toss shredded cabbage with diced pineapple, cilantro, and a light mayo-based dressing to echo the tropical notes of the main dish.
  • Create Coconut Rice Side: Cook white rice with coconut milk, adding a subtle sweetness that balances the BBQ sauce's richness and enhances the pineapple's tropical essence.
  • Match Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: Select a chilled white wine with citrus and tropical fruit undertones that cut through the BBQ sauce's sweetness and highlight the dish's bright flavors.

How to Store Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken remains moist and flavorful.
  • Freeze: Carefully place cooled chicken in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Seal tightly, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen chicken stays good for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Microwave: Transfer chicken to a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to retain moisture.

Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast FAQs

  • Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, but thaw them completely first and pat dry to ensure even cooking and better sauce absorption.

  • What type of barbecue sauce works best?

Choose a sweet and tangy sauce like Kansas City-style or honey BBQ for the most flavorful result.

  • How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the chicken breast.

  • Is it okay to substitute pineapple with another fruit?

Fresh mango or peaches can work well as alternatives, providing similar sweet and juicy characteristics.

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Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe

Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe


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4.8 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Juicy “Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast” brings tropical sweetness to classic grilled flavors, merging tangy pineapple with smoky barbecue sauce. Succulent chicken breasts promise a delightful meal that satisfies hunger and delights senses.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Sauces and Fruits:

  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained if canned)

Seasonings and Oils:

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking dish for cooking.
  2. Create a zesty marinade by blending barbecue sauce with minced garlic and smoky paprika in a mixing bowl.
  3. Arrange chicken breasts in the baking dish, seasoning generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  4. Generously coat each chicken piece with the prepared barbecue sauce mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
  5. Distribute juicy pineapple chunks around and over the chicken, creating an even layer of tropical flavor.
  6. Lightly drizzle olive oil across the chicken and pineapple to enhance moisture and promote golden browning.
  7. Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and sauce becomes caramelized and bubbly.
  8. Once cooked, remove from oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a vibrant finishing touch before serving.

Notes

  • Swap barbecue sauce with low-sugar or homemade versions to reduce calorie intake and control sweetness levels.
  • Marinate chicken for 30 minutes before baking to enhance flavor penetration and tenderize the meat.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for perfect doneness without overcooking.
  • Experiment with alternative protein options like tofu or tempeh for vegetarian and vegan adaptations of this dish.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 680 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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