Juicy Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe for All Seasons

Succulent pineapple bbq chicken breast promises a mouthwatering culinary adventure that bursts with tropical flavors.

Sweet and tangy notes dance across tender meat, creating an irresistible combination.

Juicy chicken absorbs rich barbecue essence while pineapple chunks add unexpected brightness.

Home cooks love how simple ingredients blend into something extraordinary.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of smoky and sweet sensations.

Quick preparation means minimal effort for maximum deliciousness.

Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast That’s Juicy

• Burst with Tropical Flavors: The combination of tangy BBQ sauce and sweet pineapple chunks creates a delightful flavor profile that transforms ordinary chicken into an exciting dish.
• Customize with Ease: Home cooks can adjust seasonings or swap BBQ sauce types to match personal taste preferences, making this recipe adaptable for different palates.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal dishes and straightforward cooking technique mean less cleanup and more time enjoying a delicious meal with family or friends.

Ingredients for Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender cuts that serve as the primary protein in this flavorful dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika: A blend of seasonings that adds depth and complexity to the chicken's taste.
• BBQ Sauce: A tangy and sweet sauce that provides rich flavor and moisture to the chicken.

• Olive Oil: Helps in searing the chicken and prevents sticking to the pan.
• Pineapple Chunks: Adds a sweet and juicy element that complements the savory BBQ flavors.
• Fresh Cilantro or Parsley: A bright, fresh herb that provides a colorful garnish and adds a light, herbaceous note to the dish.

How to Bake Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 400F (200C) and get ready for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Spice Up The Chicken

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika

Massage the seasonings into the meat for maximum taste absorption.

Step 3: Sear And Seal

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium flame.

Carefully place chicken breasts into the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until a gorgeous golden-brown crust forms.

Step 4: Transfer To Baking Dish

Gently move the beautifully seared chicken breasts into a baking dish, creating a delicious canvas for the next flavor layer.

Step 5: Drench In Sweet And Tangy Goodness

Lavishly pour BBQ sauce over the chicken, then sprinkle pineapple chunks across the top for a tropical twist.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and let the magic happen.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165F (74C).

Step 7: Garnish And Serve

Pull the chicken from the oven and shower with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley.

Plate and prepare for a mouthwatering meal that’ll make taste buds dance.

Tips for Juicy Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast

• Marinate chicken in BBQ sauce for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance taste and tenderness.
• Pat chicken dry before searing to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust that locks in moisture.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165F for safe, juicy results every time.
• Distribute pineapple chunks evenly to spread sweet-tangy flavor throughout the dish and prevent dry spots.
• Replace traditional BBQ sauce with a sugar-free version for a keto-friendly alternative without compromising taste.

Variations on Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast

• Tropical Mango Swap: Replace pineapple chunks with fresh mango pieces for a sweeter, softer flavor profile that complements the BBQ sauce.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Substitute traditional BBQ sauce with a sugar-free, keto-friendly BBQ sauce and use cauliflower rice as a side instead of regular rice.
• Spicy Caribbean Version: Add diced jalapeños and use a habanero-infused BBQ sauce to create a fiery, island-inspired chicken dish with extra heat.
• Grilling Alternative: Skip the oven and cook the seasoned chicken breasts directly on a preheated grill, maintaining the same cooking time and adding pineapple chunks during the last 5 minutes of grilling.

Serving Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast

• Tropical Luau Platter: Arrange the chicken on a bed of coconut rice, surrounded by grilled pineapple slices and sprinkle with toasted macadamia nuts for a Hawaiian-inspired feast.
• Zesty Salad Companion: Slice the chicken and place atop a crisp mixed green salad with a tangy citrus vinaigrette, adding extra pineapple chunks for bright flavor bursts.
• Wrap and Roll: Shred the chicken and stuff into warm tortillas with a quick slaw of cabbage, red onions, and a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce for a quick lunch option.
• Family-Style Fiesta: Serve the whole dish in the center of the table with sides of roasted sweet potatoes and grilled corn on the cob, letting everyone dig in together.

Storing Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast Safely

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken remains juicy and flavorful.
• Wrap individual chicken breasts tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining the BBQ and pineapple flavor profile.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Is this recipe spicy?

The BBQ sauce determines the spice level. Choose a mild or hot sauce based on your preference. You can always adjust heat by selecting different BBQ sauce brands.

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work perfectly. They’re often more flavorful and stay juicier. Adjust cooking time slightly since thighs might take a few minutes longer to cook.

• Do I need to marinate the chicken beforehand?

No marinating required. The seasoning and searing create delicious flavor, and the BBQ sauce and pineapple add moisture and taste during baking.

• What type of BBQ sauce works best?

A sweet and tangy sauce complements the pineapple beautifully. Recommend Kansas City-style or Hawaiian-style BBQ sauce for optimal flavor profile.

Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast brings tropical sweetness and smoky flavors to your dinner table. Juicy chicken marinated in tangy pineapple sauce creates a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless

Sauce and Fruit:

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

Seasonings and Extras:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the kitchen workspace and gather all necessary cookware, ensuring a clean and organized environment.
2. Activate the oven to a precise 400F (200C), creating an ideal heat zone for culinary transformation.
3. Generously coat chicken breasts with a harmonious blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, massaging the spices into the meat for maximum flavor infusion.
4. Select a skillet and warm olive oil over medium heat, creating a golden-brown canvas for the chicken.
5. Carefully sear chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, developing a rich, caramelized exterior that locks in succulent moisture.
6. Transfer the partially cooked chicken to a baking dish, positioning each piece with precision.
7. Lavishly drench the chicken with tangy BBQ sauce, ensuring complete coverage.
8. Distribute vibrant pineapple chunks across the chicken, allowing their sweet essence to mingle with the savory sauce.
9. Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven, allowing 25-30 minutes of transformative cooking time.
10. Verify doneness by confirming the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C) using a meat thermometer.
11. Extract the dish from the oven, letting the chicken rest momentarily to redistribute internal juices.
12. Elegantly garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley, adding a burst of color and herbaceous complexity.
13. Serve immediately, presenting a dish that marries tropical sweetness with robust, perfectly cooked chicken.

Notes

• Searing the chicken before baking locks in moisture and creates a delicious golden-brown exterior for extra flavor.
• Use low-sugar BBQ sauce to reduce overall sugar content and make the dish more diet-friendly.
• Fresh pineapple adds bright acidity and natural tenderizing enzymes that help keep the chicken juicy during cooking.
• For a gluten-free version, choose a certified gluten-free BBQ sauce and ensure all seasonings are gluten-free certified.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250 kcal
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1.2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg