Juicy Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe for Summer

My culinary journey with this baked pineapple BBQ chicken breast sparked unexpected delight in my kitchen.

Sweet tropical notes dance alongside smoky barbecue flavors, creating a meal that feels both familiar and exciting.

Succulent chicken transforms under a golden glaze of caramelized pineapple sauce.

Tender meat absorbs rich marinades, promising a dinner that sings with complex tastes.

Quick preparation meets impressive results, making this dish perfect for weeknight cooking adventures.

Weekends or busy evenings can now feature a restaurant-quality meal straight from your oven.

Savor every bite and watch faces light up around the table.

Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast: Sweet and Savory Delight

• Quick and Simple Preparation: Whip up this delicious chicken dish with minimal kitchen skills, using just a few basic ingredients and straightforward cooking steps.
• Flavor Explosion: Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and tangy with the combination of BBQ sauce and juicy pineapple chunks, creating a mouthwatering tropical-inspired meal.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, this recipe appeals to both kids and adults with its familiar yet exciting flavor profile.
• Healthy Protein Option: Packed with lean protein and bursting with fruity goodness, this chicken breast recipe offers a nutritious alternative to boring weeknight meals.

Ingredients for Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that serves as the main component of the dish.

• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika: Classic spice blend that enhances the chicken's flavor and creates a savory base.

• BBQ Sauce, Pineapple Chunks: Sweet and tangy combination that provides moisture and caramelized flavor to the chicken.

• Olive Oil: Helps sear the chicken and prevents sticking to the pan.
• Fresh Cilantro: Optional herb that adds a fresh, bright garnish to the finished dish.

How to Bake Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 400 degrees Fahrenheit, getting it ready for some delicious cooking action.

Step 2: Spice Up the Chicken

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika

Step 3: Create a Golden Sear

Grab a skillet and drizzle in some olive oil.

Crank the heat to medium-high and place the chicken breasts into the sizzling pan.

Cook each side for 2-3 minutes until you’ve got a beautiful golden-brown exterior that locks in all the juicy goodness.

Step 4: Prepare the Baking Canvas

Spread a generous layer of BBQ sauce across the bottom of your baking dish, creating a flavorful foundation for the chicken.

Step 5: Layer in the Tropical Goodness

Carefully position the seared chicken breasts on top of the sauce.

Scatter sweet pineapple chunks around and over the chicken.

Step 6: Seal with Saucy Perfection

Drizzle the remaining BBQ sauce over the chicken and pineapple, ensuring every inch gets a delicious coating.

Step 7: Bake to Juicy Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and let it cook for 25-30 minutes.

The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 8: Finish with a Fresh Touch

For an extra pop of flavor, sprinkle some fresh cilantro on top just before serving.

Plate up this tropical masterpiece and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast

• Brown the chicken in a hot skillet before baking to seal in juices and create a delicious caramelized exterior.
• Select a thick, rich BBQ sauce with balanced sweetness to complement the pineapple and chicken.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165F, preventing undercooking and guaranteeing food safety.
• Replace chicken breasts with thighs or turkey breasts for variety while maintaining the same cooking method.
• Add extra pineapple slices or sprinkle toasted coconut flakes for an enhanced tropical flavor profile.

Variations for Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast

• Tropical Mango Salsa Chicken: Swap pineapple chunks with fresh mango salsa for a different fruity flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use certified gluten-free BBQ sauce and replace regular paprika with smoked paprika for added depth.
• Low-Carb Friendly: Substitute BBQ sauce with a sugar-free tomato-based sauce and add extra herbs like thyme or rosemary for enhanced taste.
• Dairy-Free Paleo Version: Ensure BBQ sauce is free from dairy ingredients and use coconut oil instead of olive oil for searing the chicken.

Serving Suggestions for Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast

• Tropical Dinner Plate: Serve alongside fluffy coconut rice to soak up the delicious BBQ sauce and complement the sweet pineapple flavors.
• Refreshing Side Companion: Pair with a crisp green salad topped with mango chunks and a light citrus vinaigrette for a balanced meal that enhances the tropical notes.
• Hearty Meal Builder: Add roasted sweet potato wedges or grilled zucchini as a side to create a complete and nutritious dinner that brings color and extra texture to the plate.
• Quick Garnish Boost: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes or chopped green onions over the chicken for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal that elevates the dish.

Storage Guidelines for Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring it stays fresh and safe to eat.
• Wrap individual chicken portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 3 months, preserving flavor and texture.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Warm at 50% power in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to prevent drying out.
• Preheat oven to 350F, place chicken in a baking dish with a splash of chicken broth. Cover with foil, warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F, maintaining moisture and preventing overcooking.

FAQs

• What are the key seasonings for this chicken recipe?

Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika create a flavorful base for the chicken, enhancing its natural taste and complementing the sweet BBQ sauce.

• Why sear the chicken before baking?

Searing locks in moisture, creates a delicious golden-brown exterior, and develops deeper flavor compounds through the Maillard reaction before final baking.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165F (75C), which ensures the chicken is safe to eat and remains juicy.

• Can I use bottled BBQ sauce?

Yes, any store-bought BBQ sauce works well. Choose a sauce you enjoy, as it will be a primary flavor in the dish. Homemade or sweet-tangy varieties both work great.

Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

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

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Description

Pineapple BBQ chicken breast delivers tropical tang in a classic comfort dish from Hawaii. Juicy chicken combines sweet and smoky flavors you will love for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 chicken breasts, boneless

Main Sauce and Fruit:

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

Seasonings and Oil:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)

Garnish:

• Fresh cilantro (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 400F (200C), preparing a baking dish for the chicken.
2. Generously coat chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, ensuring even seasoning.
3. Sear chicken in hot olive oil over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side, developing a golden-brown exterior.
4. Create a sauce base in the baking dish by spreading half the BBQ sauce across the bottom.
5. Arrange seared chicken breasts onto the sauce layer, positioning them evenly.
6. Distribute pineapple chunks across and around the chicken pieces.
7. Pour remaining BBQ sauce over the chicken and pineapple, completely covering the surface.
8. Transfer baking dish to preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes until chicken internal temperature reaches 165F (75C).
9. Once cooked, remove from oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
10. Optional: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top for added brightness and garnish.
11. Serve immediately while hot, with sauce and pineapple chunks.

Notes

• Opt for a low-sodium BBQ sauce to control salt intake and create a healthier version of this dish.
• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry edges.
• Marinate chicken in pineapple juice for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance tenderness and add extra tropical flavor.
• For a gluten-free adaptation, verify that your BBQ sauce is certified gluten-free and use alternative thickeners if needed.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 265 kcal
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1.2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg