Elevate your weeknight dinners with this irresistible Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast recipe. Juicy chicken breasts are infused with the perfect balance of tangy barbecue sauce and sweet pineapple, creating a flavor explosion that’s sure to please the whole family. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy meal or a new way to jazz up your grilling routine, this dish delivers on both taste and convenience.

Ingredients for Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast

To make this delectable dish, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star of this recipe, providing a lean protein base that perfectly soaks up the flavors.
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite store-bought or homemade barbecue sauce to provide the tangy and smoky backbone of the dish.
Crushed Pineapple: Canned or fresh crushed pineapple adds a touch of sweetness and tropical flair.
Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika bring depth of flavor and balance to the dish.
Salt and Pepper: Season to taste, adjusting the amounts to suit your preferences.
Fresh Parsley: For a bright, herbal garnish to finish the dish.

Feel free to experiment with different types of barbecue sauces, from sweet and tangy to spicy and bold, to find your perfect flavor match. And if you’re in the mood for a different protein, this recipe can easily be adapted to work with chicken thighs, pork, or even tofu.

Preparing Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish. This sets the stage for an effortless cooking process and ensures your chicken comes out perfectly juicy and flavorful.

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Massage the spices into the meat, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor penetration.

Next, in a separate bowl, combine the barbecue sauce and crushed pineapple. Stir until the mixture is well-blended and ready to pour over the seasoned chicken.

Baking the Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast

Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish and pour the pineapple BBQ sauce over the top, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Bake the chicken uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear.

The uncovered baking allows the sauce to caramelize and create a delightful sticky-sweet glaze on the chicken, adding an extra layer of flavor and texture. Keep a close eye on the chicken towards the end of the cooking time to prevent any burning.

Serving Suggestions for Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast

Once your Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast is fresh out of the oven, it’s time to plate and serve. Sprinkle the dish with chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant, herbaceous garnish. Pair the chicken with your favorite sides, such as fluffy white rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp, refreshing salad.

For a complete meal, consider serving the chicken with grilled pineapple slices, a side of coleslaw, or a scoop of creamy mashed potatoes. The sweet and savory flavors of the pineapple BBQ chicken pair beautifully with a variety of complementary dishes.

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast is not only delicious but also a relatively healthy choice. A single serving (one chicken breast) contains approximately 250 calories, 35 grams of protein, and just 7 grams of fat. The pineapple provides a boost of vitamin C, while the chicken is a lean source of protein to keep you feeling full and satisfied.

To make this dish even healthier, consider using a low-sugar or sugar-free barbecue sauce, and pair it with a generous serving of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing this recipe to fit your dietary needs and preferences.

Variations and Tips for Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast

While the classic Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast is a true crowd-pleaser, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on the recipe:

Grilled Pineapple BBQ Chicken: For a smoky, chargrilled flavor, grill the chicken breasts instead of baking them.
Slow Cooker Pineapple BBQ Chicken: Toss the ingredients in a slow cooker and let the flavors meld together for a hands-off meal.
Pineapple BBQ Chicken Skewers: Cut the chicken into cubes, thread them onto skewers with pineapple chunks, and grill or broil for a fun, portable option.
Pineapple BBQ Chicken Sandwiches: Shred the cooked chicken and serve it on toasted buns with your favorite toppings, like coleslaw or pickles.

When it comes to storage and meal prep, Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for 2-3 months. Simply reheat the chicken in the oven or microwave when ready to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pineapple BBQ Chicken

FAQ 1: What ingredients do I need to make Pineapple BBQ Chicken?

To make Pineapple BBQ Chicken, you will need the following ingredients:

Chicken (breasts, thighs, or drumsticks)
Pineapple (fresh or canned)
BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Olive oil
Garlic (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings like green onions or cilantro for garnish

FAQ 2: How do I cook Pineapple BBQ Chicken?

You can cook Pineapple BBQ Chicken using several methods:

Grilling: Marinate the chicken in BBQ sauce and pineapple juice, then grill over medium heat until fully cooked.
Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place marinated chicken in a baking dish, top with pineapple chunks, and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
Slow Cooking: Combine chicken, BBQ sauce, and pineapple in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is tender.

FAQ 3: Can I use other types of meat instead of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other types of meat, such as pork or turkey, for Pineapple BBQ. Just adjust the cooking time based on the type of meat you choose, ensuring that it reaches the appropriate internal temperature for safety.

FAQ 4: What are some side dishes that pair well with Pineapple BBQ Chicken?

Pineapple BBQ Chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes, including:

Rice (white, brown, or coconut rice)
Grilled vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, or corn)
Coleslaw
Potato salad
Cornbread
A fresh garden salad

Feel free to customize your meal with sides that suit your taste!

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

Get ready to savor the delightful combination of sweet and savory in every bite of this Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast. Whether you’re looking for a new family-friendly meal or a tasty way to mix up your grilling routine, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. Bon appétit!

Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe

Author: Time of Recipes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Elevate your weeknight dinners with this irresistible Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast recipe. Juicy chicken breasts are infused with the perfect balance of tangy barbecue sauce and sweet pineapple, creating a flavor explosion that’s sure to please the whole family. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy meal or a new way to jazz up your grilling routine, this dish delivers on both taste and convenience.

Ingredients

Scale

2 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
1 cup BBQ Sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup Crushed Pineapple (canned or fresh)
1 tsp Garlic Powder
1 tsp Onion Powder
1 tsp Smoked Paprika
Salt and Pepper (to taste)
Fresh Parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Massage the spices into the meat for even coverage.
In a separate bowl, combine the BBQ sauce and crushed pineapple. Stir until well-blended.
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish and pour the pineapple BBQ sauce over the top, ensuring each piece is coated.
Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Feel free to experiment with different types of barbecue sauces. You can also adapt this recipe to work with chicken thighs, pork, or even tofu. For a healthier option, consider using low-sugar BBQ sauce and pairing with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
Calories: 250 kcal
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 500mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: Baked Chicken, BBQ Chicken, Pineapple Chicken, Easy Chicken Recipes