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Pineapple BBQ Baked Chicken Breast – Sweet, Tangy & Tender!

Welcome Cook Recipe! Few dishes bring together sweet tropical flavors and savory barbecue richness as beautifully as Pineapple BBQ Baked Chicken Breast. This mouthwatering recipe delivers juicy, tender chicken baked in a luscious combination of smoky BBQ sauce and naturally sweet pineapple.

It’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even special gatherings, because it feels gourmet without requiring hours in the kitchen. Every bite bursts with caramelized BBQ glaze, balanced by the freshness of pineapple, making it a true crowd-pleaser.

In this complete guide, you’ll learn everything you need to make this restaurant-quality baked chicken at home—from the perfect ingredient balance to step-by-step instructions, cooking tips, and serving ideas. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting your kitchen journey, this is a recipe you’ll make again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Pineapple BBQ Chicken

This dish isn’t just delicious—it’s incredibly versatile and foolproof. Here’s why it will become a favorite:

  • Perfect Balance of Flavors – Sweet pineapple + smoky BBQ = irresistible.
  • Juicy Chicken Every Time – Baking with sauce keeps the chicken moist.
  • Simple Prep – Just assemble, bake, and serve.
  • Great for Meal Prep – Stores well for next-day lunches.
  • Crowd-Pleaser – Pairs beautifully with rice, salads, or roasted veggies.

Ingredients for Pineapple BBQ Baked Chicken Breast

IngredientQuantityNotes
Boneless chicken breasts4 piecesPounded evenly for even baking
BBQ sauce1 cupUse smoky, hickory, or sweet BBQ
Pineapple slices (canned/fresh)6–8 slicesFresh preferred, canned works too
Pineapple juice1/4 cupFrom canned pineapple or fresh juice
Garlic powder1 tspOptional for flavor depth
Paprika1/2 tspAdds color and smokiness
Olive oil1 tbspLight coating for chicken
Salt & pepperTo tasteFor seasoning before baking

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Lightly pound chicken breasts to an even thickness.
  • Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

Step 2: Arrange in Baking Dish

  • Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
  • Place seasoned chicken breasts evenly spaced in the dish.

Step 3: Add Pineapple & Sauce

  • Place pineapple slices over each chicken breast.
  • In a small bowl, mix BBQ sauce and pineapple juice.
  • Pour sauce mixture evenly over chicken and pineapple.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

  • Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  • Remove foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature.
  • For a caramelized finish, broil for the last 2–3 minutes.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

  • Spoon extra sauce over chicken before serving.
  • Pair with steamed rice, grilled veggies, or a fresh salad.

Flavor Variations

Make it your own with these twists:

  • Spicy Kick – Add jalapeños or chili flakes to BBQ sauce.
  • Tropical Twist – Add mango or papaya chunks with pineapple.
  • Cheesy Finish – Add shredded mozzarella or cheddar during the last 5 minutes of baking.
  • Teriyaki Fusion – Mix teriyaki sauce with BBQ for a unique glaze.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with:

  • Coconut rice or jasmine rice
  • Grilled corn on the cob
  • Mixed green salad with citrus dressing
  • Garlic bread or Hawaiian rolls

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

NutrientAmount
Calories320 kcal
Protein28 g
Fat8 g
Carbohydrates35 g
Fiber1 g
Sugar22 g
Sodium680 mg

Storage & Reheating Tips

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes or microwave gently to avoid drying.
  • Pineapple BBQ chicken is also great for meal prep lunches—just pair with rice or quinoa in containers.

FAQs About Pineapple BBQ Baked Chicken

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Absolutely! Adjust baking time as thighs may need a few extra minutes.

Q2: Can I grill instead of baking?
Yes! Grill chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, adding pineapple halfway through.

Q3: Which BBQ sauce works best?
A smoky or honey BBQ pairs beautifully with pineapple’s sweetness.

Conclusion

Pineapple BBQ Baked Chicken Breast is a perfect blend of sweet tropical flavors and rich BBQ goodness. It’s quick to prepare, simple to bake, and guaranteed to impress at any meal.

Whether served at a summer barbecue, family dinner, or as a meal-prep favorite, this dish brings the sunshine to your table year-round. Try it once, and it will become a staple in your kitchen.

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