Looking for a quick and delicious weeknight meal with a tropical twist? This Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast combines the best of both worlds—tender, juicy chicken coated in tangy BBQ sauce and topped with caramelized pineapple. It’s a perfect blend of sweet and savory, bringing a Hawaiian-inspired flavor right to your dinner table!
Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup BBQ sauce (choose your favorite brand)
1/2 cup pineapple juice
1 can (8 oz) pineapple rings (reserve juice)
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray to ensure the chicken doesn’t stick.
Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, ready to soak up all the flavorful sauce.
Prepare the Pineapple BBQ Sauce: In a medium bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Stir until the brown sugar has dissolved and everything is well combined. Pour half of this sauce over the chicken, reserving the remaining sauce for later.
Add Pineapple Rings: Place a pineapple ring on top of each chicken breast. Pour the remaining BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken and pineapple rings. The sauce will infuse the chicken with a deliciously tangy sweetness.
Bake the Chicken: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). For an extra touch of caramelization, broil the dish for an additional 2-3 minutes to give the pineapple a golden finish.
Serve: Once the chicken is done, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color. Serve your Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast with rice, steamed vegetables, or a crisp side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Serving Tips:
Side Dishes:
This dish pairs perfectly with a variety of sides. Try serving it with fluffy white rice, coconut rice for a tropical flair, or roasted vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and broccoli. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed green beans also complements the sweet and savory flavors of the chicken.
Garnish:
Enhance the dish’s appearance and flavor by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or green onions. For an extra burst of flavor, you could add a squeeze of fresh lime or sprinkle some toasted coconut on top.
Make It a Complete Meal:
To round out the meal, serve with some garlic bread or soft dinner rolls to soak up the extra BBQ sauce. A refreshing drink like a tropical smoothie or iced tea would complement the Hawaiian-inspired theme.
Grill Option:
For a smoky twist, grill the chicken instead of baking it. Grill the chicken breasts and top them with the pineapple rings and BBQ sauce just before serving.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration:
Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing. Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. To maintain the quality of the chicken, it’s best to store the sauce separately if possible, as it can become a bit soggy when reheated with the chicken.
Freezing:
This dish can be frozen for later use. Store the cooked chicken breasts and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. For best results, freeze the chicken and pineapple separately from the BBQ sauce to avoid the sauce losing its texture when reheated.
Reheating:
To reheat, simply microwave the chicken with the sauce for 1-2 minutes or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. If reheating from frozen, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
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FAQs:
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can easily swap boneless, skinless chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful, so they work great in this recipe. Just ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when cooking.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Season the chicken, mix the BBQ sauce, and add the pineapple rings. Store everything in the fridge for up to 24 hours, and then simply bake it when you’re ready to cook. This helps save time on busy days.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned pineapple rings?
Yes, fresh pineapple is a great option! Slice the pineapple into rings or chunks and use them in place of canned pineapple rings. Fresh pineapple adds a nice crisp texture and natural sweetness to the dish.
What can I substitute for soy sauce?
If you’re looking for a soy sauce alternative, you can use coconut aminos, which is a gluten-free and lower-sodium option. If you’re avoiding soy altogether, coconut aminos is a perfect substitute for the savory depth of soy sauce without the soy.
Conclusion:
This Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of pineapple with the tang of BBQ sauce, creating a delightful tropical-inspired meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it’s both easy to prepare and incredibly tasty. Serve with your favorite sides for a complete and satisfying meal. This recipe is sure to become a family favorite with its delicious balance of sweet and savory flavors.
📖 Recipe:
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Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast is a delightful combination of tender chicken, tangy BBQ sauce, and caramelized pineapple, creating a mouthwatering Hawaiian-inspired dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this recipe is easy to prepare and bursting with tropical flavors that everyone will love. Serve it with rice or steamed veggies for a complete meal that brings the sweet and savory goodness right to your plate!
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite)
1/2 cup pineapple juice
1 can (8 oz) pineapple rings (reserve juice)
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray. - Season the Chicken:
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Place the chicken in the prepared baking dish. - Prepare the Pineapple BBQ Sauce:
In a bowl, combine BBQ sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Stir until well combined. Pour half of the sauce mixture over the chicken, reserving the remaining sauce. - Add Pineapple Rings:
Place a pineapple ring on each chicken breast and pour the remaining BBQ sauce over the pineapple and chicken. - Bake the Chicken:
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C). For extra caramelization, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes. - Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions. Serve with rice, steamed vegetables, or a salad for a complete meal.
Notes
For a smoky flavor, you can grill the chicken instead of baking it. Simply grill the chicken breasts and top with the pineapple rings and BBQ sauce.
You can substitute fresh pineapple for the canned rings for a more natural taste.
This recipe works well with chicken thighs as a juicier alternative to breasts.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Chicken
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian-Inspired, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 280 kcal
