Description
This Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast recipe combines juicy chicken breasts with a sweet and smoky pineapple barbecue sauce, making for a flavorful and easy dinner option. The chicken is seared for extra flavor before baking in a tangy sauce with pineapple chunks, resulting in a moist and delicious main course perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup canned pineapple chunks, drained
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice (reserved from can)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Garnish (Optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley or green onions
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to create the flavorful BBQ pineapple sauce.
- Sear the chicken (optional): Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly browned to enhance flavor and texture.
- Assemble for baking: Place the seared chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Pour the BBQ pineapple sauce evenly over the chicken, then scatter the pineapple chunks around and on top of the chicken.
- Bake the chicken: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is fully cooked and juicy.
- Garnish and serve: Spoon extra sauce over the chicken and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions if desired. Serve hot alongside rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- Use your favorite type of BBQ sauce — smoky, sweet, or spicy — to customize flavor.
- For a caramelized finish, broil the chicken for the last 2–3 minutes of baking.
