Looking for a recipe that combines tropical sweetness with smoky BBQ flavors? This Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe is exactly what you need! It’s quick, easy, and perfect for weeknights or special occasions. Follow along as we break down how to make this mouthwatering dish, combining tender chicken with a caramelized BBQ-pineapple glaze that’s bound to impress. Read on and make sure you don’t miss any tips to create the best version of this recipe!

What is Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast?
Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast is a delightful combination of tender chicken breasts baked in a rich BBQ sauce with the added sweetness of pineapples. This dish brings together the savory flavor of the chicken with the sweet and tangy notes of the BBQ sauce and pineapples, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or even special occasions. The chicken breasts are seasoned, covered in BBQ sauce, layered with pineapple slices or chunks, and then baked to juicy perfection.
Ingredients List for Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast
Here are the essential ingredients you’ll need for this Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Ingredients List for Homemade BBQ Sauce (Optional)
If you'd like to take the extra step of making your BBQ sauce from scratch, here's an easy recipe:
- 1 cup ketchup
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Feel free to adjust the sweetness and smokiness to your preference!
Substitutions and Variations
You can customize this Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken recipe to suit your tastes and dietary needs. Here are some great substitutions and variations:
- Chicken thighs instead of breasts: For juicier meat, swap chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Adjust the cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Pineapple rings: Instead of pineapple chunks, use pineapple rings for a prettier presentation. You can even caramelize the rings in a skillet before adding them to the chicken for extra flavor.
- Grilled chicken variation: Instead of baking, grill the chicken breasts and pineapple separately, then top the chicken with the BBQ sauce and pineapple when serving.
- Spicy BBQ sauce: Add some heat to your BBQ sauce by mixing in sriracha, cayenne pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Honey BBQ version: For a sweeter sauce, add 2 tablespoons of honey to your BBQ sauce mixture. This adds an extra layer of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the pineapple.
- Low-sugar option: Use a low-sugar BBQ sauce and swap out the brown sugar in the homemade BBQ sauce for a sugar substitute like Stevia or monk fruit.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to get started? Follow this easy step-by-step guide to make the perfect Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat while you prepare the chicken.
- Season the chicken: In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this seasoning mixture over both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Sear the chicken (optional): For extra flavor, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken breasts for 2 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. This step helps lock in moisture but is optional.
- Prepare the baking dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer in the dish.
- Add the BBQ sauce: Pour the BBQ sauce evenly over the chicken breasts, making sure they are fully coated. You can use a basting brush to spread the sauce evenly.
- Add the pineapple: Place the pineapple chunks (or rings) on top of and around the chicken breasts. The pineapple will release its juice as it bakes, mixing with the BBQ sauce for an amazing flavor.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (75°C).
- Broil for a crispy finish (optional): If you want the sauce and pineapple to caramelize slightly, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Rest and serve: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for an extra burst of color and flavor.
How to Cook Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast: A Step-by-Step Guide
For those who prefer detailed guidance, here’s a breakdown of the key steps to ensure your Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken comes out perfect:
- Season the chicken well with salt, pepper, garlic, and onion powder.
- Sear for added flavor (optional) to lock in the juices.
- Layer with BBQ sauce to coat the chicken thoroughly and ensure maximum flavor absorption.
- Top with pineapple, which complements the tangy BBQ sauce beautifully.
- Bake at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Broil if desired for a crispy, caramelized finish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To achieve the best results, steer clear of these common mistakes when making Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast:
- Skipping the seasoning: While BBQ sauce adds flavor, properly seasoning the chicken first with garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper will enhance the dish.
- Overcooking the chicken: Chicken breasts can become dry if overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure you remove the chicken from the oven when it reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Not using enough BBQ sauce: Don’t skimp on the BBQ sauce! You want the chicken to be fully coated, which not only adds flavor but helps keep it moist during baking.
- Undercooking the chicken: Always check the internal temperature to make sure the chicken is cooked through. Undercooked chicken can be unsafe to eat.
- Neglecting to rest the chicken: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Serving and Presentation Tips
When it comes to serving Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast, a little creativity goes a long way. Here are some ideas to make your dish stand out:
How to Serve Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast
- Serve with a side of rice: Fluffy white or brown rice soaks up the extra BBQ sauce and pineapple juice perfectly.
- Pair with roasted vegetables: Roasted sweet potatoes, carrots, or zucchini add a nutritious and colorful touch.
- Serve with a fresh salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances out the richness of the BBQ chicken.
Presentation Ideas for Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast
- Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro or parsley over the top for a vibrant, fresh contrast.
- Add pineapple rings: If you used pineapple rings, arrange them neatly on top of each chicken breast for an attractive presentation.
- Use a decorative platter: Serve the chicken on a large, decorative platter with extra BBQ sauce on the side for a restaurant-worthy look.
Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe Tips
- Use fresh pineapple if possible: Fresh pineapple adds a brighter, more natural sweetness compared to canned pineapple.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the chicken and BBQ sauce ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and then bake it when you’re ready.
- Double the recipe: This dish is perfect for meal prep. Make extra chicken breasts and store them in the fridge or freezer for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, but be sure to fully thaw the chicken breasts before baking. Baking frozen chicken will result in uneven cooking.
Can I use a different fruit besides pineapple?
Certainly! Mango or peaches work well as a substitute if you want to try a different flavor profile.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook the seasoned chicken, BBQ sauce, and pineapple in a slow cooker on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is cooked through.
Conclusion
This Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe is the perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, with juicy chicken breasts baked in tangy BBQ sauce and topped with tender pineapple. It's an easy recipe that delivers a satisfying and flavorful meal every time. Whether you're cooking for family or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress. With the step-by-step guide, helpful tips, and substitutions, you’ll be able to customize the recipe to your taste and create a meal that everyone will love. Try it tonight and enjoy a burst of tropical BBQ goodness! bite!
PrintBaked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe
This baked pineapple BBQ chicken breast recipe combines the sweetness of pineapple with the tanginess of BBQ sauce for a delightful, easy-to-make dish. Perfect for family dinners, it uses simple ingredients for a flavorful meal that's sure to be a hit.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts
- Pineapple slices
- BBQ sauce
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a pan, then sear chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side.
- Transfer chicken to a baking dish, top with BBQ sauce and pineapple slices.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until chicken is fully cooked (165°F/75°C internal temperature).
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to use canned or fresh pineapple.
- Use any preferred BBQ sauce for a personalized flavor.
- Serve with rice or a side salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
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