Pineapple BBQ Baked Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Pineapple BBQ Baked Chicken is a perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors that’ll elevate your dinner to the next level. The succulent chicken is baked in a delicious, tangy pineapple-infused BBQ sauce that creates a perfect balance of sweetness from the pineapple and smokiness from the barbecue sauce. This dish is easy to make and perfect for any occasion, whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a barbecue, or a casual get-together with friends.

The chicken is tender, juicy, and infused with bold flavors that come from the sweet and smoky BBQ sauce, along with the natural sweetness and acidity of the pineapple. If you’re looking for a meal that’s both satisfying and unique, Pineapple BBQ Baked Chicken is the way to go. This recipe walks you through each step, ensuring you create a memorable meal every time.

Why You’ll Love Pineapple BBQ Baked Chicken

• Sweet and Savory Flavors: The tangy sweetness of pineapple combines beautifully with the smokiness of BBQ sauce to create a bold and irresistible flavor profile.
• Tender, Juicy Chicken: Baking the chicken in the sauce ensures it stays moist and tender, while the sauce caramelizes slightly during baking, adding a sticky, flavorful glaze.
• Simple Ingredients: With just a few simple ingredients like chicken, BBQ sauce, and pineapple, you can create a flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. No need for complicated ingredients or techniques—just delicious food that everyone will love.
• Easy to Make: The recipe is straightforward, requiring minimal prep time and allowing you to focus on other tasks while the chicken bakes. It’s an ideal option for busy nights or when you want a delicious home-cooked meal with little effort.
• Versatile: Whether you’re serving the chicken over rice, with roasted vegetables, or on a bun for a sandwich, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this dish. It’s a flexible recipe that works for a variety of occasions and tastes.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour
• Servings: Approximately 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 350-450 calories per serving, depending on portion sizes and ingredients.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-450 kcal
• Fat: 15-20g
• Carbohydrates: 25-35g
• Protein: 35-40g
• Fiber: 2-4g
• Sugar: 15-20g

Ingredients

For the Pineapple BBQ Baked Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness)
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• ½ cup pineapple juice (from canned pineapple or fresh)
• 1 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra smokiness)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Optional Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Fresh cilantro or green onions (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Begin by preparing the chicken. If you’re using chicken breasts, you may want to tenderize them slightly to ensure even cooking. You can do this by gently pounding the chicken with a meat mallet to an even thickness.

Next, season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika (if using). The seasonings will enhance the chicken’s natural flavor and provide a savory base to complement the BBQ sauce.

2. Prepare the Pineapple BBQ Sauce

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, pineapple juice, and crushed pineapple. Mix well until the pineapple is evenly incorporated into the sauce. The pineapple juice will add tangy sweetness to the sauce, while the crushed pineapple will give it extra texture and flavor.

If you like your BBQ sauce on the spicier side, you can add a dash of hot sauce or chili flakes to the mixture. Alternatively, if you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can add a little honey or brown sugar to balance the flavors.

3. Sear the Chicken (Optional)

While not necessary, searing the chicken before baking will help lock in the flavors and create a crispy exterior. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until lightly browned. This step will add an extra layer of flavor to the dish.

After searing, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. This step is optional but helps create a delicious texture and flavor.

4. Arrange the Chicken in the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a small amount of olive oil or non-stick cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking.

Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Pour the pineapple BBQ sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is generously coated with the sauce. Make sure the chicken is covered in sauce for maximum flavor infusion during baking.

5. Bake the Chicken

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This will ensure the chicken is tender and juicy.

After 30-35 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes. This will allow the sauce to thicken and caramelize slightly, creating a sticky, flavorful glaze over the chicken.

6. Check the Chicken and Finish Baking

Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached 165°F (75°C). If it hasn’t reached this temperature, continue baking for a few more minutes.

Once the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened, remove the baking dish from the oven. Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute and ensures the chicken remains juicy and tender.

7. Garnish and Serve

Before serving, garnish the chicken with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness. For extra flavor and crunch, you can sprinkle sesame seeds or freshly chopped cilantro or green onions on top.

Serve the Pineapple BBQ Baked Chicken with your favorite sides such as roasted vegetables, rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. The dish pairs well with a variety of sides, making it a versatile meal that can be tailored to your preferences.

Tips for Perfect Pineapple BBQ Baked Chicken

• Use Bone-In Chicken for Extra Flavor: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are convenient, bone-in chicken thighs or breasts will add more flavor and moisture to the dish. The bones help retain juiciness, creating an even more flavorful result.
• Customize the BBQ Sauce: If you want to make the dish more personalized, try making your own BBQ sauce. You can combine ingredients like ketchup, apple cider vinegar, honey, molasses, and spices to create a sauce that suits your taste preferences.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Be mindful of the chicken’s cooking time. Overcooking the chicken will lead to dry meat, which is a big no-no for this dish. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure it’s cooked perfectly.
• Add Pineapple Chunks for Extra Texture: If you love pineapple, feel free to add larger chunks of pineapple into the sauce or directly onto the chicken before baking. The caramelized pineapple adds a delightful sweetness and extra texture.
• Make It Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or even a chopped jalapeño to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Use Fresh Pineapple for Extra Freshness: Although canned pineapple works well, using fresh pineapple will give your sauce a more vibrant, fresh flavor.

Variations of Pineapple BBQ Baked Chicken

• Pineapple BBQ Chicken Thighs: For a richer, juicier version of this dish, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs instead of breasts. They will become even more tender and flavorful as they bake in the sauce.
• Grilled Pineapple BBQ Chicken: Instead of baking the chicken, you can grill it. Brush the chicken with the pineapple BBQ sauce and grill over medium-high heat for about 6-8 minutes per side. This will give the chicken a smoky flavor with a caramelized glaze.
• Pineapple BBQ Chicken Sandwiches: For a fun twist, serve the baked chicken on hamburger buns with extra pineapple BBQ sauce, a slice of pineapple, and some crunchy coleslaw for a tropical-inspired sandwich.
• Pineapple BBQ Chicken Skewers: Thread pieces of chicken and pineapple chunks onto skewers, brush with BBQ sauce, and grill until the chicken is cooked through. This is a great option for outdoor cookouts or as an appetizer.

Storage and Shelf Life

Pineapple BBQ Baked Chicken is great for leftovers. To store, place the cooked chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The BBQ sauce will continue to flavor the chicken as it sits, and the chicken will stay tender and juicy.

You can also freeze the chicken. Wrap the chicken in plastic wrap or place it in a freezer-safe bag and store it for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Pineapple BBQ Baked Chicken

• Grilled Vegetables: Grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or corn on the cob pair wonderfully with the smoky, sweet chicken.
• Rice Pilaf: A fragrant rice pilaf made with herbs, garlic, and onions makes a great accompaniment to the pineapple BBQ chicken.
• Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw balances the sweetness of the pineapple BBQ sauce with its crunchy texture and tangy dressing.
• Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy, slightly sweet fries are the perfect side to complement the rich flavors of the BBQ chicken.
• Cornbread: Serve the chicken with a slice of buttery cornbread for a Southern-style meal that’s full of flavor.

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Conclusion

Pineapple BBQ Baked Chicken is a flavorful, juicy, and satisfying meal that is perfect for a variety of occasions. The combination of sweet pineapple and smoky BBQ sauce makes the chicken irresistible, while the simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps ensure that anyone can make it. Whether you’re serving it with rice, vegetables, or on a sandwich, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy the tropical flavors and savory goodness of Pineapple BBQ Baked Chicken today!