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Pineapple Barbecue Chicken Bake

Category: Recipes the Whole Family Will Love

Enjoy tender chicken breasts baked with sweet pineapple chunks and a rich barbecue glaze. The dish starts with seasoned chicken, layered in a baking dish, and coated with a blend of honey barbecue sauce and tangy pineapple. Marinate to infuse the flavors, then bake until juicy and cooked through. Finished with a quick rest, this meal offers a balance of savory and sweet, ideal for weeknights. With minimal prep, each bite brings out succulent chicken contrasted by fruity pineapple and zesty barbecue, delivering a combination that’s both satisfying and effortless to prepare.

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Created By Melanie Carter
Updated on Tue, 01 Jul 2025 20:57:42 GMT
A fork is being used to eat a piece of pineapple barbecue chicken. Pin
A fork is being used to eat a piece of pineapple barbecue chicken. | mellierecipes.com

This juicy pineapple barbecue chicken is my go to for busy weeknights when I need something sweet savory and totally craveable. With just a few staple ingredients you can have a bright crowd friendly dinner on the table with minimal effort yet maximum flavor.

Ingredients

  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Essential for a lean and juicy base Try to select chicken that is consistent in thickness for even cooking
  • Low sugar honey barbecue sauce: Adds smoky sweetness and a tangy kick Go for your favorite brand or make your own for a personal touch
  • Canned pineapple chunks: Lends bright tartness and keeps the chicken moist Seek out pineapple canned in juice not syrup for best flavor
  • Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the chicken stay tender Choose a good quality olive oil for a better finish
  • Salt and fresh ground pepper: Classic seasoning draws out all the flavors Opt for freshly cracked pepper for a bolder taste

Step by Step Instructions

Prepare the baking dish:
Grease your baking dish thoroughly with a little olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking and help with cleanup later
Season the chicken:
Pat chicken breasts dry and generously season both sides with salt and pepper This gives your chicken a flavor foundation and helps the sauce sticks better
Sauce and pineapple layering:
Lay the chicken breasts flat in your baking dish Spoon a third of your barbecue sauce on top then rub it in so each breast is coated Scatter the pineapple chunks evenly over the sauce
Marinate:
Pour the remaining barbecue sauce over the pineapple and chicken Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least thirty minutes and up to two hours The short marinade time infuses extra flavor and keeps things juicy
Bake the chicken:
Remove from fridge and discard plastic wrap Drizzle a little olive oil over everything to help with browning Preheat your oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit Bake uncovered for thirty two to thirty five minutes until chicken reaches one hundred sixty five degrees Fahrenheit internal temperature Use an instant read thermometer for the most accurate results
Rest and serve:
Let the chicken stand for five minutes out of the oven This rest allows juices to redistribute so each bite stays moist Serve with extra sauce from the pan
A close up of a plate of pineapple barbecue chicken. Pin
A close up of a plate of pineapple barbecue chicken. | mellierecipes.com

I love how the pineapple gets slightly caramelized at the edges as it bakes This touch reminds me of grilling in the backyard with my kids where that punch of sweet sticky glaze always had everyone licking their fingers

Storage Tips

After cooling completely store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator It will stay fresh and flavorful for three days For longer storage this chicken also freezes surprisingly well Slice before freezing for quick weekday lunches Simply reheat in the microwave or oven

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have honey barbecue sauce any type of barbecue sauce will work well even spicy varieties For a tropical twist try using fresh pineapple if available or even mango chunks You can also substitute chicken thighs for an extra juicy result just adjust baking time as needed

A spoon is in a bowl of pineapple barbecue chicken. Pin
A spoon is in a bowl of pineapple barbecue chicken. | mellierecipes.com

Serving Suggestions

Serve this chicken over fluffy steamed rice or with roasted sweet potatoes For a summery flair add a side of grilled corn or a crisp green salad When I am feeling fancy I drizzle a little extra barbecue sauce before serving and garnish with fresh cilantro

A Bit About This Dish

Cooking with pineapple and barbecue sauce is a beloved American tradition especially in the South and Hawaiian influenced cuisine The sweet and tangy combination brings out the best in simple chicken and makes for a dish that feels festive any night of the week

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, fresh pineapple works well. Cut it into bite-sized chunks and use the same amount as canned.

→ How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use an instant-read thermometer; chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.

→ Is marinating the chicken necessary?

Marinating helps the flavors develop, but you can skip this step if short on time. The dish will still be tasty.

→ Can I substitute barbecue sauce with another glaze?

Honey mustard or teriyaki sauce are good alternatives if you prefer a different flavor profile.

→ What side dishes pair well with this meal?

Steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a green salad complement the sweet and savory flavors perfectly.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and marinate the chicken in advance, then bake when ready to serve for convenience.

Pineapple Barbecue Chicken Bake

Juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and tangy barbecue sauce combine for an easy flavorful dinner.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cooking Duration
35 minutes
Overall Cooking Time
45 minutes
Created By: Melanie Carter

Recipe Category: Family-Friendly Meals

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Style: American

Result Amount: 4 Portions (4 chicken breasts)

Diet Preferences: Gluten-Free Option, Dairy-Free Option

What You’ll Need to Make This

→ Main Ingredients

01 450 g boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 4 pieces, 115 g each)
02 Salt, to taste
03 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
04 120 ml low sugar honey barbecue sauce, divided
05 560 g canned pineapple chunks, drained
06 7 ml olive oil

How to Prepare

Step 01

Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 02

Pat dry the chicken breasts and season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired.

Step 03

Arrange seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Spread one-third of the barbecue sauce over the chicken and rub to coat. Distribute pineapple chunks evenly over the top.

Step 04

Pour the remaining barbecue sauce over the chicken and pineapples. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, to allow flavors to meld.

Step 05

Preheat oven to 200°C. Remove dish from refrigerator and discard plastic wrap. Drizzle olive oil evenly over the chicken.

Step 06

Bake uncovered for 32 to 35 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 74°C. Use an instant-read meat thermometer to verify doneness. Cooking time may vary by thickness of chicken breasts.

Step 07

Remove dish from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Extra Tips

  1. For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor and juiciness.
  2. Slice chicken against the grain for more tender bites.

Tools Required

  • Baking dish
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Instant-read thermometer

Allergen Info

Review ingredients carefully for allergens. Reach out to your healthcare provider if you’ve got specific concerns.
  • Contains potential allergens if barbecue sauce includes added allergens such as soy or mustard; check label.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Remember, this info is purely for reference and isn’t meant to replace dietary guidance.
  • Caloric Value: 291
  • Fat Content: 5 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 37 grams
  • Protein Content: 25 grams