Description
This Pineapple BBQ Baked Chicken Breast recipe offers a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors, featuring juicy chicken breasts baked with tangy barbecue sauce and pineapple tidbits. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish is easy to prepare, gluten-free, and packed with flavor. The pineapple adds a tropical twist that perfectly complements the smoky spices, creating a mouthwatering meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce and Toppings
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite)
- 1 cup canned pineapple tidbits, drained (reserve 2 tablespoons juice)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional for extra sweetness)
- Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to infuse a smoky and savory flavor.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, drained pineapple tidbits, reserved pineapple juice, and brown sugar if using. Mix well to balance sweetness and tanginess.
- Assemble for Baking: Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the greased baking dish, then pour the pineapple BBQ sauce mixture evenly over the chicken, ensuring it is well coated.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked and juicy.
- Broil for Caramelization: For a nicely caramelized top, switch your oven to broil and cook the chicken for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juices. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired before serving.
Notes
- Serve with rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad to complete the meal.
- Fresh pineapple can substitute canned; just chop finely and adjust the sugar according to your sweetness preference.
- Leftover chicken works great shredded for wraps, sandwiches, or salads.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
