Description
This Pineapple BBQ Baked Chicken Breast recipe combines tender chicken breasts with a sweet and tangy pineapple barbecue sauce. Perfectly seasoned and baked to juicy perfection, it offers a deliciously vibrant twist on classic baked chicken. Quick to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s an easy and satisfying main course for any weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing and seasoning)
Sauce
- 1 cup pineapple chunks with juice
- 3/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 2-3 tablespoons pineapple juice (from the can)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent the chicken from sticking during baking.
- Season Chicken: Season both sides of the boneless skinless chicken breasts generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika to build layers of flavor.
- Arrange Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts evenly in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they have enough space to bake evenly.
- Make Pineapple BBQ Sauce: In a bowl, combine the barbecue sauce with pineapple chunks and add a few tablespoons of pineapple juice. Stir well to incorporate the flavors and create a tangy, sweet sauce.
- Pour Sauce Over Chicken: Evenly pour the pineapple barbecue sauce mixture over the chicken breasts, making sure each piece is well-coated.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes to allow the chicken to cook gently and absorb the pineapple BBQ flavors.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil carefully, baste the chicken with some of the sauce from the dish, and continue baking uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure the chicken is cooked through and slightly caramelized.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to redistribute the juices. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a fresh, vibrant touch.
Notes
- For a smoother sauce texture, substitute crushed pineapple for chunks.
- To add heat, incorporate 1 teaspoon of chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the seasoning mix.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee it is safe to eat.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and served cold or reheated for a tasty next-day meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
