Name: Baked Pineapple Chicken with Barbecue Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 large boneless skinless chicken breasts; 12 tablespoons barbecue sauce (divided, thick works best); 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 2 cups pineapple slices or rings

There’s something irresistibly comforting about the sweet and tangy combo in this Baked Pineapple Chicken with Barbecue Sauce Recipe. It’s such an easy way to brighten up a weeknight dinner with juicy chicken, glossy barbecue sauce, and a burst of pineapple flavor that feels like a mini getaway on your plate.

A white plate holds a meal with three main layers: a bed of white rice at the bottom that spreads across the plate, a layer of golden-brown cooked chicken topped with shiny, caramelized pineapple slices covered in a rich brown sauce sitting in the middle, and a bunch of bright green broccoli florets placed to one side of the plate. A silver fork, held by a woman's hand, lifts a piece of chicken and pineapple from the rice, showing the juicy texture of the chicken and the glossy sauce dripping slightly. The plate rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Baked Pineapple Chicken with Barbecue Sauce Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Baked Pineapple Chicken with Barbecue Sauce Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Baked Pineapple Chicken with Barbecue Sauce Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m always on the lookout for meals that come together quickly but still feel special. This baked pineapple chicken ticks all those boxes. You get this beautiful harmony of smoky barbecue mixed with the juiciest pineapple, and the chicken stays tender and moist without any fuss.

Only 5 Ingredients: Keeping it simple means you’re not stuck rummaging through your pantry for anything obscure.
Sweet and Tangy Flavor: The pineapple and barbecue sauce combo brings a perfect balance that’s both comforting and exciting.
Quick & Easy Prep: It takes about 15 minutes to prep and pops into the oven, freeing you up for other things.
Versatile Meal: Great for busy weeknights but also pulls off surprisingly well for casual dinner parties.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic in this recipe lies in how just a handful of ingredients come together to create big flavor. The barbecue sauce clings to the chicken and caramelizes lightly in the oven, while the pineapple adds juicy sweetness and acidity that cuts through the richness. A quick sprinkle of brown sugar mixed with soy sauce gives a touch of umami and caramelization that amps up the whole dish.

Flat lay of three large boneless skinless chicken breasts, a few thick pineapple rings with bright yellow flesh and textured rind, a small white ceramic bowl of thick dark barbecue sauce, a small white ceramic bowl containing dark brown sugar, a small white ceramic bowl with dark soy sauce, all ingredients arranged with perfect symmetry in a balanced composition, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts: Use large, boneless, skinless ones and slice them into cutlets for quick, even cooking.
Barbecue sauce: Thick, smoky barbecue sauce works best for coating and flavor – homemade or your favorite store-bought.
Pineapple: Fresh or canned pineapple slices both work, just drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
Dark brown sugar: Adds a deep molasses note and helps caramelize the pineapple topping.
Soy sauce: Just a splash balances the sweet with a salty, savory kick – it’s the secret pop of flavor.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Baked Pineapple Chicken with Barbecue Sauce Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I love to swap out pineapple rings for chunks when I want a more caramelized pineapple bite, or add a sprinkle of chili flakes on top for a bit of heat. Don’t be shy about making it your own.

Variation: I’ve played with adding a pinch of smoked paprika into the barbecue sauce for an extra layer of smoky goodness – your call if you like it a bit bolder.
Dietary: For a lighter version, swap brown sugar for coconut sugar and use a low-sodium soy sauce to cut back on salt.
Seasonal swaps: When pineapple isn’t in season, try using mango chunks for a fresh tropical twist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Baked Pineapple Chicken with Barbecue Sauce Recipe

The dish shows a white plate with a textured edge, placed on a white marbled surface. On the plate, there is a base layer of white rice with a soft texture, topped with a layer of golden-brown cooked chicken covered with a shiny pineapple glaze. Large, vibrant yellow pineapple chunks sit on top of the chicken, coating it with a sticky sauce. Next to the rice and chicken, there is a small portion of bright green steamed broccoli, showing a fresh and slightly rough texture. In the background, there is a light grey cloth and blurred food, keeping the focus on the main plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Chicken

First things first — preheat your oven to 425°F and line a rimmed baking pan with foil. I prefer foil for easy cleanup and because it helps keep the juices close to the chicken while baking. Then, cut each chicken breast in half lengthwise to make about six thin cutlets. This step really helps the chicken cook evenly and faster, plus it soaks up the barbecue sauce better.

Step 2: Coat and Layer with Pineapple

Brush both sides of each chicken cutlet generously with barbecue sauce — I aim for about 2 tablespoons per piece. Don’t worry about going overboard; the sauce is the star here. Then, arrange your pineapple slices or chunks directly on top of each sauced cutlet. This layering helps the pineapple steam beautifully in the oven while blending flavors.

Step 3: Sweeten and Bake

In a small bowl, mix the dark brown sugar and soy sauce until it forms a thick paste. Spoon this evenly over the pineapple on all the chicken. This paste adds that perfect caramelized, savory-sweet glaze. Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes, keeping an eye at the 18-minute mark to baste the chicken with the pan juices. This lock of moisture keeps everything juicy and full of flavor.

Step 4: Rest Before Serving

Once baked, take the chicken out and tent it loosely with foil for 5 minutes to let everything settle and juices redistribute. This little rest is what turns a good baked chicken into a truly juicy and tender dish.

Top Tip

After making this recipe countless times, I’ve realized a few little tricks can really elevate the outcome. These tips helped me go from “just okay” to “wow, I want this again tomorrow.”

Cutlets Are Key: Don’t skip slicing the chicken breasts thinly; it ensures fast, even cooking and lets the barbecue sauce soak in well.
Pineapple Drain: Whether fresh or canned, drain pineapple well to avoid watery chicken and soggy sauce.
Baste Late in the Bake: Spoon pan juices over the chicken in the last few minutes—this keeps everything juicy and the sauce glossy.
Resting Makes Perfect: Don’t skip the resting step; letting the chicken sit under foil for 5 minutes locks in moisture and flavor.

How to Serve Baked Pineapple Chicken with Barbecue Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or green onions over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. A light dusting of toasted sesame seeds also adds a nice crunch and an extra layer of nuttiness that pairs beautifully with the sweet pineapple.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs wonderfully with fluffy steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice, which soaks up all the delicious juices. For a lighter side, try a crisp cucumber salad or roasted asparagus with a touch of lemon to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I’ve served this pineapple chicken on a large wooden board garnished with extra pineapple slices and fresh herbs for a tropical vibe. You could also turn it into a fun taco night filling, shredding the baked chicken and topping tortillas with pineapple and slaw.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and find they keep well for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after sitting overnight, so it’s a great option for next-day lunches.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this chicken successfully by cooling it completely, wrapping tightly in plastic wrap, then placing it in a freezer-safe container. It’s best eaten within a month and defrosts well in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

For reheating, I like to pop leftovers back into a 350°F oven for 10 minutes, covered loosely with foil to keep the chicken juicy. The pineapple sometimes gets a bit softer but still tastes fantastic.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure your chicken breasts are fully thawed and patted dry before slicing and applying the barbecue sauce. This ensures even cooking and helps the sauce stick better.

What type of barbecue sauce works best?

I find a thick, smoky barbecue sauce works best because it clings to the chicken and caramelizes nicely in the oven. Sweet and spicy varieties are delicious, but feel free to use any you love.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos, and make sure your barbecue sauce is labeled gluten-free. The recipe is naturally simple and easy to adapt this way.

How can I avoid soggy pineapple on top?

The key is to drain the pineapple well before placing it on the chicken. If using canned, pat dry with paper towels. For fresh pineapple, cut and remove excess juice. This keeps the topping from getting watery and helps caramelization.

Final Thoughts

I’ve made this Baked Pineapple Chicken with Barbecue Sauce Recipe so many times that it feels like a comforting ritual now—simple, fast, and reliably delicious. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to reach for when you want to impress without the stress. I really hope you find as much joy in making and eating it as I do. Give it a try and see how easy it is to bring a little tropical sunshine to your dinner table!