Description
Barbecue Pineapple Chicken is a sweet and smoky grilled favorite that combines juicy chicken, tangy barbecue sauce, and caramelized pineapple for a tropical twist. It’s a vibrant, easy summer dish perfect for family cookouts or weeknight dinners, offering a balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
1 cup barbecue sauce
1 cup pineapple juice
1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
½ red onion, sliced (optional)
½ red bell pepper, chopped (optional)
1 jalapeño, sliced (optional)
Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish
Instructions
In a medium bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
Place chicken breasts in a resealable bag or glass dish and pour the marinade over them. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for deeper flavor.
Grilling Method: Preheat grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates. Grill chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, basting with reserved marinade. Grill pineapple slices until caramelized.
Oven Method: Preheat oven to 400°F. Arrange chicken and pineapple on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes, flipping halfway and brushing with extra sauce. Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for caramelization.
Skillet Method: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken 6 minutes per side, then add marinade and simmer until thick and sticky.
Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions and serve hot with rice, grilled vegetables, or coleslaw.
Notes
Marinating overnight enhances flavor and tenderness.
To avoid burning, keep grill temperature moderate since barbecue sauce contains sugar.
For a healthier twist, use a low-sugar or homemade barbecue sauce.
Leftovers reheat well in a covered skillet with a splash of pineapple juice.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce and pineapple
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 690 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg