Barbecue Pineapple Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Barbecue Pineapple Chicken is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, combining tangy barbecue sauce with tropical pineapple. It’s an easy and delicious dish that’s great for grilling season or a cozy oven-baked meal.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• Grilled pineapple rings
• Chopped cilantro or green onions
• Sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Step 1: Whisk together barbecue sauce, pineapple juice, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, ground ginger, and brown sugar in a bowl to create the marinade.
2. Step 2: Place the chicken in a resealable bag or a shallow dish, pour the marinade over it, and refrigerate for 30 minutes up to 4 hours to soak in the flavors.
3. Step 3: If grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. If using an oven, preheat to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking tray with foil.
4. Step 4: For grilling, cook the chicken for 6–8 minutes per side until caramelized and cooked through. For oven baking, bake for 18–20 minutes, basting with leftover marinade halfway through.
5. Step 5: Optional: Lightly grill pineapple rings for 2–3 minutes per side for a smoky sweetness.
6. Step 6: Serve the chicken with grilled pineapple on the side, garnished with chopped cilantro or green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken thighs for juicier meat if preferred.
• Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor.
• Swap pineapple juice for orange juice to vary the sweetness.
• Add a pinch of chili flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.
• Serve over rice or with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Grilled pineapple is best eaten fresh but can be refrigerated separately for up to 2 days.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fully thawed chicken for even marinating and cooking. If using frozen chicken, thaw completely before starting the recipe.

Is this recipe suitable for a grill pan on the stove?

Yes, you can use a grill pan over medium-high heat to cook the chicken and pineapple if an outdoor grill is not available. Just ensure the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.

Barbecue Pineapple Chicken Recipe

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This Barbecue Pineapple Chicken recipe combines juicy, marinated chicken breasts with a tangy barbecue and pineapple glaze. The chicken is either grilled or oven-baked until perfectly caramelized and tender, then served with grilled pineapple slices and garnished with fresh cilantro or green onions and sesame seeds for a flavorful, tropical twist on classic BBQ chicken.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes (oven) or 16 minutes (grill)
• Total Time: 40 minutes (including marinating time minimum)
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Marinade

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger

Garnishes

• Grilled pineapple rings
• Chopped cilantro or green onions
• Sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Mix Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, pineapple juice, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, ground ginger, and brown sugar until fully combined to create the marinade.
2. Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated evenly. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for more flavor.
3. Preheat Grill or Oven: If using a grill, preheat it to medium-high heat and oil the grates to prevent sticking. If baking, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking tray with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
4. Cook Chicken: For grilling, place the chicken on the grill and cook 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is nicely caramelized and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). For oven baking, place the chicken on the lined baking tray and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, basting once halfway through cooking to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
5. Grill Pineapple (Optional): While the chicken cooks, lightly grill pineapple rings on the grill for 2 to 3 minutes per side until grill marks appear and pineapple is slightly caramelized.
6. Serve: Plate the cooked chicken along with the grilled pineapple slices. Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions and sprinkle with sesame seeds to add a fresh, vibrant finish. Enjoy your flavorful barbecue pineapple chicken!

Notes

• Marinating the chicken longer enhances the flavor but avoid exceeding 4 hours to prevent the meat from becoming too soft.
• You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier results.
• Grilling the pineapple adds a smoky sweetness that complements the dish; if you don’t have a grill, you can also sauté pineapple slices in a pan until caramelized.
• For a gluten-free version, ensure the soy sauce is gluten-free or substitute with coconut aminos.
• Adjust the amount of brown sugar based on your sweetness preference or omit it for a less sweet marinade.

Keywords: barbecue chicken, pineapple chicken, grilled chicken, BBQ chicken recipe, tropical chicken marinade, grilled pineapple