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Barbecue Pineapple Chicken Recipe

4.8 from 97 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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