Name: Easy Pineapple Chicken Bake 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); 2 cups pineapple (sliced or rings); 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar; 1 tablespoon soy sauce

There’s something about the combination of tangy pineapple and smoky barbecue that just hits the spot. This Easy Pineapple Chicken Bake Recipe is one of those dishes that looks fancy but comes together so quickly — perfect for busy weeknights when you want flavor without fuss.

The dish shows a white plate on a white marbled surface, holding three main parts. The bottom layer is a bed of white rice, soft and fluffy with some sauce soaking into it. On top, there are slices of light golden chicken pieces covered with a shiny, thick brown sauce. Placed on the chicken are three yellow, caramelized pineapple pieces. On the side of the plate, there is a pile of bright green broccoli. A fork lifts a piece of chicken and pineapple above the plate, showing their texture clearly. 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 Easy Pineapple Chicken Bake Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Pineapple Chicken Bake Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Pineapple Chicken Bake Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t say enough about how this pineapple chicken bake makes dinner feel special without any extra effort. It’s juicy, sweet, a little tangy, and you only need a handful of ingredients to get there.

Simple and Fast: This recipe takes just about 35 minutes from start to finish, great for evenings when time is tight.
Minimal Ingredients: Just five main ingredients, most of which you probably already have, making it super accessible.
Flavor-Packed: The blend of barbecue, pineapple, brown sugar, and soy sauce creates a mouthwatering balance you won’t forget.
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a guaranteed hit whether it’s a family dinner or a casual get-together.

Ingredients & Why They Work

These ingredients come together with minimal prep but maximum payoff. Each plays a clear role in creating the perfect harmony between savory and sweet.

Flat lay of three large boneless skinless chicken breasts, a few thick pineapple rings with golden yellow flesh, a small white bowl of thick reddish-brown barbecue sauce, a small white bowl of dark brown sugar, and a small white bowl of glossy soy sauce placed with perfect symmetry 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: Boneless and skinless for easy slicing, they bake up tender and soak in all those lovely flavors.
Barbecue sauce: Choose a thick, rich kind you love; it’s the key player for that smoky-sweet base.
Pineapple slices or chunks: Fresh or canned—both work—add juicy sweetness that pairs perfectly with chicken.
Dark brown sugar: Adds depth and caramel notes that complement the pineapple’s tang.
Soy sauce: A splash to bring in umami and balance the sweetness.

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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

I love swapping out the barbecue sauce for a spicy chipotle version when I want a little kick, but feel free to make this recipe your own. It’s your kitchen after all!

Variation: Adding crushed red pepper flakes to the brown sugar paste gives it a subtle heat that’s irresistible.
Dietary tweaks: Use gluten-free soy sauce if you need to avoid gluten without losing flavor.
Fresh pineapple swaps: If fresh pineapple isn’t in season, canned pineapple rings work wonderfully—just drain them well.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Pineapple Chicken Bake Recipe

The image shows a white plate with three parts of food arranged neatly. The bottom layer is a bed of white rice with a soft and fluffy texture. On top of the rice, there are two pieces of golden-brown chicken covered with a shiny, rich pineapple sauce that has visible slices of yellow pineapple on it. To one side of the rice and chicken, there is a small pile of bright green steamed broccoli florets, fresh and slightly textured. Everything sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F—high heat gives you nicely caramelized edges. Then line a rimmed baking pan with foil for easy clean-up. I like to cut my chicken breasts in half lengthwise so I get six thinner cutlets that cook evenly and soak up maximum sauce.

Step 2: Sauce It Up

Brush both sides of each chicken cutlet generously with barbecue sauce—about 2 tablespoons per piece. This step is crucial because it builds that smoky-sweet foundation we all crave. Don’t be shy here—more sauce means more flavor!

Step 3: Add Your Pineapple and Brown Sugar Paste

Lay the pineapple slices or chunks right on top of the chicken. Then mix the dark brown sugar and soy sauce to form a paste and spoon it evenly over the pineapple. This paste melts into a sticky glaze that locks in moisture and adds those caramelized notes I love.

Step 4: Bake and Baste

Pop the pan uncovered into the oven for 20 minutes. When you’re about 2-3 minutes from done, start basting by spooning the pan sauce back over the chicken and pineapple. This ensures every bite stays juicy and glossy.

Step 5: Rest Before Serving

Once out of the oven, cover loosely with foil and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This little pause helps the juices redistribute, guaranteeing tender, flavorful pieces that will keep everyone coming back for seconds.

Top Tip

From cooking this pineapple chicken bake countless times, I’ve learned a few tricks that really help nail the texture and flavor every time.

Use Thick Barbecue Sauce: Thinner sauces tend to run off the chicken and leave a watery bake.
Don’t Skip the Basting: Spoon that pan sauce back on near the end to keep the chicken moist and add shine to the final dish.
Rest Your Chicken: This step is easy to overlook but holds the key to juicy, tender meat.
Line Your Pan with Foil: Saves you so much time on scrubbing and keeps the pineapple sugars from sticking.

How to Serve Easy Pineapple Chicken Bake Recipe

Pineapple Chicken Bake - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

For a bright finish, I usually sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or green onions on top. Sometimes a light dusting of toasted sesame seeds adds a lovely nutty crunch and a subtle Asian-inspired touch that pairs perfectly with the soy sauce in the glaze.

Side Dishes

I like to serve this Pineapple Chicken with fluffy jasmine rice or coconut rice to soak up the wonderful sauce. A crisp side salad with a zesty lime dressing also balances the richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, arrange the chicken cutlets on a platter surrounded by fresh pineapple wedges, lime slices, and a handful of chopped fresh herbs. It looks festive, inviting, and feels like a tropical escape on your plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep any leftover pineapple chicken in an airtight container in the fridge and it usually stays great for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, so sometimes I think it even tastes better the next day!

Freezing

This recipe freezes well too. After cooling completely, I portion it into freezer-safe containers. When reheated, the chicken stays juicy, and the sweet-savory sauce still shines through.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F, just until warm. This helps keep the chicken from drying out. Adding a splash of water or extra barbecue sauce before reheating works wonders for moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen pineapple for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen pineapple works well, just thaw and drain it properly to avoid excess moisture in the bake.

What if I don’t have barbecue sauce on hand?

You can substitute with a mixture of ketchup, a bit of Worcestershire sauce, and some spices to mimic barbecue flavor if you’re in a pinch.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just use a gluten-free soy sauce (tamari is a great choice) and double-check your barbecue sauce ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), or cut into the thickest part and ensure the juices run clear with no pink.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Pineapple Chicken Bake Recipe is one of those go-to dishes that makes life easier without compromising the joy of a good meal. I hope you enjoy the juicy chicken and that lovely tangy-sweet glaze as much as I do. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll be on your weekly rotation too — just like it is in my kitchen!