Description
This Pineapple Chicken recipe is a quick and flavorful baked dish combining tender chicken breasts with tangy barbecue sauce, sweet pineapple, and a sticky brown sugar-soy glaze. Perfect for a simple weeknight dinner, it yields moist and juicy chicken with a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Sauce
- 3 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 12 tablespoons barbecue sauce (divided, thick works best)
Topping
- 2 cups pineapple (sliced or rings)
- 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and line a rimmed baking pan with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create 6 thin cutlets. Brush both sides of each cutlet generously with barbecue sauce, using about 2 tablespoons per piece.
- Arrange Pineapple: Lay the pineapple slices or pieces evenly on top of each barbecue-coated chicken cutlet in the baking pan.
- Make Brown Sugar Glaze: In a small bowl, mix the dark brown sugar and soy sauce until it forms a paste. Spoon this mixture evenly over the pineapple on all the chicken cutlets.
- Bake: Place the baking pan uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. During the last few minutes, baste the chicken by spooning some of the pan sauce over the pineapple and chicken to add extra flavor and moisture.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven, cover loosely with foil, and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Notes
- This recipe uses only 5 simple ingredients, making it quick and easy for busy weeknights.
- Use thick barbecue sauce for better coating and flavor adherence.
- For extra caramelization, broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Substitute low-sodium soy sauce to reduce sodium content if desired.
- Serve with steamed rice or a green salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 241 kcal
- Sugar: 23 g
- Sodium: 661 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0.01 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 72 mg
