Name: Pineapple Chicken Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 large chicken breasts, boneless, skinless; 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 so comforting about the sweet and tangy flavors mingling with tender chicken in this **Pineapple Chicken Bake Recipe**. It's an effortless way to bring a tropical twist to your dinner table, making weeknights feel just a little more special and vibrant.

A white plate holds a meal with three main layers: a base layer of white rice with a soft texture, a middle layer of light brown cooked chicken piece topped with dark yellow caramelized pineapple slices, and a layer of glossy, dark brown sauce covering the chicken and some rice. On the side, there are bright green steamed broccoli florets with a fresh and slightly rough texture. In the foreground, a fork holds a bite with a piece of chicken and pineapple covered in sauce. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. 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 Pineapple Chicken Bake Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Pineapple Chicken Bake Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Pineapple Chicken Bake Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I tossed this Pineapple Chicken Bake Recipe together—it was just one of those quick ideas that turned into a staple. The balance of tangy pineapple, smoky barbecue, and a hint of soy sauce sweetness makes it downright addictive. Plus, it's so simple to prepare.

Simplicity: Only five ingredients make it easy, with no complicated prep—perfect for busy evenings.
Flavor blend: Sweet pineapple paired with barbecue and soy gives a uniquely delicious taste you won’t find in everyday chicken dishes.
Quick bake time: It’s done in about 20 minutes, so you spend less time cooking and more time enjoying dinner.
Family-friendly: Everyone from kids to adults tends to love the bright flavors—ideal for dinners that please all palates.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays its own role in making this dish juicy, sweet, and packed with umami. When you grab your ingredients, look for a thick barbecue sauce and ripe pineapple to really bring out those fresh, bold flavors.

Flat lay of three large boneless skinless chicken breasts, several thick pineapple rings with visible texture, a small white ceramic bowl filled with dark thick barbecue sauce, a small white bowl containing dark brown sugar granules, and a small white bowl holding glossy soy sauce, all arranged symmetrically with perfect balance, placed 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: Using large, boneless, skinless breasts that you cut into thin cutlets helps the chicken cook evenly and stay tender.
Barbecue sauce: Thick sauce works best for coating the chicken and adding that smoky, tangy flavor that's the backbone of this bake.
Pineapple: Fresh or canned slices/rings add a juicy sweetness, balancing the savory elements wonderfully.
Dark brown sugar: Adds richness and deep caramel notes to contrast the pineapple’s brightness.
Soy sauce: A splash adds savory depth and balances sweetness with a touch of saltiness.

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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 experimenting with this Pineapple Chicken Bake Recipe depending on what I have on hand. Whether it’s adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or swapping pineapple for mango in summer, it’s a versatile canvas you can make your own.

Variation: Adding sliced bell peppers or onions beneath the chicken creates extra layers of flavor and veggies—a trick that made this recipe my go-to after busy workdays.
Dietary tweak: For a low-sodium option, reduce soy sauce or choose a low-sodium barbecue sauce; it still shines with pineapple’s natural sweetness.
Seasonal change: Swap canned pineapple with fresh chunks when in season for brighter, fresher bites.

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

A white plate with a textured rim holds a meal with three main parts: a base layer of white rice at the bottom right side, topped with a middle layer of golden brown chicken cooked with a glossy, sticky orange sauce, and layered on top with several bright yellow pineapple chunks. On the left side of the plate, there is a cluster of vibrant green broccoli florets adding color contrast. The plate sits on a white marbled surface and in the background, another plate with a similar dish is partially visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep the Chicken Cutlets

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F and lining a rimmed baking pan with foil—makes clean-up a breeze. Slice each large chicken breast in half lengthwise so you get six nice, thin cutlets. This not only speeds up cooking but keeps the chicken juicy. Brush each piece generously on both sides with barbecue sauce, aiming for about 2 tablespoons per cutlet. Don’t be shy here; the sauce is where the magic starts!

Step 2: Layer Pineapple and Brown Sugar Paste

Arrange pineapple slices over the barbecue-coated chicken. Then, in a small bowl, mix dark brown sugar with soy sauce to make a sticky, flavorful paste. Spoon this over the pineapple evenly. This adds a caramelized sweetness that perfectly complements the tangy chicken.

Step 3: Bake and Baste

Bake the chicken uncovered for 20 minutes. About 3-5 minutes before it's done, spoon some of the pan juices over the chicken and pineapple to baste it—this locks in moisture and intensifies the flavor. You’ll notice the sauce thickening and caramelizing slightly, which is my favorite part!

Step 4: Rest Before Serving

Once baked, take the pan out and cover it loosely with foil. Let it rest for about 5 minutes—this step helps the juices redistribute and keeps every bite tender and juicy.

Top Tip

I’ve tested this recipe numerous times and learned a few tricks that really enhance the result. These tips will help you nail the texture and flavor every time you bake this dish.

Even thickness: Cutting the chicken breasts into evenly sized thin cutlets ensures they bake uniformly without drying out.
Use thick barbecue sauce: A thicker sauce sticks better to the chicken, creating a sticky, flavorful crust instead of running off.
Don’t skip the resting: Resting the chicken under foil lets the juices settle—skip this and the meat may feel dryer.
Last-minute basting: Spoon those pan juices over the chicken near the end of baking to boost moisture and flavor—this small step makes a big difference.

How to Serve Pineapple Chicken Bake Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or green onions on top for a pop of color and fresh herbaceous notes that brighten each bite. A wedge of lime on the side adds a zesty option for those who want an extra tang.

Side Dishes

Steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice are my go-tos—they soak up the sauce beautifully. For something lighter, I serve with a crunchy green salad or some roasted asparagus to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For when I’m entertaining, I like to arrange the chicken and pineapple on a vibrant platter, then scatter toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced red chilies for a pop of color and subtle heat. It turns a simple dinner into a tropical feast that always impresses.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next meal just as tasty if not better.

Freezing

This Pineapple Chicken Bake Recipe freezes well. I portion out leftover pieces, wrap them tightly, then freeze for up to two months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To keep the chicken from drying out, I reheat leftovers in a low oven (about 300°F) covered with foil for 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, a quick microwave covered loosely works too—though I prefer the oven method for texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work well and add extra moisture and flavor. Just adjust baking time slightly to ensure they're cooked through.

What type of barbecue sauce is best for this recipe?

I recommend a thick, smoky barbecue sauce rather than a runny one. This helps it cling better to the chicken and caramelize nicely during baking.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the chicken, sauce, and pineapple the day before. Keep everything covered in the fridge and bake fresh when ready to serve for the best texture.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely! The combination of sweet pineapple and mild barbecue flavors appeals to kids, and it’s a great way to introduce them to new tastes in a familiar format.

Final Thoughts

This Pineapple Chicken Bake Recipe holds a special place in my weekly rotation because it’s just so easy, flavorful, and flexible. I love sharing it with friends who want a dinner that feels a little effortless but tastes like you put in lots of love and care. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and make it your own—it might just become your family’s next favorite too!