Method
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Rub each chicken breast with olive oil to ensure they stay moist during baking.
- In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mix evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
Assemble the Dish:
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
- Pour the BBQ sauce over the chicken, ensuring each breast is well-coated. Reserve a small amount of BBQ sauce for basting later.
- Arrange the pineapple slices on top of and around the chicken breasts.
Bake the Chicken:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- After 25 minutes, remove the foil and baste the chicken with the reserved BBQ sauce. Continue baking uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- If desired, place the baking dish under the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes to caramelize the BBQ sauce and pineapple slices for extra flavor and color.
Serve:
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley if desired.
- Serve the Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast with your favorite side dishes, such as rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Tips for Perfect Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken
- Chicken Thickness: If your chicken breasts are thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness to ensure even cooking.
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in BBQ sauce for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight before baking.
- Homemade BBQ Sauce: Making your own BBQ sauce allows you to control the ingredients and adjust the sweetness and spiciness to your liking.
Versatile and Delicious
Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken Breast is a versatile recipe that can be customized in various ways to suit different tastes and dietary preferences:
- Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of chili powder or a few dashes of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce for a spicy variation.
- Tropical Twist: Incorporate other tropical fruits, such as mango or papaya, alongside the pineapple for a fruity twist.
- Grilled Version: In warmer months, try grilling the chicken breasts and pineapple slices for a smoky, charred flavor.
Nutritional Benefits
This dish offers several nutritional benefits:
- Protein: Chicken breasts are a great source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Pineapple provides vitamin C, manganese, and other important nutrients, contributing to overall health and well-being.
- Low Fat: By baking instead of frying, this recipe keeps the fat content low while maintaining moist and flavorful chicken.
