Description
A quick and flavorful Pineapple Chicken recipe combining tender chicken pieces with sweet pineapple chunks and vibrant red bell pepper, all baked to perfection with a tangy BBQ sauce glaze. Perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner served with rice or as is.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Vegetables and Fruit
- 1 large red bell pepper
- 2 cups pineapple chunks (canned – drained, frozen – thawed, or fresh)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into approximately 1-inch pieces. Place them into a medium-sized bowl and add the BBQ sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Toss everything together to coat the chicken evenly, then set aside to marinate briefly.
- Prepare Vegetables and Pineapple: Cut the red bell pepper into large pieces about 1/2 inch thick. If you are using canned pineapple, ensure it is thoroughly drained.
- Assemble on Sheet Pan: Spread the marinated chicken pieces evenly over the prepared sheet pan. Distribute the bell pepper pieces and pineapple chunks around the chicken for a balanced bake.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Serve: Garnish the finished dish with sliced green onions if desired. Serve hot, optionally alongside steamed rice to complement the flavors.
Notes
- Use fresh pineapple for best flavor, but canned or frozen works well too—just make sure to drain canned pineapple thoroughly.
- Adjust BBQ sauce quantity based on your preferred level of tanginess and sweetness.
- For a spicier kick, add some chili flakes or diced jalapeños before baking.
- The recipe can be doubled for larger families or gatherings, just ensure to use a larger baking sheet or multiple pans.
- Check chicken internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure safe consumption.
