Baked Pineapple BBQ Chicken
This baked pineapple BBQ chicken is sweet, smoky, and packed with juicy tropical flavor. Tender chicken bakes in a rich sticky barbecue glaze while caramelized pineapple slices add the perfect sweet finish that makes this dinner feel extra cozy and comforting.
Ingredients
- 8 chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 1 can pineapple rings, drained
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
For the BBQ Glaze
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- ⅓ cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
For Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- In a bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, pineapple juice, honey, soy sauce, garlic, and apple cider vinegar.
- Arrange the chicken in a large baking dish.
- Pour the BBQ glaze over the chicken.
- Place pineapple rings on top of each piece of chicken.
- Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce becomes thick and sticky.
- Spoon extra sauce over the chicken before serving and garnish with fresh parsley.
Serving
Serve this pineapple BBQ chicken with white rice, roasted potatoes, coleslaw, or grilled vegetables. The sweet smoky sauce tastes amazing with buttery sides that soak up every drop.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.
Tips
- Broil the dish for 2–3 minutes at the end for extra caramelized pineapple.
- Bone-in chicken stays extra juicy while baking.
- Use a smoky barbecue sauce for deeper flavor.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a sweet and spicy version.
FAQ
Can I use chicken breasts?
Yes, but reduce the baking time so the chicken stays tender and juicy.
Can I use fresh pineapple?
Absolutely. Fresh pineapple caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
What barbecue sauce works best?
A smoky honey BBQ sauce pairs perfectly with the sweet pineapple flavor.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. You can marinate the chicken in the sauce for a few hours before baking for even more flavor.
