Pineapple BBQ Chicken Bacon

This Pineapple BBQ Chicken with Bacon is a crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner that brings together juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, smoky bacon, and gooey cheese in every bite. It comes together with minimal chopping and just a few simple steps so you can have a restaurant-style meal on the table with barely any prep after a busy day. The balance of tangy barbecue with the fruitiness of pineapple has made this one of my most requested easy chicken recipes.

Cooking this for my kids was a game changer because it was the first time they happily ate pineapple with chicken and even went back for seconds. This combo is truly irresistible once you try it.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: skinless and boneless Look for thinner cuts so they cook evenly and soak up flavor

• Salt and black pepper to taste: Brings all the flavors together and ensures the chicken is well seasoned

• BBQ sauce: low sugar or your favorite variety Opt for a smoky or tangy blend for balance plus lower sugar helps keep the dish lighter

• Pineapple diced: Fresh offers the best texture but you can use canned chunks in juice if needed

• Bacon cooked and diced: Pick thick-cut bacon for the best meaty bite and big flavor

• Red onion sliced: Adds a little snap of bite and color to the mix use fresh not pickled

• Mozzarella cheese shredded: Buy a block and shred it yourself if you can for the best melt and stretch

• Toppings Pineapple diced and green onion diced: These finish the dish and add a burst of tang and freshness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Dish:

Set your oven to 400 F and coat a baking dish with a light layer of oil spray so nothing sticks later on

Season the Chicken:

Lay the thin chicken breasts evenly on the dish them dust with salt and black pepper to cover both sides well this guarantees tasty chicken all the way through

Add BBQ Sauce and Pineapple:

Use a spoon to spread BBQ sauce over each breast then scatter diced pineapple on top making sure you cover most of the surface so every bite gets sweet tang

Layer Bacon and Onion:

Sprinkle cooked diced bacon evenly over the sauced chicken then fan out slices of red onion for color and a hint of crunch on top

Top with Mozzarella and Bake:

Take your freshly shredded mozzarella and cover all the chicken then slide the dish into the oven to bake for about twenty five to thirty minutes you are looking for juicy chicken and bubbling cheese

Broil and Finish:

In the final minutes switch the oven to broil for three to four minutes until the cheese gets golden and just crisped at the edges finally sprinkle diced pineapple and green onions across the top right before serving

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My personal favorite ingredient in this recipe is the bacon especially when it crisps up on the top because that bite with sweet pineapple is better than anything you get at a restaurant My family always ends up fighting over the pieces with extra bacon so I sometimes sneak in a few more strips just for them

Storage Tips

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to three days Store portions in airtight containers for quick lunches Just reheat gently in the microwave or covered in the oven so the chicken stays moist

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer darker meat or want an even juicier texture Any sharp shredded cheese works in place of mozzarella such as Monterey Jack or cheddar For barbecue sauce choose your family’s favorite or use a homemade sauce to control sugar and spice levels

Serving Suggestions

This chicken pairs perfectly with simple sides like steamed rice garlic green beans or a crisp cabbage slaw It also makes an irresistible sandwich stuffing inside toasted buns with extra pineapple and a drizzle of extra sauce

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Cultural and Historical Context

The tradition of pairing fruit and meat runs deep in Hawaiian and American barbecue cuisine Pineapple barbecue chicken draws inspiration from those sweet and smoky island flavors Bacon is a modern crowd pleaser but combined with classic BBQ sauce the dish feels both contemporary and timeless

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I substitute chicken thighs for breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well but may require slightly longer baking to ensure they are cooked through due to higher fat content.

→ Is it necessary to use low sugar BBQ sauce?

No, regular or homemade BBQ sauce can be used, but low sugar varieties keep the dish lighter and let pineapple's sweetness shine.

→ What cheese besides mozzarella can I use?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or provolone are tasty alternatives that melt smoothly and add their own distinct flavor.

→ Can this be made ahead of time?

You can assemble the dish in advance and refrigerate; bake just before serving for best texture and freshness.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Serve with rice, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal that complements the bold flavors.