Pineapple BBQ Chicken with Bacon

Pineapple BBQ Chicken with Bacon is a sweet, smoky, and savory dish that delivers bold flavor in every bite. Juicy chicken breasts are smothered in tangy barbecue sauce, topped with crisp bacon and sweet pineapple chunks, and finished with melted cheese. It’s a quick and easy weeknight dinner that feels like a backyard cookout on a plate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A perfect mix of sweet, salty, and smoky
• Easy to make in one baking dish
• Great for family dinners or casual entertaining
• Kid-friendly and customizable
• Ready in under 45 minutes

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Barbecue sauce (your favorite variety)
• Pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
• Cooked bacon, chopped
• Red onion, thinly sliced
• Shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
• Salt and pepper
• Optional: chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, or jalapeños for garnish

directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the chicken: Lightly grease a baking dish and place the chicken breasts in it. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
3. Add toppings: Spread barbecue sauce generously over each piece of chicken. Top with pineapple chunks, chopped bacon, and sliced red onion.
4. Add cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of each chicken breast.
5. Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Broil (optional): For a bubbly, golden top, broil on high for 2–3 minutes at the end.
7. Garnish and serve: Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro, if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Use boneless chicken thighs for extra juiciness
• Add a slice of fresh jalapeño under the cheese for heat
• Swap mozzarella for pepper jack or cheddar
• Grill the chicken first, then finish with toppings in the oven
• Use turkey bacon for a lighter option

storage/reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals.
You can also freeze cooked portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use canned pineapple?

Yes, canned pineapple chunks or slices work great. Just drain them before using.

What’s the best barbecue sauce for this recipe?

Sweet and smoky varieties pair especially well, but you can use your favorite kind.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Can I cook this on the grill?

You can grill the chicken first, then add toppings and finish in a covered pan or under the broiler.

Does the bacon get crispy?

Precooking the bacon ensures it stays crispy on top, even after baking.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your BBQ sauce and bacon are gluten-free.

What cheese works best?

Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a blend with cheddar works well for melting and flavor.

Can I use leftover chicken?

Yes, layer BBQ sauce and toppings over shredded or sliced cooked chicken and bake just until heated through.

How do I avoid dry chicken?

Use evenly sized breasts, don’t overcook, and rest the chicken a few minutes before serving.

What sides go well with this?

Rice, coleslaw, corn on the cob, roasted veggies, or a simple salad all make great pairings.

Conclusion

Pineapple BBQ Chicken with Bacon is a fun, flavorful dish that combines all your favorite summer BBQ elements into one easy, oven-baked meal. With its mix of juicy chicken, gooey cheese, smoky bacon, and sweet pineapple, it’s a guaranteed hit at the dinner table any time of year.

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