Oh my gosh, you HAVE to try this BBQ pineapple chicken recipe! It’s my absolute favorite summer dish – that magical combo of sweet, juicy pineapple with smoky BBQ flavors just screams backyard cookouts. I’ve been grilling this weekly since my neighbor (a retired pitmaster) showed me his trick for getting perfect caramelization on the pineapple without overcooking the chicken. Trust me, once you taste how the tangy BBQ sauce plays off those golden pineapple chunks, you’ll be hooked. This recipe turns basic chicken breasts into something special with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Let’s fire up that grill!
Why You’ll Love This BBQ Pineapple Chicken Recipe
This recipe has been my go-to for years, and here’s why it’ll become yours too:
- Fast & foolproof: Ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving something special but don’t want to fuss.
- Flavor explosion: That sweet-tangy pineapple caramelizing alongside smoky BBQ chicken? Pure magic. My kids call it “tropical chicken” and always ask for seconds.
- Pantry-friendly: Just a handful of ingredients you probably already have (swap garlic powder for fresh minced if you’re feeling fancy).
- Healthy-ish indulgence: Lean protein meets fruit—it’s guilt-free grilling at its tastiest. (Though I won’t judge if you dunk extra BBQ sauce!)
Ingredients for BBQ Pineapple Chicken Recipe
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this tropical twist on classic BBQ chicken – and yes, fresh pineapple makes ALL the difference:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each) – pat them dry with paper towels for better searing
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (cut 1-inch thick) – trust me, the juice from fresh fruit caramelizes better than canned
- 2 tbsp olive oil – my secret for preventing sticking while adding subtle richness
- 1 tsp each salt & black pepper – the perfect simple seasoning base
- 1 tsp garlic powder – or use 2 minced fresh cloves if you’ve got ’em
- 1/2 cup your favorite BBQ sauce – I’m partial to sweet & smoky varieties here
How to Make BBQ Pineapple Chicken Recipe
Alright, let’s get grilling! This method is SO simple, but I’ve learned a few tricks over the years to make sure your chicken stays juicy while that pineapple gets perfectly caramelized. Follow these steps, and you’ll be biting into tropical BBQ heaven in no time.
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
First things first – grab those chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels (this helps get a nice sear). In a small bowl, mix together 1 teaspoon each of salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Rub this all over both sides of each breast – don’t be shy! Then drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and massage it in. Pro tip: Let the seasoned chicken sit for 5-10 minutes while your grill heats up. It’s like giving the flavors a little head start!
Step 2: Grill the Chicken and Pineapple
Fire up your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F). Place the chicken on the grill grates and resist the urge to move it for 6 minutes – this gives those beautiful grill marks time to form. Flip carefully with tongs and cook another 4 minutes. NOW add your pineapple chunks directly on the grill (they only need 2 minutes per side to get those gorgeous char marks). The timing here is key – you want the pineapple warm and slightly softened but still with a bit of bite.
Step 3: Add BBQ Sauce
Here’s where most people go wrong – they add sauce too early and end up with burnt sugar! In the last minute of cooking, brush both sides of the chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce (about 1/2 cup total). The heat will caramelize it just enough without turning bitter. Transfer everything to a platter immediately – the pineapple keeps cooking if left on the grill, and nobody wants mushy fruit. The smell alone will have your family running to the table!
Tips for Perfect BBQ Pineapple Chicken Recipe
After making this dozens of times (and yes, burning a batch or two), here are my can’t-miss secrets:
- Fresh is best: That canned stuff won’t caramelize right. Look for ripe pineapple that smells sweet at the stem end—it makes all the difference.
- Give it space: Crowding the grill steams instead of sears. Leave an inch between chicken breasts for proper airflow.
- Oil the grates: A quick swipe with an oiled paper towel prevents sticking disasters. Trust me, you don’t want to lose that perfect sear!
- Sauce last: Brush BBQ sauce only during the final minute—any earlier and it’ll burn before the chicken cooks through.
Serving Suggestions for BBQ Pineapple Chicken Recipe
This tropical BBQ chicken practically begs to be served with fun, summery sides! My family goes wild when I pair it with coconut rice – the creamy sweetness balances the smoky flavors perfectly. For something lighter, throw some zucchini or bell peppers on the grill while the chicken cooks. A simple cornbread muffin or tangy coleslaw makes it feel like a backyard feast. And don’t forget extra BBQ sauce for dipping – I always keep a little bowl on the side because someone (usually me) will definitely want more!
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers? (Lucky you!) Store your BBQ pineapple chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, skip the microwave – it turns the chicken rubbery. Instead, warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat or in a 300°F oven until just heated through. The pineapple stays juicier this way, promise!
Nutritional Information
Just a heads up – these nutrition estimates can vary based on your specific ingredients and BBQ sauce brand. But hey, with fresh pineapple and lean chicken, you’re definitely treating your body right!
FAQ About BBQ Pineapple Chicken Recipe
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Oh, I get this one all the time! Fresh pineapple really makes a difference here – the natural sugars caramelize better on the grill, and the texture holds up. But in a pinch? Drain canned chunks VERY well and pat them dry. They’ll be softer but still tasty!
How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?
Two words: dry and hot! Always pat chicken dry before seasoning, and make sure your grill grates are screaming hot (test with a drop of water – it should sizzle away instantly). A quick rub with an oiled paper towel right before adding the chicken works wonders too.
Can I make this indoors if it’s raining?
Absolutely! A grill pan or even a regular skillet over medium-high heat works. You won’t get quite the same smoky flavor, but a pinch of smoked paprika in your BBQ sauce helps fake it beautifully.
What’s the best BBQ sauce for this recipe?
I’m partial to sweet & smoky sauces – they complement the pineapple perfectly. But use whatever makes you happy! My neighbor swears by adding a splash of pineapple juice to his sauce for extra tropical vibes.
Go Make This Tonight!
Don’t just take my word for it – fire up that grill and taste the magic yourself! Snap a pic of your caramelized pineapple chicken masterpiece and tag me – I’d love to see your tropical BBQ creations!
Print
Irresistible BBQ Pineapple Chicken Recipe in 30 Minutes
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Total Time: 22 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Grilled chicken topped with caramelized pineapple for a sweet and smoky flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Brush chicken with olive oil and place on the grill.
- Grill for 6 minutes per side or until fully cooked.
- Add pineapple chunks to the grill during the last 2 minutes.
- Brush chicken with BBQ sauce and serve with grilled pineapple.
Notes
- Use fresh pineapple for best results.
- Adjust BBQ sauce to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
