Name: Pineapple Chicken Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 chicken breasts (large, boneless, skinless); 12 tablespoons barbecue sauce (divided, thick works best); 2 cups pineapple (sliced or rings); 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar; 1 tablespoon soy sauce

There’s something about the sweet and tangy combo of pineapple paired with tender chicken that feels like a sunny day on a plate. This Pineapple Chicken Bake Recipe not only tastes amazing but comes together quickly with just a handful of ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners with friends.

A white plate on a white marbled surface holds a meal with three main parts: a bed of white rice arranged at the bottom right, topped with two pieces of light brown cooked chicken drenched in a shiny amber glaze, and several golden yellow pineapple slices lying on top of the chicken pieces. On the top left side of the plate, a cluster of bright green broccoli adds a fresh touch. A shiny silver fork lifts a bite-sized portion consisting of rice, chicken, and pineapple toward the camera, showing the glistening texture of the sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Pineapple Chicken Bake Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Pineapple Chicken Bake Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Pineapple Chicken Bake Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this Pineapple Chicken Bake Recipe more times than I can count because it’s just so reliable and delicious. Plus, it brings a burst of flavor with minimal fuss, which is exactly what I look for in weeknight meals.

Simply Irresistible Flavors: The sweet pineapple combined with barbecue sauce and brown sugar creates a perfect balance your taste buds will thank you for.
Minimal Ingredients: Only five key ingredients needed—making shopping and prep a breeze.
Quick and Easy: Ready in just over 30 minutes, which means more time to relax and enjoy your meal.
Family-Friendly: Even my picky eaters ask for seconds, which isn’t always the case with baked chicken recipes.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here plays a vital role, giving you that perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy. Plus, everything cooks together smoothly, so you end up with juicy chicken infused with pineapple’s natural sweetness and a rich barbecue flavor that’s amplified by the brown sugar and soy sauce.

Flat lay of three large boneless skinless chicken breasts, fresh golden pineapple rings arranged neatly, a small white ceramic bowl filled with thick reddish-brown barbecue sauce, a small white bowl holding dark rich brown sugar, and a small white bowl containing dark glossy soy sauce, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts: I recommend large, boneless, skinless ones because they bake evenly and soak up all the flavors beautifully.
Barbecue sauce: Thick and tangy barbecue sauce works best here to coat the chicken well and create that sticky, flavorful glaze.
Pineapple (sliced or rings): Adds natural sweetness and a hint of acidity that brightens the dish. Fresh or canned both work well.
Dark brown sugar: Enhances the barbecue and pineapple while adding a deeper molasses note.
Soy sauce: Just a splash for umami depth and to balance the sweetness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

While I love the classic Pineapple Chicken Bake Recipe as is, I often tweak it to keep things exciting depending on what’s in my pantry or how adventurous I'm feeling. You can absolutely make this dish your own.

Variation: For extra zing, I sometimes add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the brown sugar-soy paste. It gives a gentle heat that plays beautifully with the sweet pineapple.
Dietary tweaks: Need gluten-free? Just swap out the soy sauce for coconut aminos.
Fresh herbs: Sprinkle chopped cilantro or green onions on top right before serving for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Crispier topping: For a little crunch, add a sprinkle of panko breadcrumbs combined with a drizzle of melted butter before baking.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Pineapple Chicken Bake Recipe

A white plate with a textured rim holds a meal arranged in three parts: the bottom layer is a bed of white rice with a soft, fluffy texture, spread evenly across the plate's right side; on top of the rice, there are golden-brown chicken pieces covered with bright yellow pineapple slices glazed with a shiny, sticky sauce that has a slightly reddish tint and smooth consistency; to the left of the rice and chicken, a cluster of vibrant green broccoli florets with a fresh, slightly rough texture adds color contrast; all is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep with care and flavor

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lining a rimmed baking pan with foil—this makes cleanup much easier! Then, slice your chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create six thinner cutlets. I always pat them dry before brushing both sides generously with about 2 tablespoons of thick barbecue sauce. Don’t rush this part; giving every piece a good coating makes a huge flavor difference.

Step 2: Layer the pineapple for sweetness

Next, arrange pineapple slices or chunks right on top of each chicken cutlet. The pineapple will caramelize a bit in the oven, lending a juicy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the smoky barbecue.

Step 3: Sweeten and deepen flavors

Mix the dark brown sugar and soy sauce in a small bowl to create a sticky paste. Spoon this mixture evenly over the pineapple-topped chicken. This step is key for getting that irresistible caramelized glaze everyone will ask about.

Step 4: Bake and baste for perfection

Bake uncovered for about 20 minutes. Towards the last few minutes, baste the chicken with the pan juices by spooning the sauce over the top. This keeps the chicken juicy and intensifies that incredible pineapple-barbecue flavor.

Step 5: Rest and serve

Once out of the oven, cover loosely with foil and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This step lets the juices redistribute and keeps the chicken tender and moist—my secret to great baked chicken every time!

Top Tip

One thing I’ve learned from making this Pineapple Chicken Bake Recipe again and again is that the quality of your barbecue sauce truly shapes the final dish. Investing a little in a thick, flavorful barbecue sauce transforms this into something special.

Use Thick Barbecue Sauce: Thin sauces can run off the chicken during baking, resulting in less flavor.
Don’t Skip the Resting: Leaving the chicken to rest makes it juicier, a subtle step that elevates the whole dish.
Baste Towards the End: Basting keeps the chicken moist and adds another layer of saucy goodness.
Foil for Easy Cleanup: Line your pan well, and cleanup is quick, so you never dread making this.

How to Serve Pineapple Chicken Bake Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top my pineapple chicken with chopped fresh cilantro or sliced green onions. The pop of color looks inviting and adds a fresh herbal lift that balances the sweetness.

Side Dishes

Rice is my go-to side here—a simple jasmine or basmati rice does the trick by soaking up the sauce perfectly. I also love pairing it with steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad for a healthy, balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For weekend dinners or when I have guests, I like to serve this chicken over a bed of coconut rice with extra pineapple rings arranged around for a tropical flair. Adding a lime wedge on the side for squeezing brings it all home!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover pineapple chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully without drying out, making great lunches or quick dinners later on.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well too. I recommend freezing the chicken and sauce separately from any fresh garnishes to retain the best texture. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the chicken with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes to keep it moist. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the oven method preserves the texture best.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Pineapple Chicken Bake Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great and add extra juiciness and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through (usually about 25-30 minutes at 425°F).

What type of pineapple is best for this recipe?

Fresh pineapple rings or chunks add a lovely brightness and texture, but canned pineapple (ideally packed in juice, not syrup) works well and saves time. Just drain it slightly before use to avoid excess liquid.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the chicken with the sauce and pineapple the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh when you’re ready to eat for best results.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely. The Pineapple Chicken Bake Recipe reheats well and pairs nicely with rice or veggies for easy meal prep lunches or dinners.

Final Thoughts

This Pineapple Chicken Bake Recipe has become one of those go-to dishes I turn to when I want something flavorful without complicated steps. It’s reliably juicy, has that perfect sweet-and-savory balance, and—best of all—never fails to get compliments. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do. Give it a try and let the kitchen aromas brighten your day!