🍍🍗 Pineapple BBQ Chicken
This sweet, tangy, and smoky chicken recipe combines classic BBQ flavors with juicy pineapple for a tropical twist. It’s incredibly easy to make on the grill or in the oven—perfect for summer cookouts, weeknight dinners, or casual gatherings. The pineapple caramelizes beautifully and adds a fresh burst of flavor!
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating)
Cook Time: 25–35 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour (including marinating)
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for juicier results)
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand—sweet or smoky works great)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (or canned, drained)
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh cilantro or sliced green onions
Instructions
1. Prepare the Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
2. Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken pieces in a shallow dish or large zip-top bag.
Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure everything is well coated.
Seal/cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes—up to 4 hours for maximum flavor (don’t exceed 4 hours due to the acidity of the pineapple juice).
3. Cook the Chicken (Choose your method):
- Grill Method
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F/200°C).
Remove chicken from marinade (reserve some marinade for basting if desired).
Grill for 6–8 minutes per side, brushing occasionally with extra marinade, until fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C). - Oven Method
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Place marinated chicken in a baking dish and pour a little extra marinade over the top.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway if desired, until cooked through.
4. Add the Pineapple
During the last 5–7 minutes of cooking, add the fresh pineapple chunks directly to the grill (on skewers or foil) or scatter them in the baking dish.
Let them caramelize slightly for that irresistible sweet-charred edge.
5. Serve
Plate the chicken with the caramelized pineapple chunks on top or on the side.
Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
Pair with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, grilled corn, or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
Tips & Variations
- For extra smokiness, use thighs instead of breasts—they stay juicier on the grill.
- Reserve and boil any leftover marinade for 5 minutes to make a safe glaze (never use raw marinade without boiling).
- Make it spicier: Add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce to the marinade.
- Leftovers are amazing in wraps, salads, or over rice bowls the next day.
Enjoy this tropical BBQ delight—sweet, tangy, and utterly addictive! 🔥🍍
