Description
This Barbecue Pineapple Chicken recipe features juicy grilled chicken breasts smothered in a tangy and sweet pineapple barbecue sauce. Infused with garlic and onion powder, and topped with fresh cilantro, this dish offers a perfect balance of smoky, savory, and tropical flavors. Quick to prepare and cook, it makes for a delicious and vibrant meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Pineapple Barbecue Sauce
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat Grill: Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, ensuring it’s hot enough for cooking the chicken evenly.
- Prepare Chicken: Brush both sides of the chicken breasts with olive oil to prevent sticking and enhance grilling.
- Season Chicken: Evenly season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt to build layers of flavor.
- Grill Chicken: Place the chicken on the preheated grill and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
- Make Pineapple Sauce: While the chicken cooks, combine barbecue sauce, pineapple chunks, and pineapple juice in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Simmer Sauce: Stir the sauce occasionally and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly and the pineapple chunks soften, melding the flavors.
- Remove Chicken: Once cooked, take the chicken off the grill and place it on a serving plate ready for saucing.
- Coat Chicken: Pour the warm pineapple barbecue sauce over the grilled chicken breasts, making sure they are evenly covered.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top to add a bright, fresh flavor and appealing color.
- Serve: Serve the barbecue pineapple chicken immediately with your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.
Notes
- Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F to guarantee it is safely cooked.
- You can substitute fresh pineapple chunks with canned if fresh is unavailable, but drain excess juice to avoid thinning the sauce.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the pineapple barbecue sauce.
- If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan or oven broiler can be used as alternatives for cooking the chicken.
- Leftover sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and used as a condiment or glaze.
