Ever find yourself yearning for a sun-drenched summer evening while staring at a dreary, rain-soaked window? I get it—it’s like the universe is conspiring to keep those tangy-sweet moments at bay. Well, this Pineapple BBQ Baked Chicken Breast is like a culinary time machine, transporting you straight to a tropical paradise, where the air smells like salt and sunshine, and the flavors dance in your mouth with a vibrant, chaotic energy. So, even if the weather outside is frightful, at least your taste buds can take a little vacation.
Steps
- Chop the bacon into small pieces and cook in a skillet until crispy, taking care not to overcook since it will continue cooking later in the oven.
- In a bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and hot sauce. Spread a thin layer of this sauce mixture at the bottom of a baking dish.
- Gently pound the chicken breasts to ensure even thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper, then place them in the prepared baking dish.
- Dice the pineapple into small chunks and add them to the baking dish along with the cooked bacon pieces.
- Pour the remaining barbecue sauce over the chicken, pineapple, and bacon. Bake uncovered in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 ½ cups fresh pineapple, diced
- 4 strips of bacon, cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (either homemade or Sweet Baby Ray’s)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (or Sriracha)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Nutritional Values
Calories: 526 kcal | Carbs: 43 g | Protein: 52 g | Fat: 15 g | Saturated Fat: 4 g | Cholesterol: 159 mg | Sodium: 1175 mg | Potassium: 1113 mg | Fiber: 2 g | Sugar: 36 g | Vitamin A: 265 IU | Vitamin C: 33.6 mg | Calcium: 48 mg | Iron: 1.6 mg
FAQ
- What is the best type of barbecue sauce to use for Pineapple BBQ Baked Chicken Breast?
- The recipe works well with sweet BBQ sauces like homemade BBQ Sauce or Sweet Baby Ray’s. While you can try it with your preferred sauce, it will alter the taste.
- How long should I bake chicken breast in the oven?
- Baking time depends on the oven temperature:
- At 350°F, bake for 28-33 minutes.
- At 375°F, bake for 25-30 minutes.
- At 400°F, bake for 22-26 minutes.
- Ensure the thickest part of the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Can I prepare Pineapple BBQ Baked Chicken Breast ahead of time?
- Absolutely! This dish can be prepared the night before or the morning of your event, making it convenient for parties or quick dinners when you’re short on time.
- What sides pair well with Pineapple BBQ Baked Chicken Breast?
- This dish is great with creamy mashed potatoes, fresh coleslaw, or sweet corn on the cob for a complete meal.
- What is the nutritional content of Pineapple BBQ Baked Chicken Breast?
- Each serving contains approximately 526 kcal, with 43g of carbohydrates, 52g of protein, and 15g of fat. It also includes vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, calcium, and iron.
Tips
- Ensure Even Cooking: Lightly pound the chicken breasts to achieve uniform thickness. This helps them cook evenly and prevents some parts from drying out while others remain undercooked.
- Pre-Cook the Bacon: Sauté the bacon until it’s crispy but not completely cooked through, as it will finish cooking in the oven. This enhances the flavor and texture of the dish.
- Monitor Baking Time: Adjust the baking time based on your oven temperature. For a juicy chicken, ensure the internal temperature of the thickest part reaches 165°F.
- Customize the Barbecue Sauce: Experiment with different barbecue sauces to suit your taste. Although sweet sauces like Sweet Baby Ray’s work well, using your favorite sauce can add a personal touch to the dish.
Equipment
- Meat Tenderizer – For lightly pounding the chicken to an even thickness.
- Medium Skillet – For sautéing the bacon until crispy.
- Baking Dish – To bake the chicken breast with the sauce, pineapple, and bacon.
