Pineapple BBQ Chicken with Bacon Recipe

Introduction

This Pineapple BBQ Chicken with Bacon is a delightful combination of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors. Tender chicken breasts are topped with tangy BBQ sauce, juicy pineapple, crispy bacon, and melted mozzarella cheese for a dish that’s sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients

• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (pick thinner ones)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup low-sugar BBQ sauce
• 1 cup diced pineapple (fresh or canned)
• 6 strips cooked and diced bacon (or turkey/tofu bacon)
• ¼ red onion, sliced (can substitute white or yellow onion)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheddar, gouda)
• Diced pineapple, for topping
• Diced green onion, for topping

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly oil a baking dish and arrange the chicken breasts inside. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
2. Step 2: Generously spread BBQ sauce over each chicken breast, ensuring they are fully coated.
3. Step 3: Evenly distribute the diced pineapple chunks, cooked bacon, and sliced red onion on top of the sauced chicken.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken and toppings for a melted, cheesy finish.
5. Step 5: Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Then broil for 3–4 minutes until the cheese bubbles and becomes lightly crispy.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and garnish with additional diced pineapple and green onions before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a plant-based twist, substitute tofu bacon and an appropriate cheese alternative.
• Use fresh pineapple when possible for the best flavor; canned works well in a pinch.
• Try swapping mozzarella for sharp cheddar or gouda to elevate the flavor profile.
• Thinner chicken breasts ensure more even cooking and prevent dryness.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Avoid reheating in broil mode to prevent burning the cheese and toppings.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other meats instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, other meats like pork chops or turkey cutlets can be substituted, but be sure to thin them out for even cooking and adjust the baking time accordingly.

What is the best type of BBQ sauce to use?

A low-sugar BBQ sauce is recommended to keep the dish balanced and prevent it from becoming too sweet. Choose your favorite brand or homemade version with minimal added sugars.

Pineapple BBQ Chicken with Bacon Recipe

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This Pineapple BBQ Chicken with Bacon recipe combines tender chicken breasts with a tangy low-sugar BBQ sauce, sweet pineapple chunks, crispy bacon, and melted mozzarella cheese. Baked to perfection and finished under the broiler for a bubbly, golden top, this dish offers a delightful balance of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for gatherings.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Main Ingredients

• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (preferably thinner cuts)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup low-sugar BBQ sauce
• 1 cup diced fresh pineapple (canned pineapple chunks can be used as substitute)
• 6 strips bacon, cooked and diced (turkey bacon or tofu bacon as alternatives)
• ¼ red onion, sliced (white or yellow onion can be used)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (cheddar or gouda as alternatives)

Toppings

• Diced pineapple
• Diced green onion

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the chicken breasts in the dish and season both sides with salt and black pepper according to your taste.
2. Apply BBQ Sauce: Generously cover each chicken breast with the low-sugar BBQ sauce. Use a spoon to spread it evenly over the entire surface of the chicken to ensure full flavor coverage.
3. Add Pineapple, Bacon, and Onion: Layer the diced pineapple chunks evenly over the sauced chicken breasts. Next, sprinkle the cooked and diced bacon and the sliced red onion over the pineapple, distributing them evenly for balanced flavor in every bite.
4. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the entire dish, covering the chicken, pineapple, bacon, and onions. This will melt as it bakes, creating a deliciously cheesy topping.
5. Bake and Broil: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C). Once cooked, switch the oven to broil and broil the dish for 3-4 minutes until the cheese bubbles and develops a crispy, golden crust.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and immediately sprinkle diced pineapple and diced green onions on top for a fresh, colorful finish. Serve hot and enjoy this flavorful meal.

Notes

• Use thinner chicken breasts for even cooking and better absorption of flavors.
• Low-sugar BBQ sauce helps keep the dish healthier and reduces unnecessary sugar intake.
• Fresh pineapple is preferred for the best taste, but canned pineapple chunks work in a pinch; just drain them well.
• You can substitute bacon with turkey bacon or tofu bacon for dietary preferences.
• Feel free to swap mozzarella with cheddar or gouda for a different cheese flavor profile.
• Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.

Keywords: Pineapple BBQ Chicken, Bacon Chicken, Baked BBQ Chicken, Easy Chicken Dinner, BBQ Chicken with Cheese, Pineapple Chicken Recipe