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Barbecue Pineapple Chicken

Barbecue Pineapple Chicken

A tropical, sweet, and savory dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a backyard barbecue. This simple recipe delivers a burst of sunshine in every bite.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1 cup your favorite barbecue sauce
  • 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained reserve a tablespoon of the juice if desired
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for searing, optional
  • fresh pineapple chunks for garnish (optional)
  • chopped fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • Medium Bowl
  • Large skillet
  • Oven-safe pan (optional)

Method
 

  1. If using chicken breasts, you may want to pound them to an even thickness for consistent cooking. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a better sear if you're opting for that step. Season lightly with salt and pepper, if desired.
    1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  2. In a medium bowl, combine your favorite barbecue sauce, the drained crushed pineapple, brown sugar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir well until everything is thoroughly incorporated. If you reserved a little pineapple juice earlier, you can add it now for an extra hint of sweetness and tang.
    1 cup your favorite barbecue sauce, 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or oven-safe pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the chicken pieces. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. This step adds a wonderful depth of flavor and texture to the chicken, but you can skip it if you’re in a real hurry.
    1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, 1 tablespoon olive oil
  4. Pour the prepared barbecue pineapple sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Ensure the chicken is mostly submerged in the sauce. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
    1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, 1 cup your favorite barbecue sauce, 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  5. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your chicken pieces. For chicken thighs, it might take a little longer than for thin chicken breasts.
    1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  6. If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Increase the heat to medium and let the sauce simmer uncovered for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired consistency. You can also create a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) and whisk it into the simmering sauce, cooking until thickened.
  7. Return the chicken to the skillet to coat it in the thickened sauce. Serve the Barbecue Pineapple Chicken hot, spooning extra sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh pineapple chunks and chopped cilantro or parsley for a vibrant finish. This dish is fantastic served with rice, grilled vegetables, or a side salad.
    1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, fresh pineapple chunks, chopped fresh cilantro or parsley

Notes

Storing and Reheating: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Freeze for up to 2-3 months in a freezer-safe container. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.