A delightful fusion of sweet and savory, this Pineapple BBQ Chicken with Bacon combines juicy, oven-baked chicken with smoky bacon, tangy barbecue sauce, and caramelized pineapple—perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or casual gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bursting with layers of flavor—sweet pineapple, smoky bacon, zesty BBQ sauce, melted cheese, and crisp onions.
Ready in under an hour with minimal prep.
All-in-one baking dish—no grill required.
Family-friendly fare that feels special yet is easy to make.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 thinly sliced skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1 cup BBQ sauce
1 cup diced pineapple
6 strips bacon, cooked and diced
¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 green onions, diced (for garnish)

directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
Arrange chicken breasts in a single layer and brush evenly with BBQ sauce.
Top each breast with diced pineapple, then sprinkle with cooked bacon and red onion.
Cover with mozzarella cheese.
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until chicken is cooked through.
Broil for 3–4 minutes to brown the cheese.
Garnish with green onions before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: Approximately 55 minutes

Variations

Spicy kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of chili flakes with the pineapple and onion.
Tropical twist: Swap pineapple for mango or grilled peaches for a fruity change.
Asian fusion: Use teriyaki sauce instead of BBQ for an umami flavor.
Cheesy upgrade: Mix mozzarella with sharp cheddar or pepper jack for a richer taste.

storage/reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–5 days.
Freezer: Portion into freezer-safe containers; freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating:
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F covered with foil until heated through (about 15–20 minutes).
- Microwave: Cover with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes—boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and stay juicier. You may need to adjust the bake time to around 30–35 minutes.

2. Do I have to precook the bacon?

Yes. Precook until crisp before adding—it ensures proper texture and flavor in the finished dish.

3. Can I use canned pineapple?

Absolutely. Just drain it well before using to prevent excess moisture.

4. What internal temperature should the chicken reach?

The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C) at its thickest point.

5. Can I assemble this dish ahead of time?

Yes—assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

6. How can I make this dish less sweet?

Use a low-sugar BBQ sauce or reduce the amount of pineapple.

7. Can I grill this instead of baking?

Yes—use a grill-safe pan or foil packet and cook over indirect heat until the chicken is fully cooked, then add cheese to melt.

8. Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your BBQ sauce and bacon are gluten-free. Always check ingredient labels.

9. Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes—omit the cheese or substitute with a dairy-free alternative.

10. What sides go well with this dish?

It pairs well with rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad.

Conclusion

This Pineapple BBQ Chicken with Bacon is an effortless yet impressive dish that delivers bold flavor and delightful textures in every bite. Ideal for casual dinners or entertaining guests, it’s versatile, customizable, and sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.