Description
This Pineapple BBQ Chicken recipe features juicy, boneless chicken breasts marinated in a flavorful blend of pineapple juice, barbecue sauce, crushed pineapple, soy sauce, and spices. Grilled or baked to perfection, the chicken is infused with a sweet and tangy tropical twist, making it a perfect dish for a summer barbecue or a delicious family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Marinade
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional
- Slices of fresh pineapple for grilling
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine pineapple juice, barbecue sauce, crushed pineapple, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well blended.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is fully coated with the mixture.
- Refrigerate: Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld, preferably overnight for maximum depth of flavor.
- Preheat Cooking Surface: Preheat your grill to medium heat, lightly oiling the grates to prevent sticking. Alternatively, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if you prefer baking.
- Cook the Chicken: Remove chicken breasts from the marinade, letting the excess drip off, and set aside the leftover marinade. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through with attractive grill marks. If baking, place the chicken in a baking dish and cook for 25-30 minutes, basting occasionally with the reserved marinade.
- Grill Pineapple (Optional): If you like, grill fresh pineapple slices along with the chicken to enhance the tropical flavor.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain juices, then slice and serve alongside grilled pineapple or your preferred sides.
Notes
- Marinating overnight intensifies the flavor and tenderizes the chicken more effectively.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Use fresh pineapple slices for added texture and sweetness when grilling.
- Reserve marinade for basting but do not use raw marinade as a sauce unless boiled to eliminate bacteria.
- Adjust salt according to the sodium content of your barbecue sauce and soy sauce.
