This Bacon Pineapple BBQ Chicken is a mouthwatering combination of juicy chicken breasts, sweet pineapple, smoky bacon, and melted mozzarella cheese. Topped with BBQ sauce and baked to perfection, this dish is a simple and flavorful way to enjoy chicken. It’s like a Hawaiian BBQ chicken dinner without the need for a grill, making it a perfect weeknight meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

• 1 cup BBQ sauce

• 1 cup diced pineapple (fresh or canned)

• 6 strips cooked bacon, diced

• ¼ red onion, sliced (about ¼ cup)

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 2 green onions, diced (for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Place the chicken breasts in a casserole dish. Brush each chicken breast with BBQ sauce.

3. Top the chicken with diced pineapple, chopped bacon, and sliced red onions.

4. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken and toppings.

5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, uncovered, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). For a crispy top, broil for the last 4 minutes.

6. Garnish with additional diced green onions and serve.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 498 kcal

• Total Fat: 22g

  • Saturated Fat: 8g

• Cholesterol: 116mg

• Sodium: 1261mg

• Carbohydrates: 36g

  • Fiber: 1g

  • Sugar: 28g

• Protein: 35g

• Vitamin A: 465 IU

• Vitamin C: 23.1mg

• Calcium: 180mg

• Iron: 1.4mg

Flavorful Ingredients Combine for a Unique Dish

The star of this recipe is the combination of key ingredients that bring both tropical and smoky elements to the table. Chicken breasts serve as the perfect base for the dish, providing a lean and tender protein that takes on the flavors of the toppings. The BBQ sauce gives the chicken a rich, tangy, and slightly smoky glaze that caramelizes as it bakes, infusing the meat with a bold flavor.

Pineapple adds a touch of sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory bacon. Pineapple’s natural juiciness makes it an ideal complement to the other ingredients, offering a burst of flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish. The diced bacon, cooked until crispy, contributes a salty smokiness that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the pineapple and the richness of the BBQ sauce.

Adding to this medley of flavors is the melted mozzarella cheese. The cheese brings a creamy, gooey texture that binds all the ingredients together, making each bite indulgent and satisfying. Finally, garnishing the dish with fresh green onions adds a burst of freshness and a slight crunch, balancing out the richness of the cheese and bacon.

A Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal

One of the standout features of Bacon Pineapple BBQ Chicken is its simplicity. While the combination of ingredients may sound gourmet, the preparation is quick and straightforward. The chicken breasts are brushed with BBQ sauce and topped with pineapple, bacon, and onions before being baked. This makes the dish a breeze to prepare, even for those with little time to cook.

Baking the chicken ensures that it remains moist and tender, while the toppings caramelize, creating a flavorful, crispy finish. For added texture and a golden crust, a quick broil at the end helps to achieve a crispy top on the cheese, making the dish even more irresistible.

This dish is a great option for a weeknight meal when you want something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. It requires minimal prep time and doesn’t require any special equipment, making it perfect for busy home cooks.

Healthier But Satisfying

While this dish offers indulgent flavors, it’s still relatively balanced and can fit into a healthy meal plan. The chicken breasts provide a lean source of protein, with each serving containing 35 grams of protein. Protein is essential for muscle building and overall health, making this dish a great option for those looking to maintain or build lean muscle mass.

In addition to the protein, the ingredients also offer a variety of nutrients. Pineapple provides a good dose of vitamin C, which is important for immune health and skin repair. Bacon, while often considered a high-fat ingredient, adds flavor and a smoky richness to the dish in a modest amount. For a lower-fat version, you could substitute turkey bacon or reduce the amount of bacon used, which would still contribute that crispy texture and smoky flavor.

Mozzarella cheese contributes calcium, which is important for bone health, while the red onions and green onions provide small amounts of vitamins A and C. The fiber from the pineapple and the small amount of fiber in the dish from the vegetables helps with digestion.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Bacon Pineapple BBQ Chicken is a hearty dish on its own, but it can be served with a variety of sides to round out the meal. For a low-carb option, serve it with a side of roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or cauliflower. The natural sweetness of roasted vegetables complements the dish’s savory flavors while keeping the meal light and healthy.

For those looking for a more filling meal, consider serving the chicken with a side of rice. Mexican rice, brown rice, or even quinoa would be a great choice, providing a hearty base that absorbs the flavors of the BBQ sauce and pineapple. Additionally, a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory flavors of the chicken.

If you’re hosting a casual dinner or a small gathering, this dish pairs wonderfully with a cold beer or a fruity cocktail, like a mojito or piña colada, which will complement the tropical notes of the pineapple.

Making the Dish Your Own

Bacon Pineapple BBQ Chicken is a versatile recipe that can be easily customized to suit different tastes. For example, if you prefer more heat, you can add some sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes on top of the chicken before baking. The addition of jalapeños would introduce a nice balance of heat that pairs well with the sweetness of the pineapple and the savory bacon.

Alternatively, you can experiment with different types of cheese. While mozzarella gives the dish a mild, creamy flavor, other cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or Monterey Jack would also work beautifully, adding a different texture and flavor profile.

If you’re looking for a more hearty version of this dish, you could layer some sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach under the chicken. These additions would provide extra vitamins and fiber while enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.

Perfect for Meal Prep

Bacon Pineapple BBQ Chicken is an excellent choice for meal prep. You can easily double the recipe and store individual servings in airtight containers for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner throughout the week. The chicken reheats well and retains its delicious flavors, so you can enjoy this meal multiple times without losing the original taste.

Simply bake the chicken as instructed, and then allow it to cool before storing it in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat the chicken in the microwave or in the oven. If you prefer, you can even add extra BBQ sauce before reheating for an added boost of flavor.

Conclusion

Bacon Pineapple BBQ Chicken is a fantastic dish that brings together the best of sweet and savory flavors in a simple and quick recipe. The juicy chicken breasts, topped with smoky bacon, tangy pineapple, and melted mozzarella cheese, create a mouthwatering combination that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with sides like rice or vegetables, this dish is versatile, easy to make, and perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. The balance of flavors, the rich cheese, and the crisp bacon make this a dish worth repeating. With its delicious taste and minimal preparation, Bacon Pineapple BBQ Chicken is a meal that will quickly become a family favorite.