Delicious Bacon Pineapple BBQ Chicken Recipe

Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game with this mouthwatering recipe for Bacon Pineapple BBQ Chicken. The fusion of sweet pineapple, savory bacon, tangy BBQ sauce, and gooey Mozzarella cheese creates a symphony of flavors that will transport you straight to a Hawaiian luau. This dish strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and exotic flavors, making it a family favorite in no time.

I stumbled upon this Bacon Pineapple BBQ Chicken recipe during a rainy day when grilling was out of the question, and it has since become a beloved go-to in my household. The secret ingredient? Undoubtedly the crispy bacon that adds a smoky richness to every bite. With its roots in Hawaiian cuisine and a touch of American BBQ flair, this dish is a delightful marriage of flavors that will make you feel like you’re dining seaside in Maui, all from the comfort of your home. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to embark on a culinary journey with this irresistible Bacon Pineapple BBQ Chicken recipe.

Quick Benefits

• Explosion of flavors: Sweet pineapple, smoky bacon, tangy BBQ sauce, and melty cheese create a mouthwatering taste experience.
• Convenient oven-baked preparation: Enjoy a Hawaiian-inspired feast without the need for grilling, perfect for any weather or season.
• Versatile and customizable: Easily modify the recipe with creative twists like adding spice or using different protein options for a personalized touch.
• Make-ahead and leftovers-friendly: Store leftovers for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to develop further, and reheat for a quick and delicious meal.

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Bacon Pineapple BBQ Chicken Recipe Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor Profile: The combination of sweet pineapple, smoky bacon, tangy BBQ sauce, and melty cheese creates a flavor explosion that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Easy Weeknight Meal: This recipe is a perfect way to elevate your weeknight dinner without spending hours in the kitchen, making it ideal for busy schedules.
• Family Favorite: Impress your family and friends with this Hawaiian-inspired dish that will have them requesting it over traditional grilled chicken every time.
• Versatile and Customizable: Welcome creative modifications based on your preferences, such as adding spice with sriracha or jalapeños, or making it lighter with turkey bacon and reduced-fat cheese.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: The dish stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, with the flavors developing even more over time, making it perfect for meal prepping.
• Hawaiian-Inspired Fusion: Experience a culinary journey inspired by the diverse flavors of Hawaii, where Asian, tropical, and American influences merge beautifully in this dish.
• Historical Context: Learn about the roots of Hawaiian BBQ and how this dish captures the essence of traditional Hawaiian flavors developed post-World War II.
• Party-Friendly Option: Transform the dish into sliders on Hawaiian rolls for a party option that will be a hit with your guests.
• Simple Assembly: Prep is a breeze, and you can even assemble the dish in advance and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake, providing flexibility for your schedule.
• Pairing Possibilities: Elevate your meal by pairing the chicken with sides like coconut rice, a green salad, or grilled vegetables, for a complete and satisfying dining experience.

Ingredients for Delicious Bacon Pineapple BBQ Chicken Recipe

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

How to Make Delicious Bacon Pineapple BBQ Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Chicken

Preheat the oven to 375°F and use thinly sliced chicken breasts for consistent cooking.

Step 2: Arrange Chicken in Dish

Place chicken breasts in the casserole dish and coat with BBQ sauce.

Step 3: Add Toppings

Place diced pineapple, cooked bacon, sliced red onion, and shredded Mozzarella cheese on top of each chicken breast.

Step 4: Bake Chicken

Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Broil for 4 minutes for a crispier top, if desired.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, sprinkle with a small amount of additional diced pineapple, the rest of the sliced red onion, and chopped green onions.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared the Bacon Pineapple BBQ Chicken, you can store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors of this dish actually continue to develop over time, enhancing the taste of the chicken. To reheat the dish, it is recommended to use an oven set at 350°F for about 15 minutes to retain the tenderness of the chicken. If you prefer to use a microwave, cover the dish with a damp paper towel and heat it on 70% power to ensure the chicken stays moist.

For those looking to make creative variations of this recipe, there are several options available. You can customize the level of spiciness by adding sriracha to the BBQ sauce or incorporating sliced jalapeños before baking. Additionally, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result, adjusting the cooking time accordingly. Those seeking a lighter version can opt for turkey bacon and reduced-fat mozzarella. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese or pre-grilling the pineapple for a more caramelized flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer a different cheese, you can easily swap out the Mozzarella for Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorite cheeses. These options will still melt beautifully and add a rich, gooey texture to the dish.

Feel free to use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a juicier and more tender result. Just keep in mind that thighs might need a slightly longer cooking time than thin-cut breasts, so adjust accordingly to ensure they are cooked through.

If you don’t have fresh pineapple on hand, canned pineapple works just as well. Remember to drain the canned pineapple to prevent excess moisture in the dish. This substitution won’t compromise the sweet and tangy flavors that make this dish so delicious.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and interactive serving suggestion, try assembling these Bacon Pineapple BBQ Chicken ingredients onto skewers before baking. Alternate chicken, pineapple, bacon, and red onion on each skewer and sprinkle with Mozzarella cheese before baking to create flavorful and colorful kabobs. This presentation adds a festive touch to your meal and is perfect for gatherings or family dinners.

To elevate the dish further, consider serving the Hawaiian-inspired chicken on a bed of coconut rice and drizzling extra BBQ sauce on top for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with diced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for added texture and flavor. The combination of sweet, savory, and tropical elements will transport your taste buds to a Hawaiian luau right in your own dining room.

FAQs for Delicious Bacon Pineapple BBQ Chicken Recipe

Can I use canned pineapple in this recipe?

Yes, canned pineapple works well. Just make sure to drain the pineapple to avoid excess moisture in the dish.

Can I substitute Mozzarella cheese with a different type of cheese?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorite cheeses can be used as a substitute for Mozzarella cheese.

Can I assemble this dish in advance and bake it later?

Yes, you can assemble it a few hours in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Add additional baking time if cooking straight from the fridge.

What should I serve with this Bacon Pineapple BBQ Chicken for a complete meal?

Serve it with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion

As you savor the last bite of this delectable Bacon Pineapple BBQ Chicken, I hope the flavors have transported you to a culinary luau right in your own kitchen. This recipe truly encapsulates the essence of Hawaiian-inspired comfort food, blending the sweetness of pineapple, the savory richness of bacon, and the tanginess of BBQ sauce in every mouthwatering bite.

Whether you’re cooking for your family on a cozy weeknight or impressing guests at a summer gathering, this dish is sure to be a hit. The versatility of this recipe allows for endless personalization, making it a go-to favorite that you’ll keep coming back to. So gather your ingredients, fire up your oven, and let the magic of Bacon Pineapple BBQ Chicken delight your taste buds time and time again. Happy cooking!

Delicious Bacon Pineapple BBQ Chicken Recipe

Bacon Pineapple BBQ Chicken: Transform ordinary chicken into a Hawaiian-inspired feast with sweet pineapple, smoky bacon, tangy BBQ sauce, and melty cheese.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time25 Minutes

Cook Time30 Minutes

Total Time55 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings4 Servings

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Prepare Oven and Chicken: Preheat the oven to 375°F and use thinly sliced chicken breasts for consistent cooking.
2. Arrange Chicken in Dish: Place chicken breasts in the casserole dish and coat with BBQ sauce.
3. Add Toppings: Place diced pineapple, cooked bacon, sliced red onion, and shredded Mozzarella cheese on top of each chicken breast.
4. Bake Chicken: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Broil for 4 minutes for a crispier top, if desired.
5. Garnish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle with a small amount of additional diced pineapple, the rest of the sliced red onion, and chopped green onions.