Name: Sticky Pineapple BBQ Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup barbecue sauce; 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained); 1/2 cup pineapple juice; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Why You’ll Love Sticky Pineapple BBQ Chicken Recipe

This recipe brings together the perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors. The pineapple adds natural sweetness and brightness, while the barbecue sauce creates a rich, sticky glaze that clings to every bite of chicken.

It’s made with simple pantry ingredients and comes together in one pan, making cleanup easy. The quick broil at the end adds beautiful caramelization, giving the dish a slightly charred finish that tastes like it came off the grill. It’s family-friendly, customizable, and ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the chicken
1 1/2 tablespoons oil
8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks
20 ounces pineapple slices, drained (reserve a little juice if desired)
3/4 cup barbecue sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

For garnish
1 jalapeno, thinly sliced
3 green onions, chopped

Directions

Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season them evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Brown on all sides for about 5 to 7 minutes, until cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
Reduce the heat slightly. Add a splash of the reserved pineapple juice to the pan to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
Stir in the barbecue sauce and allow it to simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained pineapple slices. Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce.
Place the skillet under a preheated broiler for about 4 to 5 minutes, watching carefully, until the sauce becomes sticky and lightly caramelized around the edges.
Remove from the oven and garnish with sliced jalapeno and chopped green onions before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 to 30 minutes
Total time: Approximately 40 to 45 minutes

Variations

You can swap chicken thighs for chicken breast if preferred, adjusting the cooking time to prevent overcooking.

For extra heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or use a spicy barbecue sauce.

Fresh pineapple can be used instead of canned for a brighter, slightly firmer texture.

To make it more tropical, stir in a splash of lime juice before serving.

For a grilled version, cook the chicken and pineapple on skewers over medium heat, brushing generously with barbecue sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To freeze, place cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a small splash of water or pineapple juice if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring between each, until hot.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work well, but they cook faster and can dry out more easily, so monitor them closely.

Do I have to broil the chicken at the end?

No, but broiling enhances the caramelized, sticky texture of the sauce and adds extra flavor.

Can I use fresh pineapple?

Absolutely. Fresh pineapple provides a brighter taste and slightly firmer texture than canned.

What type of barbecue sauce is best?

Any variety works. Sweet, smoky, honey, or spicy barbecue sauces all complement the pineapple nicely.

How do I keep the chicken from sticking to the pan?

Make sure the skillet is fully heated before adding the chicken and avoid moving it too soon so it can develop a proper sear.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it in advance and reheat just before serving. The flavors often deepen after resting.

What side dishes pair well with this recipe?

Steamed rice, coconut rice, grilled vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a crisp green salad all make great pairings.

Can I make this recipe less sweet?

Use a more savory barbecue sauce and reduce the amount of pineapple slightly to balance the sweetness.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, it freezes well once cooled. Store in airtight containers for best results.

Can I cook this entirely on the grill?

Yes, grill the chicken and pineapple separately, then brush with barbecue sauce during the final minutes of cooking.

Conclusion

Sticky Pineapple BBQ Chicken is a simple yet flavor-packed dish that delivers the perfect balance of sweet pineapple and smoky barbecue sauce. With easy preparation and versatile serving options, it’s a reliable recipe for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or casual entertaining. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a regular favorite in your kitchen.

Sticky Pineapple BBQ Chicken