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This bacon pineapple BBQ chicken transforms ordinary chicken breasts into an irresistible Hawaiian-inspired feast right in your oven. The combination of sweet pineapple, smoky bacon, tangy BBQ sauce, and melty cheese creates a flavor explosion that makes any weeknight dinner feel special without hours in the kitchen.
The first time I made this during a rainy summer evening when grilling was impossible. My family was so impressed they now request this over traditional grilled chicken even when the weather is perfect. The combination of flavors reminds us of our favorite vacation to Maui but with the comfort of home cooking.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: Skinless and boneless. Use thinly sliced breasts for quicker cooking and more even flavor distribution.
- BBQ sauce: Choose a quality sauce with a balance of sweet and tangy notes. I prefer one with a hint of smoke.
- Fresh pineapple: Diced. The natural sweetness caramelizes beautifully in the oven and creates incredible flavor contrast.
- Bacon: Cooked and diced. Adds smoky saltiness that balances the sweet pineapple perfectly.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced. Provides a sharp flavor that mellows during baking to complement the other ingredients.
- Mozzarella cheese: Freshly shredded if possible for better melting quality and texture.
- Green onions: For garnish. Adds a fresh pop of color and mild onion flavor that brightens the finished dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. This temperature is ideal for cooking chicken through while allowing the cheese to melt perfectly without burning. Make sure your oven is fully heated before adding the chicken.
- Prepare the chicken base:
- Place your thinly sliced chicken breasts in a casserole dish leaving a small space between each piece. Using the back of a spoon generously brush each breast with BBQ sauce making sure to cover the entire surface. The sauce acts as both a flavor component and helps keep the chicken moist.
- Add the pineapple layer:
- Distribute the diced pineapple evenly over each chicken breast. Make sure each piece gets a good amount as the sweet juices will seep into the chicken during baking creating incredible flavor.
- Apply the bacon:
- Sprinkle the cooked diced bacon over the pineapple layer. Using precooked bacon ensures it will be perfectly crispy in the final dish rather than undercooked or greasy.
- Add the red onion:
- Scatter the sliced red onions over the bacon layer. The onions will soften and caramelize slightly during baking adding another dimension of flavor.
- Top with cheese:
- Generously cover everything with shredded mozzarella cheese creating an even layer that will melt into all the ingredients beneath.
- Bake to perfection:
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature and is no longer pink inside. For a beautifully golden top broil for the final 4 minutes watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Garnish and serve:
- Top the finished dish with extra diced pineapple a few slices of fresh red onion and sprinkle with green onions for color and fresh flavor before serving.
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This recipe came to life when I was trying to recreate a dish from our favorite Hawaiian restaurant. The addition of bacon was my own twist that happened when I had leftover breakfast bacon one evening. Now my family insists the bacon is the secret ingredient that makes this dish special. I always cook extra bacon at breakfast when I know this dish is on the menu for dinner.
Storage and Reheating
This Hawaiian chicken stores beautifully in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually continue to develop which makes leftover portions even more delicious. For best results when reheating use an oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes rather than a microwave which can make the chicken tough. If you must use a microwave cover the dish with a damp paper towel and heat on 70% power to retain moisture.
Customization Options
This recipe welcomes creative modifications based on your preferences or what you have on hand. For a spicier version mix sriracha into your BBQ sauce or add sliced jalapeños before baking. You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts for a more tender juicier result though cooking time may increase by 5-10 minutes. For a lighter version use turkey bacon and reduced-fat mozzarella. The pineapple can be fresh canned or even grilled beforehand for deeper caramelized flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Transform this Hawaiian BBQ chicken into a complete meal by pairing it with complementary sides. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides refreshing contrast to the rich chicken. Coconut rice makes a perfect bed for the chicken and catches all the delicious sauce. For a full Hawaiian-inspired spread add a side of macaroni salad or grilled vegetables. This dish also works beautifully sliced and served on Hawaiian rolls as sliders for a party option.
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Cultural Inspiration
This dish draws inspiration from the diverse culinary landscape of Hawaii where Asian tropical and American flavors merge beautifully. The combination of pineapple and BBQ sauce has roots in Hawaiian local cuisine that developed after World War II when American servicemen introduced mainland cooking techniques to the islands. Traditional Hawaiian BBQ often features a sweet and tangy sauce with tropical fruit typically cooked over an open flame. This oven-baked version captures those iconic flavors while making the technique accessible for home cooks without specialized equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh pineapple?
Yes, canned pineapple works well. Just make sure to drain the pineapple to avoid excess moisture in the dish.
- → What can I substitute for Mozzarella cheese?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorite cheeses can be used as a substitute for Mozzarella cheese.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
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 side dishes go well with this dish?
Serve it with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- → How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check for accuracy.
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work well. Adjust the cooking time as thighs might take a bit longer than thin-cut breasts.