Pineapple BBQ Chicken with Bacon

Introduction

If you’re in the mood for a weeknight dinner that tastes like summer and feels like a BBQ party on a plate, this Pineapple BBQ Chicken with Bacon is calling your name. Imagine tender chicken breasts baked to juicy perfection, smothered in smoky BBQ sauce, topped with sweet pineapple chunks, savory bacon, and melty mozzarella cheese. Oh, and it only takes about 40 minutes from start to finish.

Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal-prepping for the week, this high-protein, low-fuss dish is a keeper. I first whipped this up on a lazy Sunday with a few things left in the fridge—and let me tell you, it became an instant favorite. Now it’s on rotation at least twice a month.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

• Quick & Easy – Just 5 minutes of prep and 35 minutes in the oven
• One Pan Wonder – Everything goes into one dish, so cleanup is a breeze
• Family-Friendly – The sweet-savory combo is a crowd-pleaser
• Meal Prep Approved – It reheats well and makes great leftovers

Taste & Texture

This dish delivers layers of bold flavor and satisfying textures. You’ve got that tangy, smoky BBQ sauce soaking into tender chicken, juicy bursts of pineapple with each bite, crispy diced bacon, and mozzarella cheese that bubbles into golden perfection. Every bite is loaded with flavor and just a little sticky in the best way.

Dietary Attributes

• High in protein (45g per serving)
• Low sugar BBQ sauce keeps it lower in added sugars
• Gluten-free if your BBQ sauce and bacon are certified GF

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredient List

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (choose thinner cuts)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup low sugar BBQ sauce
• 1 cup diced pineapple (fresh or canned, drained)
• 6 strips bacon, cooked and diced
• ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Optional Toppings

• Extra diced pineapple
• Green onions, chopped

Notes on Quality

Fresh pineapple gives a brighter, more natural sweetness, but canned works just fine—just drain it well. For BBQ sauce, go for a smoky variety if you want more depth. As for cheese, a good quality mozzarella melts best and gives you that beautiful golden-brown finish.

Possible Substitutions

• Swap chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer dark meat
• Use turkey bacon for a leaner option
• Try cheddar or pepper jack instead of mozzarella for a bolder cheese flavor
• Red onion can be replaced with shallots for a milder bite

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and spray a baking dish with oil
2. Arrange the chicken in the dish, season with salt and pepper
3. Add the BBQ sauce, spooning it generously over each piece
4. Top with pineapple, spreading the chunks evenly over the chicken
5. Add diced bacon and sliced red onion over the top
6. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly to cover
7. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp of 165°F)
8. Broil for 3–4 minutes to brown the cheese and crisp the bacon topping
9. Before serving, garnish with extra pineapple and green onions

Expert Tips & Tricks

Best Practices

• Choose thin, evenly sized chicken breasts for even cooking
• If your BBQ sauce is very thick, mix it with a splash of pineapple juice for better spreading
• Layer ingredients evenly so every bite gets a little of everything

Common Mistakes

• Overcooking the chicken – use a thermometer to keep it juicy
• Adding cheese too early – wait until halfway through baking if you want less browning
• Using overly watery pineapple – pat it dry to avoid a soggy top

Time-Saving Tips

• Use pre-cooked bacon or microwave a few strips for quick crisping
• Prep everything the night before, so it’s ready to pop in the oven after work
• Use shredded rotisserie chicken for a BBQ chicken bake twist

Serving Suggestions

Pairings

This dish is so flavorful it pairs best with light sides like:

• Steamed broccoli or green beans
• A simple coleslaw with vinegar dressing
• Roasted sweet potatoes or corn on the cob

Presentation Ideas

• Serve on a wooden cutting board with extra sauce on the side
• Garnish with finely sliced green onions or a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce for color

Beverage Pairings

• Iced tea with lemon or a light ginger beer
• Chardonnay or a fruity rosé for wine lovers
• A crisp lager or wheat beer if you want something bubbly

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
• You can freeze the cooked chicken in individual portions for up to 2 months

Reheating Methods

• Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10–12 minutes
• Microwave on medium power for 2–3 minutes, but cover with a damp paper towel to keep it moist
• If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating

Frequently Asked Questions

Substitutions & Adjustments

Can I use a different meat?
Absolutely. Chicken thighs, pork chops, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist all work well with the same toppings.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Add all ingredients except cheese and toppings. Cook on low for 4–5 hours. Add cheese in the last 30 minutes.

Troubleshooting

Why is my chicken dry?
It was likely overcooked. Use a meat thermometer and aim for 165°F.

Why is there so much liquid in the pan?
That usually happens when the pineapple isn’t drained or patted dry properly.

Variations & Customizations

Dietary Adaptations

• Make it keto by using sugar-free BBQ sauce and omitting the pineapple
• Make it dairy-free by skipping the cheese or using a vegan alternative
• For a Whole30 version, use compliant BBQ sauce and bacon, and skip the cheese

Flavor Twists

• Add a sprinkle of chili flakes or hot sauce if you like a spicy-sweet kick
• Use smoked gouda instead of mozzarella for a more gourmet flavor
• Toss in bell peppers or jalapeños for extra texture and color

Seasonal/Holiday Versions

• In summer, try grilling the chicken first before topping and baking
• For a fall twist, use apple slices instead of pineapple and add a touch of cinnamon to the BBQ sauce

Conclusion

This Pineapple BBQ Chicken with Bacon is pure comfort food made easy. With its perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory, it’s a dish that never fails to impress—and it couldn’t be simpler to make. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or just want a no-fuss weeknight dinner, this recipe checks all the boxes.

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think. Leave a comment below, snap a photo, and tag me on Pinterest at Cooking with Callie on Pinterest.

Looking for more easy and flavor-packed dinners? Check these out:

• Creamy Chicken Marsala – Perfect for a date night or fancy family dinner
• Sheet Pan Gnocchi – The ultimate easy 30-minute dinner
• Another creamy Chicken Marsala favorite if you’re doubling up

Let me know if you try a twist on this one—I love hearing your takes on these weeknight wonders!

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