Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4 breasts, 4 ounces each)
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
Sauce and Toppings
- ½ cup low sugar honey barbecue sauce, divided
- 1 can (20 ounces) pineapple chunks, drained
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Grease a baking dish with cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
- Season the chicken: Season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Arrange and sauce the chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the greased baking dish. Spread 1/3 of the low sugar honey barbecue sauce over the chicken, rubbing it well into the meat. Then, evenly distribute the drained pineapple chunks on top of the chicken.
- Add remaining sauce and marinate: Pour the remaining barbecue sauce over the pineapple-covered chicken. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours to marinate and enhance flavor infusion.
- Preheat the oven and prepare for baking: Preheat your oven to 400˚F (204˚C). Remove the plastic wrap from the baking dish and drizzle olive oil evenly over the chicken and pineapple to promote browning and add moisture.
- Bake the chicken: Place the uncovered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 32 to 35 minutes. The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165˚F (74˚C) as measured with an instant-read meat thermometer. Cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts.
- Rest before serving: Remove the dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring moist and flavorful chicken.
Notes
- For best results, use an instant-read meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked safely to 165˚F.
- Marinating the chicken allows the flavors from the barbecue sauce and pineapple to penetrate the meat for enhanced taste.
- Drain the pineapple chunks well to avoid excess liquid diluting the sauce during baking.
- Feel free to substitute the low sugar honey barbecue sauce with your favorite barbecue sauce according to dietary preferences.
- This recipe pairs well with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Sugar
