Some days just call for dinner to be quick, easy, and stress-free. Enter this Barbecue Pineapple Chicken a fast, flavor-packed meal that comes together with items you probably already have in your kitchen.
This recipe brings a sweet, tangy, and smoky twist to juicy grilled chicken, making it perfect for a family dinner or a last-minute weeknight meal. Serve it up with simple sides and enjoy a dish that feels special without any fuss.
Here’s what makes this recipe work.
Ingredients for Easy Barbecue Pineapple Chicken
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup barbecue sauce
1⁄2 cup pineapple chunks
1⁄4 cup pineapple juice
1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder
1⁄2 teaspoon onion powder
1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
How to Make Easy Barbecue Pineapple Chicken
Heat up the grill
Start by firing up your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. You want it hot and ready for that quick-cook finish.
Prep the chicken
Brush both sides of the chicken breasts with olive oil. This step helps lock in moisture and keeps things juicy.
Season generously
Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt evenly on both sides of the chicken. You’re building that flavorful base here.
This is where it comes together.
Grill the chicken
Place your chicken on the hot grill. Let it cook for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side, until the internal temperature hits 165°F.
Make the pineapple barbecue sauce
While the chicken sizzles, combine barbecue sauce, pineapple chunks, and pineapple juice in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring now and then. The sauce will thicken and the pineapple gets soft and jammy.
Now it starts to smell amazing.
Finish and serve
Once the chicken is cooked through, take it off the grill and place on a serving plate. Pour the warm pineapple barbecue sauce right over the top, making sure each piece is well-covered.
Add a fresh touch
Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the sauced chicken for a fresh, herby edge.
Serve immediately with your favorite sides. Rice, roasted veggies, or a crisp green salad all work well.
Tips for Easy Barbecue Pineapple Chicken
Don’t Overcook
Grilled chicken dries out fast so use a meat thermometer if you can. As soon as it reaches 165°F, pull it off the heat.
Use What You Have
No grill? Use a grill pan or even a regular skillet the flavors still shine through.
Make Ahead
Cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Just reheat and assemble for a super fast dinner later.
Family Style
Double up the recipe for more people. Kids love the sweet pineapple topping!
Why You’ll Love Easy Barbecue Pineapple Chicken
- Super easy steps
- Budget-friendly pantry ingredients
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Perfect for busy family meals
- Meal prep friendly and reheats well
Final Thoughts on Easy Barbecue Pineapple Chicken
This Barbecue Pineapple Chicken is made for real life quick, satisfying, and so simple to pull off any day of the week. It’s the effortless dinner solution you’ll come back to again and again.
Easy Barbecue Pineapple Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Heat up the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat
- Brush both sides of the chicken with olive oil
- Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt on both sides
- Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F
- Combine barbecue sauce, pineapple chunks, and pineapple juice in a saucepan; simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until thickened and jammy
- Pour the warm pineapple barbecue sauce over the grilled chicken
- Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the chicken and serve
Notes
Grill pan or skillet can substitute if no outdoor grill
Make ahead and reheat for a faster weeknight meal
Double the recipe for larger gatherings

