Combine the tangy sweetness of pineapple with the smoky richness of barbecue sauce in this delicious skillet pineapple BBQ chicken recipe. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into the recipe and savor the irresistible flavors of this easy-to-make meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
– 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
– Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Season the Chicken
1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides, according to your taste preferences.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Step 3: Prepare the Pineapple BBQ Sauce
1. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
2. Add the pineapple chunks (along with any juices), barbecue sauce, paprika, chili powder, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the skillet.
3. Stir well to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer.
Step 4: Simmer the Chicken with Sauce
1. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the pineapple BBQ sauce.
2. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken to coat it evenly.
3. Reduce the heat to low and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
1. Once the chicken is heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly, remove the skillet from the heat.
2. Garnish the skillet pineapple BBQ chicken with fresh cilantro or parsley, if desired.
3. Serve the chicken hot, accompanied by rice, quinoa, or your favorite side dishes.
Tips:
1. For added flavor, you can marinate the chicken in barbecue sauce for 30 minutes to 1 hour before cooking.
2. Customize the level of spice in the sauce by adjusting the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper to suit your taste.
3. Fresh pineapple chunks will add a burst of juicy sweetness to the dish, but canned pineapple chunks will work just as well.
4. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated for quick and easy meals.
With its mouthwatering combination of juicy pineapple and savory barbecue sauce, this skillet pineapple BBQ chicken is a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Whether served for a family dinner or at a summer cookout, this dish is sure to impress with its bold flavors and simple preparation. Enjoy the sweet and savory goodness of this irresistible chicken recipe and elevate your next meal with a taste of tropical paradise.
