3 Ingredient Pineapple Chicken

This 30-minute, 3-Ingredient Pineapple Chicken recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with just 5 minutes of active prep time. It’s the perfect recipe with the perfect flavor combination and will be one of those easy dinners you turn to again and again.

Original post: March 2020 | Updated: July 2025

Why This Recipe Works

• Easy – Just 3 ingredients, only a couple minutes of prep time and 30 minutes cooking time!
• Fast –  This Hawaiian chicken recipe comes together so quickly and easily you’ll think it’s going to be bland, but it is packed with deliciousness.
• Delicious! – The pineapple and bbq sauce combo creates the perfect flavor combo that the whole family always loves.

When I was a kid, it always seemed odd to combine pineapple with anything but other fruit. But now? Oh sweet pineapple chunks, how delicious you taste when paired with meat. Magic, people, pure magic

And this simple recipe for 30-minute, 3-Ingredient Pineapple Barbecue Chicken is pure magic too! It’s so quick and easy, you’d think it would be a bland dinner, but the BBQ sauce and pineapple are the perfect flavor combo to create a zippy, tangy sauce that is simply irresistible.

Barbecue Pineapple Chicken Ingredients

You only need 3 very simple and very common ingredients for this amazing recipe!

Barbecue sauce – Use your favorite store-bought brand or make Homemade BBQ Sauce.

Chicken breasts – Boneless skinless. Trim any excess fat.

Pineapple – Pineapple chunks work great for this recipe, but crushed pineapple works, too! Or use fresh chopped pineapple.

Hot sauce (optional) – Use your favorite variety. This ingredient is totally optional, but adds such a nice spicy zing!

Top Tip: Be sure to drain the pineapple juice from the can before adding it to the recipe to avoid an extra juicy dish.

How To Make 3-Ingredient Pineapple Chicken

This Sweet Hawaiian Chicken is one of those simple dinner recipes that couldn’t be easier to put together. 

Step 1

Preheat oven and coat a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray. 

Step 2 

Evenly spread 1/2 of the BBQ sauce on the bottom of the prepared dish and top the sauce with chicken.

Add the pineapple chunks in a layer over the top and drizzle the remaining BBQ sauce. 

If using, drizzle the hot sauce over the top and sprinkle with parsley or sliced green onions.

Step 3

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken has an internal temp of 165 degrees F.

Recipe Notes & Tips

• This recipe can also be made in a slow cooker! To make croc kpot pineapple chicken, place all ingredients inside in the same layered order and cook on low heat for 4 hours, or until chicken is cooked through.
• Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy prep.
• You can also cut the chicken to bite-sized pieces before cooking. 
• Chicken should have an internal temp of 165. Use a calibrated meat thermometer for most accurate results.
• Sliced red onions or bell peppers would also be a great addition, if you have them on hand!
• Need extra sweetness? Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of brown sugar over the top before baking.
• Like things a little spicy? Add some hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or spicy peppers like jalapeno or poblano peppers.
• Replace canned with fresh pineapple if you like.
• Pineapple chunks work great for this recipe, but crushed pineapple works, too!
• Be sure to drain the pineapple juice from the can before adding it to the recipe to avoid an extra juicy dish.

How to Cut a Pineapple Without Waste

Cutting a pineapple can seem like a daunting task, but don’t be intimidated. It is easy to get to the succulent center! Forget the pricy precut pineapple in the produce aisle and click this link to learn How To Cut A Pineapple Without Waste by following a few simple steps! 

A few quick tips and reasons why you should cut your own pineapple.

• So much cheaper than precut fresh pineapple chunks!
• Room temp fruit is easier to cut. 
• Always use a sharp chef’s knife or a long serrated knife. 
• Consider purchasing a pineapple corer if you don’t already have one for perfect pineapple rings.
• Save the pineapple core! You can use it in smoothies, sorbets, etc.
• Compost the exterior pineapple rind pieces if you’re a gardener.

Can Pineapple be Frozen?

Pineapple freezes extremely well! 

Cut the pineapple into chunks, then place in a single layer on a baking sheet and do a quick freeze for 10-20 minutes to avoid the chunks sticking together.

After the quick-freeze, place the pineapple pieces in an airtight container or plastic bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze and use within 4 months for best results.

How to Serve Pineapple BBQ Chicken

This flavorful dish pairs beautifully with a wide variety of side options. These are just a few of my favorites, but check out my full list of Delicious Side Dish Recipes to find your favorite!

• Classic Chopped Salad
• Sauteed Asparagus
• Roasted Broccoli
• Lemon Roasted Vegetables
• Mom’s Mashed Potatoes
• Instant Pot Red Potatoes
• White Rice, Brown Rice, Jasmine Rice, etc
• Cauliflower Rice

How to Store Leftover Pineapple Chicken

Allow any leftover chicken to cool completely before storing. Store in an airtight container in your refrigerator and use within 4-5 days.

I don’t recommend freezing this dish: the texture of the ingredients doesn’t necessarily hold up after thawing. But this chicken dish goes so fast, you won’t even need to worry about it!

How to Reheat

Reheat leftover barbecue pineapple chicken in the oven or microwave.

In the Oven – Preheat oven to 350 and place chicken in a small baking dish or pie plate. Cover with foil so it doesn’t dry out, and reheat for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

In the Microwave – Place in a microwave safe dish and heat on high for 2 minutes or until heated through.

More Delicious Chicken Recipes

• Chicken Rice Bake – Made in one pan, this is the perfect weeknight family dinner packed with delicious flavor. 
• Instant Pot Whole Rotisserie Chicken – Cook a tender, perfectly roasted whole chicken in your Instant Pot in less than an hour!
• Slow Cooker Crack Chicken – An addicting and delicious lunch or dinner option AND the perfect party food that everyone will enjoy!
• One-Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole – NO PREP is required for this quick and delicious Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole!
• Easy Classic Chicken Alfredo – The perfect dinner recipe for busy nights. Everyone at the table will love this comforting dish!
• Instant Pot Chicken and Rice – So delicious and easy, and kids and adults love it!

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