Description
This Sheet-Pan BBQ Pineapple Chicken recipe combines the sweet tang of pineapple with spicy, smoky barbecue flavors, served up on tender, juicy chicken thighs and drumsticks. Marinated in a vibrant pineapple-infused BBQ sauce and roasted to crispy, caramelized perfection, this easy one-pan dish is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
BBQ Sauce
- 1 (20-oz.) can pineapple rings, plus 1/2 cup pineapple juice from can
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 3/4 to 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Chicken
- 2 lb. mix of bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
- 1 small jalapeño, sliced
Instructions
- Make the BBQ Sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, ground mustard, and cayenne pepper until fully combined. Transfer 3/4 cup of this sauce to a small separate bowl and set aside for glazing later.
- Marinate the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces liberally with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add the chicken to the remaining sauce in the large bowl and toss well to coat all pieces evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours, to let the flavors infuse.
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Pan: Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat it to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Arrange the chicken skin-side up on the baking sheet, spacing evenly, and scatter the pineapple rings around the chicken pieces.
- Roast the Chicken: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast the chicken for 30 minutes. Then brush half of the reserved sauce over the chicken pieces. Continue roasting for about 10 more minutes, or until the skin is crispy and caramelized and the thickest part of the chicken registers 165°F (74°C) on an instant-read thermometer.
- Broil for Finish: Turn the oven broiler on high. Broil the chicken, watching carefully, until the skin starts to blacken slightly and crisp, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the chicken from the oven.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the chicken to a serving platter and brush with the remaining reserved sauce. Sprinkle the sliced scallions and jalapeño over the top for a fresh, spicy finish.
Notes
- BBQ sauce can be made up to 2 weeks in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Adjust cayenne pepper amount for preferred spice level.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked through for safety and juiciness.
- Serving with rice or a fresh green salad complements this dish well.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: BBQ chicken, pineapple chicken, sheet pan dinner, baked chicken thighs, easy weeknight meal, caramelized chicken
