Description
This Hawaiian Chicken Bake is a delicious, easy-to-make meal featuring tender chicken breasts topped with sweet pineapple rings, tangy barbecue sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese. Baked to perfection and garnished with fresh green onions, it’s a tropical-inspired dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 lbs chicken breast, boneless, skinless
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, pressed
Toppings
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- 20 oz pineapple rings (1 can, drained)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Garnish
- 3 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it is hot enough to cook the chicken evenly.
- Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken breasts flat in a large baking dish. Season them evenly with salt, ground black pepper, and pressed garlic to infuse flavor into the meat.
- Add barbecue sauce: Spread the barbecue sauce evenly over the surface of each chicken breast, adding a tangy and sweet base for the toppings.
- Arrange pineapple rings: Lay the drained pineapple rings on top of the barbecue-coated chicken to add a juicy, tropical sweetness.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the pineapple and chicken, which will melt and create a creamy texture during baking.
- Bake the dish: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30–40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the chicken bake from the oven, sprinkle with chopped green onions for freshness and color, then serve warm.
Notes
- You can use fresh pineapple rings if preferred, just make sure to drain any excess juice to avoid sogginess.
- Check the chicken temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it is safely cooked.
- Feel free to swap mozzarella with cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or rice to complete the meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
