Easy Baked Pineapple Chicken
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With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a juicy and flavorful chicken dinner that feels both easy and delicious. The chicken starts on the stovetop with a little oil and a sprinkle of seasonings to build flavor and give it a nice golden exterior. Then it finishes in the oven, topped with pineapple rings and cheese, creating a sweet and savory combination that makes this dish especially satisfying.
The chicken is seasoned with a simple but flavorful blend of Italian seasoning, sweet paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Those spices give the chicken a savory base with just a touch of warmth that pairs really well with the sweetness of the pineapple. For the cheese, I use mozzarella along with a little Parmesan for extra flavor. Then, if you like, you can finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro to add a bright pop of color and freshness.
Ingredients for Baked Easy Pineapple Chicken
- ITALIAN SEASONING
- SWEET PAPRIKA
- GARLIC POWDER
- CHICKEN BREASTS
- SALT
- PEPPER
- EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL
- MOZZARELLA
- PARMESAN CHEESE
- CILANTRO, OPTIONAL GARNISH
Instructions for Baked Easy Pineapple Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees. In a small bowl, stir together the Italian seasoning, sweet paprika, and garlic powder, then set the seasoning mixture aside.
Next, heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then place them in the hot skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes on the first side, until the chicken develops a nice golden brown color. Flip the chicken over, then sprinkle the tops with the prepared seasoning mixture.
Once the chicken is seasoned, sprinkle 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese over the top. Place a pineapple ring on each chicken breast, then finish with the remaining mozzarella cheese and the Parmesan cheese.
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165 degrees. If desired, sprinkle with fresh cilantro before serving for a little extra color and fresh flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs should work well in this recipe. Just be sure they cook to an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
Do I have to use an oven-safe skillet?
If you do not have an oven-safe skillet, you can transfer the chicken to a baking dish before adding the cheese and pineapple, then finish it in the oven.
What kind of pineapple should I use?
Pineapple rings work best for this recipe because they sit nicely on top of the chicken. Canned pineapple rings are an easy option, but fresh pineapple slices can also work.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes. Mozzarella is a great choice because it melts well, but provolone or Monterey Jack could also be delicious. The Parmesan adds extra flavor, so I would keep that in if possible.
Do I have to use cilantro?
No. The cilantro is optional and just adds a little fresh color and flavor at the end. If you are not a fan, you can leave it off.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
This recipe is best served fresh, but you can mix the seasonings ahead of time and have the pineapple and cheese ready to go to make dinner prep even easier.
What can I serve with this chicken?
This chicken would be delicious with rice, roasted vegetables, a green salad, or even mashed potatoes.
Will the pineapple make the chicken sweet?
The pineapple adds a little sweetness, but it is balanced by the savory seasonings and cheese. It gives the dish a nice sweet-and-savory flavor combination.
Tips and Tricks
- Use chicken breasts that are similar in size. This helps the chicken cook more evenly so one piece does not finish long before the others.
- Pound thicker chicken pieces if needed. If your chicken breasts are very thick, lightly pounding them to a more even thickness can help them cook faster and more evenly.
- Do not skip browning the chicken first. Searing the chicken in the skillet adds flavor and gives it a nice golden color before it finishes in the oven.
- Use an oven-safe skillet for easy cleanup. Cooking everything in one pan makes this recipe simpler and means fewer dishes to wash later.
- Drain the pineapple well. If you are using canned pineapple rings, let them drain first so extra liquid does not make the dish watery.
- Use freshly shredded mozzarella if possible. Freshly shredded cheese usually melts better and gives the chicken a smoother, creamier topping.
- Check the chicken with a thermometer. The best way to know when it is done is to make sure it reaches 165 degrees in the thickest part.
- Add the cilantro at the end. If you are using cilantro, sprinkle it just before serving so it stays fresh and bright.
For more recipes like this, try:
- Oven Baked Buttermilk Chicken with Gravy
- Sticky Coconut Chicken
- Maple Pretzel Chicken
- Honey and Soy Baked Chicken Thighs
Easy Baked Pineapple Chicken
Real Mom Kitchen
Ingredients
- ¾ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp sweet paprika
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 4 chicken breasts
- salt
- pepper
- 1 ½ cup mozzarella cheese shredded and divided
- 4 pineapple rings
- 2 Tbsp Parmesan cheese
- 1 Tbsp cilantro minced
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the Italian seasoning, sweet paprika, and garlic powder. Set aside. Then preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- In a large oven-proof skillet, heat the olive oil. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook chicken for 5 minutes on one side in the skillet until golden brown. Flip the chicken, then season the top with the seasoning mix.
- Next, sprinkle 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese over the chicken. Top each chicken breast with a pineapple ring, then the remaining mozzarella cheese, and finally the parmesan cheese.
- Add the skillet to the oven and bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the chicken reaches 165 degrees. Garnish with cilantro for serving if desired.
This recipe is adapted from Delish.
