Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken

I’m so glad you’re here, because this recipe is about to become one of your absolute favorites. This Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken is tender, juicy, and bursting with sweet and savory flavor—thanks to the magical combo of pineapple, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce. It’s one of those “dump and go” slow cooker recipes that gives you all-day flavor with just a few minutes of prep.

Whether you’re feeding a family on a busy weeknight or just looking for a comforting dish that tastes like summer in a bowl, this one delivers. And if you haven’t yet, make sure to subscribe to my email list so you never miss a flavor-packed, easy dinner idea like this one!

What Is Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken?

Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken is a slow-cooked chicken dish where boneless chicken breasts or thighs simmer for hours in a tangy, sweet, and savory sauce made with pineapple juice, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar. The result is fall-apart tender chicken that’s full of tropical BBQ flavor—perfect over rice, in sandwiches, or even tacos!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Set it and forget it – The crockpot does all the work!
• Minimal ingredients – Just 5 pantry staples plus chicken.
• Versatile serving options – Serve it over rice, in buns, or with veggies.
• Family-friendly – Kids and adults love this sweet and savory combo.
• Perfect for meal prep – Tastes even better the next day!

What Does It Taste Like?

This dish is a flavor bomb in the best way. The pineapple brings juicy sweetness, the BBQ sauce adds a smoky tang, and the soy sauce brings umami depth. Combined with tender, slow-cooked chicken, it’s sweet, savory, and saucy—comforting yet refreshing. The pineapple chunks soften just enough to melt in your mouth but still hold their shape for that juicy bite.

Health & Meal Benefits

• High in protein – Chicken is a lean, satisfying protein source.
• Gluten-free – Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
• Naturally dairy-free
• Great for leftovers – Stores well and reheats beautifully.

Ingredients

• 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained (reserve the juice)
• ½ cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• ½ cup barbecue sauce (choose your favorite brand)
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

Optional garnishes: chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or fresh cilantro

Tools You’ll Need

• Crockpot / Slow cooker (4-6 quart)
• Medium mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Forks for shredding
• Serving spoon

Ingredient Swaps & Additions

Substitutions:

• Chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra tenderness
• Tamari for a gluten-free soy sauce alternative
• Honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a natural sweetener

Additions:

• Add sliced red bell peppers or onions to the crockpot for extra veggies
• Stir in a bit of sriracha or chili flakes for some heat
• Top with fresh lime juice or chopped cilantro for brightness

How to Make Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the reserved pineapple juice, soy sauce, barbecue sauce, and brown sugar until well combined and the sugar is mostly dissolved.

Step 2: Add Chicken

Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) in the bottom of your crockpot.

Step 3: Add Pineapple & Sauce

Pour the sauce over the chicken, then scatter the pineapple chunks on top.

Step 4: Cook

Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. (Or cook on HIGH for 2.5–3 hours if you’re short on time.)

Step 5: Shred (Optional)

For a pulled-chicken texture, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot and stir it back into the sauce.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

Serve warm over rice, in buns, in lettuce wraps, or alongside roasted vegetables. Spoon extra sauce on top—it’s too good to waste!

Serving Suggestions

• Over white or jasmine rice
• In sandwich buns or Hawaiian rolls
• In lettuce wraps for a low-carb option
• As a filling for tacos with slaw
• With mashed potatoes or roasted veggies on the side

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freeze: Freeze cooked chicken and sauce for up to 3 months
• Reheat: Microwave or reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water

Prep & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Total Time: Up to 4 hours 5 minutes

What to Serve with Pineapple BBQ Chicken

• Steamed white or brown rice
• Hawaiian sweet rolls or burger buns
• Coleslaw or a fresh cucumber salad
• Roasted broccoli or green beans
• Grilled corn on the cob (in the summer!)

This dish also makes amazing leftovers for wraps or sandwiches the next day!

Tips for the Best Crockpot Chicken

• Use boneless chicken thighs for extra tenderness and flavor.
• Avoid overcooking—check for doneness around the 4-hour mark on low.
• Reserve the pineapple juice—don’t toss it! It’s essential for the sauce.
• Add veggies halfway through if you like them a little firmer.

Storage and Reheating

Storing:

Let the chicken cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheating:

Reheat in the microwave or in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through.

Freezing:

Freeze the shredded chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but it’s recommended to thaw chicken first for food safety and even cooking.

Is it spicy?

Not at all! If you like a little heat, feel free to add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or sriracha to the sauce.

Can I make it in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Pressure cook for 10 minutes on high with a quick release, then shred and stir.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely. It stores well and gets even more flavorful after a day or two!

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken is exactly what weeknight dinners should be: effortless, flavorful, and loved by everyone at the table. With its tender texture and sweet-savory sauce, it’s bound to become a regular in your meal rotation.

And remember—you can customize it with your favorite BBQ sauce, adjust the sweetness or spice, or even toss in a handful of veggies. It’s flexible, fuss-free, and always delicious.

More Slow Cooker Favorites You’ll Love

• Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza
• Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken with Veggies
• BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders
• Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving – Serves 4)

• Calories: 310
• Protein: 27g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 10g
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 840mg
• Fiber: 1g

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