Name: Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-485720H23M17S
Total time: 6 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained); 1 cup barbecue sauce; 1/4 cup pineapple juice (from the canned pineapple or fresh); 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; Optional: sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

A deliciously tangy and sweet slow-cooked chicken recipe featuring pineapple and BBQ sauce, perfect for easy meals with tender, flavorful meat.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)

1 cup barbecue sauce

1/4 cup pineapple juice (from the canned pineapple or fresh)

1 tablespoon soy sauce

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Optional: sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot.

In a bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, pineapple juice, soy sauce, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Mix well.

Pour the BBQ mixture over the chicken evenly.

Scatter the pineapple chunks on top of the chicken and sauce.

Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Once done, shred the chicken with two forks and stir it into the sauce for extra flavor.

Serve over rice, in sandwiches, or with your favorite side dishes. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time is about 10 minutes, with a cooking time of 6 hours 30 minutes on low (or 3-4 hours on high). Total time comes to roughly 6 hours 40 minutes when cooking low.

Variations

I sometimes like to swap the chicken breasts for thighs if I want a richer flavor and more juicy texture. You can also add a bit of heat by mixing in some cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the sauce. For a lower-sugar option, I’ve tried using a sugar-free BBQ sauce and it still works well. If fresh pineapple isn’t available, canned pineapple chunks work just as great. To add some crunch, topping the finished dish with chopped toasted nuts or crunchy cabbage slaw can be a nice touch.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I prefer to warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave it covered to keep the chicken moist. If the sauce thickens too much, adding a splash of water or extra pineapple juice helps loosen it up. This dish also freezes well—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, frozen chicken breasts can be used, but it’s best to increase the cooking time slightly and ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature before shredding.

What can I serve with Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken?

I like serving it over white or brown rice, with steamed veggies, or in soft buns as pulled chicken sandwiches.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It depends on the BBQ sauce and soy sauce you use—opt for gluten-free versions to keep the recipe gluten-free.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a crockpot?

Absolutely! Cook on high pressure for about 12 minutes and allow natural pressure release for best results.

How spicy is this dish?

This recipe is mild and sweet by default, but you can easily add chili flakes or hot sauce to increase the heat to your liking.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken recipe is one of my go-to slow cooker meals when I want a fuss-free dinner that tastes incredible. The combination of sweet pineapple and smoky BBQ sauce creates a delightful balance that keeps me coming back for seconds. Whether served over rice or in sandwiches, it’s versatile and delicious, making weeknight dinners something to look forward to.

Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken