If you’re searching for a sweet-and-savory dinner that practically cooks itself, you’re going to fall in love with Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken. This dish strikes that perfect balance: tender chicken breasts, slow-simmered in a tropical, tangy pineapple BBQ sauce that soaks every bite with flavor. Whether you’re making a fuss-free weeknight meal or feeding a crowd, this recipe guarantees juicy, satisfying results with minimal effort. It’s truly a family favorite in my kitchen, and I can’t wait for you to give it a try!

Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best parts about Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken is how the simple ingredients do all the heavy lifting. Each one has a purpose—bringing flavor, texture, or a splash of eye-catching color to your plate. Here’s what you need (plus a few tips to make each element shine):

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts soak up the flavors and shred beautifully by the end of cooking.
BBQ Sauce: Your favorite store-bought sauce keeps things easy, but don’t be afraid to try a spicy or smokier version for a twist.
Crushed Pineapple with Juice: The pineapple juice caramelizes during cooking, providing juicy sweetness and a tangy contrast to the BBQ sauce.
Chopped Onion: Adds aromatic depth and melds perfectly with the sauce as it simmers away in your crockpot.
Minced Garlic: Freshly minced cloves offer a subtle sharpness, giving the sauce backbone and complexity.
Soy Sauce: A splash adds that irresistible umami punch, deepening all the other flavors.
Smoked Paprika: Brings in a gentle smokiness that makes this dish taste like it’s been on the grill for hours.
Black Pepper: A bit of freshly ground pepper balances the sweetness and brightens the whole dish.
Salt (to taste): Enhances all the flavors—just remember to taste before you serve!
Chopped Green Onions and Sesame Seeds (optional): These are perfect for garnish, adding color and extra flair right before you serve.

How to Make Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Slow Cooker

Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts directly into the bottom of your crockpot. Arranging them in a single layer helps them cook evenly and soak up the maximum amount of sauce as they simmer away—you want every piece to be drenched in flavor!

Step 2: Mix Up Your Pineapple BBQ Sauce

In a mixing bowl, stir together your BBQ sauce, crushed pineapple (with all that luscious juice), chopped onion, freshly minced garlic, soy sauce, smoked paprika, and black pepper. This vibrant mixture is the real magic behind Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken. Each stir brings the ingredients together into a sweet, zingy, and saucy base that’s loaded with tropical personality.

Step 3: Add Sauce to the Chicken

Pour the pineapple BBQ sauce over the chicken, making sure every piece is coated and nothing escapes that delicious bath. Use a spatula or spoon to spread it evenly so all the flavors can mingle, resulting in boldly flavored chicken by dinnertime.

Step 4: Slow Cook Until Tender

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours (or on high for 3 to 4 hours). You’ll know things are ready when the chicken is incredibly tender and basically falls apart if you nudge it with a fork. The aroma alone will have everyone circling the kitchen!

Step 5: Shred and Coat the Chicken

Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks. The pieces will soak up even more of that saucy goodness as you break them apart. Give everything a good stir so every strand of chicken is blanketed in the tangy pineapple BBQ sauce.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Spoon the Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken over rice, tuck it into fresh sandwich rolls, or serve it with steamed veggies on the side. Top with a sprinkle of chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a pop of color and a gentle crunch. Enjoy immediately while it’s hot and extra saucy!

How to Serve Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken

Garnishes

Garnishing adds a finishing touch that transforms your Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken from homey to restaurant-worthy. I love scattering chopped green onions and a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds over the top before serving. They provide a burst of freshness, a bit of crisp texture, and a vibrant contrast that really makes the dish pop.

Side Dishes

This dish shines with fluffy white rice or coconut rice, soaking up every drop of that gorgeous sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, serve it alongside roasted vegetables, a light coleslaw, or even grilled corn for extra summery vibes. You truly can’t go wrong—this is one of those main courses that pairs with just about anything!

Creative Ways to Present

For an unexpected twist, tuck your Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken into slider buns for effortless party sandwiches, or use the leftovers to stuff inside flour tortillas for tropical tacos. Pile it on a baked sweet potato, or even toss it with steamed veggies for a healthy, flavor-packed bowl. There really are endless ways to let this crowd-pleaser shine!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers are one of the joys of this meal—store any remaining Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to develop as it sits, making the leftovers even more irresistible the next day.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead or save some for a rainy day, let your chicken cool completely, then pack it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Label them with the date, and pop into the freezer for up to 3 months. It’s wonderful to have a stash on hand for busy nights—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently in a saucepan on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or a little extra BBQ sauce if the mixture looks thick. You can also reheat in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. The chicken stays moist and flavorful, making reheated Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken just as delightful as when you first made it!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic substitute—they’ll be even juicier and shred beautifully. Just use boneless, skinless thighs and follow the same cooking directions for this Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken recipe.

How can I make this dish spicier?

If you’re looking to crank up the heat, stir in a tablespoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes along with your sauce mixture. Adjust the amount to suit your preference for spicy Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Simply choose a gluten-free BBQ sauce and soy sauce. Double-check your labels just to be safe, and you’ll have a delicious, gluten-free Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken the whole family can enjoy.

What’s the best way to shred the chicken?

The easiest method is to use two forks directly in the slow cooker. The chicken will be so tender that it falls apart with barely any effort. Make sure the pieces are evenly coated in sauce after shredding for extra flavor in every bite.

Can I make Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken ahead of time?

Definitely! Not only can you cook it in advance and store it in the fridge or freezer, but you’ll also find that the flavors intensify after a day or two. It reheats beautifully for easy meal prep or parties.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that’s as easy as it is delicious, I really hope you give Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken a try. It’s the definition of comfort food—juicy, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing every single time. Share it with family, friends, or keep it all for yourself—you won’t be disappointed!

Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken recipe is a delicious and easy dish that combines the sweet tanginess of pineapple with the smoky flavor of BBQ sauce. It’s perfect for a simple weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite brand)
1 cup crushed pineapple with juice
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste
Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker: Arrange the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
Prepare the sauce: In a medium bowl, mix together BBQ sauce, crushed pineapple with juice, chopped onion, garlic, soy sauce, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
Cook the chicken: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken. Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until the chicken is tender.
Shred the chicken: Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir to coat the shredded chicken in the sauce.
Serve: Enjoy the Pineapple BBQ Chicken hot over rice, in sandwiches, or with steamed veggies. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

Notes:

For a spicier version, add a tablespoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
This recipe also works well with chicken thighs.
Leftovers make great taco or wrap fillings.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours (on low)
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American