If you love easy, flavorful meals that practically make themselves, then Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken is about to steal your heart. This dish blends tender chicken breasts with sweet pineapple and a tangy barbecue sauce for a combination that’s the very definition of “set it and forget it” comfort food. It’s perfect for busy weekdays, backyard gatherings, or whenever you crave something a little tropical and utterly satisfying. Whether you serve it over rice, in a sandwich, or straight from the crockpot, this meal is sure to become a household favorite.

Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken is just how simple the ingredient list is. Each component plays an important role, bringing together flavors, textures, and vibrant colors into a meal you’ll return to again and again.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The hearty, lean protein that soaks up all the delicious sauce and stays wonderfully juicy in the slow cooker.
Barbecue sauce: Provides tangy, smoky flavor and helps create that irresistible sticky coating you’ll crave.
Pineapple chunks (fresh or canned): Add a punch of sweetness and brightness, plus bursts of juicy texture in every bite.
Soy sauce: Brings a touch of umami depth that balances the sweetness of the pineapple.
Garlic powder: Boosts the savory notes and infuses the chicken with subtle, mellow garlic flavor.
Onion powder: Adds gentle sweetness and blends seamlessly into the sauce.
Salt: Rounds out all the other flavors, making the dish pop without overpowering it.
Pepper: Lends a hint of warmth and contrast to the other seasonings.
Chopped green onions: A fresh, vibrant garnish that looks as good as it tastes.

How to Make Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by arranging the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a single layer on the bottom of your crockpot. Give them a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper to season them well, setting the stage for the flavors to build as they cook.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

Grab a medium bowl and combine the barbecue sauce, pineapple chunks (drained if using canned), soy sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir everything together until it forms a rich, glossy blend. This mixture is where the iconic sweet-and-savory magic of Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken really begins to shine.

Step 3: Add the Sauce to the Chicken

Pour your pineapple BBQ sauce mixture evenly over the chicken in the crockpot. Make sure every piece gets a nice coating of the sauce, so the flavors seep into every bite while the chicken cooks low and slow.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection

Secure the lid on your crockpot and set it to either low for 6 to 7 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is cooked through and can be easily shredded with a fork. The aroma that fills your kitchen will have everyone sneaking peeks at the crockpot!

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is fall-apart tender, gently remove it from the crockpot and use two forks to shred each piece. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot, mixing it thoroughly with all that flavorful sauce so every strand gets deliciously coated.

Step 6: Serve It Up

Spoon the hot Pineapple BBQ Chicken onto your serving dish or directly onto rice, buns, or a salad. Sprinkle with plenty of chopped green onions for a burst of color and freshness, and dive in!

How to Serve Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken

Garnishes

Garnishing is such an easy way to add that finishing touch to any meal. For Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken, a sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions not only brings bright color but also a mild bite of freshness. For an extra flourish, try adding a handful of chopped cilantro or a scattering of toasted sesame seeds—either pairs beautifully with the sweet-and-savory flavors.

Side Dishes

There are so many playful options when it comes to sidekicks for this dish. Steamed jasmine or basmati rice is a classic choice for soaking up all that wonderful sauce. Try pairing with fluffy mashed potatoes or a simple green salad for a lighter touch. Grilled veggies, sweet corn, or even a cool, creamy coleslaw also work perfectly to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to get clever with Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken! Pile the chicken onto toasted burger buns or Hawaiian rolls for a sweet and tangy sandwich. Stuff it into soft tacos with slaw for a tropical taco night. Or layer it over baked potatoes, in lettuce cups, or even spoon it onto a pizza crust as a quirky BBQ chicken pizza topping. Your imagination is truly the only limit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers are a blessing with this dish! Simply allow your Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken to cool to room temperature, then transfer it into an airtight container. It will stay fresh and flavorful in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it ideal for meal prep or quick lunches.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this recipe freezes beautifully. Place cooled chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, squeezing out as much air as possible. Label and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve that juicy texture.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm leftovers in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave individual portions in 30-second bursts, stirring between intervals, until piping hot all the way through. The flavors only deepen and improve with time!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic substitute in Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken. They’re a bit richer and stay extra juicy, so feel free to swap them in if you prefer dark meat or want even more flavor.

What kind of barbecue sauce works best?

You can use your favorite store-bought or homemade barbecue sauce. Sweet, smoky, spicy, or even a hickory variety—each one brings its own personality to the final dish, so don’t be afraid to play with flavors you love.

Can I make Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, the flavors only get better as they mingle. Prepare everything the night before or cook in the morning and keep warm in the crockpot until dinnertime. It’s an ideal make-ahead meal for busy schedules or feeding a crowd.

Is fresh or canned pineapple better?

Both work perfectly! Fresh pineapple adds a bit more texture and brightness, while canned pineapple is convenient and sweet. Just remember to drain canned pineapple well so your sauce doesn’t become too watery.

Can I make this recipe in the oven or on the stove?

While the crockpot method is the most hands-off, you can also bake everything in a covered casserole dish at 350°F for about 30–40 minutes, or simmer gently on the stove until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Just keep an eye on the moisture level and add a splash of broth if needed.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to fall in love with a meal that’s as easy as it is delicious, give Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken a try. This simple dish will surprise you with its bold flavors and versatility, and you’ll be reaching for it again and again. Gather your ingredients, set your crockpot, and get ready for a new weeknight favorite that always brings smiles to the table!

Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 21 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes (on low)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

This Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken recipe combines the tangy sweetness of pineapple with the savory richness of barbecue sauce, creating a deliciously tender and flavorful dish that is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Sauce:

1 cup Barbecue sauce
1 cup Pineapple chunks, drained
1 tablespoon Soy sauce
1 teaspoon Garlic powder
1 teaspoon Onion powder
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
Chopped green onions, as needed for garnish

Instructions

Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot: Season with salt and pepper.
Mix the sauce: Combine barbecue sauce, pineapple chunks, soy sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Pour sauce over chicken: Ensure chicken is well coated.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Shred chicken: Remove, shred, then return to crockpot and mix with sauce.
Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American