Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken is hands down one of those weeknight saviors that never fails to impress. Imagine juicy shredded chicken that practically melts in your mouth, bathed in sweet and tangy sauce with tropical pineapple undertones and just enough savoriness to keep things interesting. Everything comes together in your slow cooker with barely any prep, leaving your kitchen filled with irresistible aroma. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving something comforting, this dish promises flavor-packed simplicity in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken is how it transforms simple, familiar ingredients into something extraordinary. Each component has a job to do—adding flavor, moisture, or that craveable, glossy finish—so don’t skip a thing!

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The ideal canvas for soaking up all that saucy goodness; thighs also work if you prefer richer flavor.
Barbecue sauce (1 cup): This brings bold, smoky sweetness—choose your favorite store-bought brand or homemade blend for a custom twist.
Canned pineapple chunks with juice (1 cup): The magic touch! Pineapple adds juicy bites and tropical flair, and the juice infuses the sauce with sweet-tart zing.
Chopped onion (1/2 cup): Offers aromatic depth, melting right into the sauce as it cooks.
Soy sauce (1 tablespoon): A quick splash gives the finished chicken that savory, umami backbone.
Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): An easy way to layer in lots of robust flavor without peeling or chopping.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds the perfect gentle heat and rounds out the sauce.
Cooked rice or buns for serving: The cozy base to soak up every drop of saucy chicken.
Chopped green onions or cilantro (optional): Just a sprinkle gives freshness and color at serving time.

How to Make Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken

Step 1: Layer the Chicken

Start by placing the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of your crockpot. Giving the chicken plenty of room ensures it cooks evenly and soaks up all that delicious sauce as it simmers away.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a medium mixing bowl, stir together your barbecue sauce, pineapple chunks (make sure to include all that sweet juice!), chopped onion, soy sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir until everything is fully combined and the pineapple is evenly distributed throughout the sauce.

Step 3: Pour and Coat

Pour the pineapple-barbecue sauce mixture right over the chicken in the crockpot. Use a spoon to nudge and move the chicken around as needed so it’s thoroughly coated—this is where all the flavor magic happens!

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crockpot, set it to low for 6–7 hours (or high for 3–4 hours), and let the Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken do its thing. The result: tender, pull-apart chicken and sauce that’s rich and glossy with beautiful little bursts of pineapple.

Step 5: Shred and Stir

Once the chicken is fall-apart tender, use two forks to shred it right in the crockpot. Then, give everything a good stir so every shred of chicken is generously coated in the irresistible sauce. Let it simmer on “warm” for a few extra minutes if you have time—the flavors get even better!

Step 6: Serve Hot

Pile generous scoops of Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken over fluffy rice or tuck it into soft sandwich buns. Add a sprinkle of green onions or cilantro for a finishing touch if you like, and dig in!

How to Serve Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions or cilantro does wonders here, adding color and zippy freshness to every serving of Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken. For a sweeter touch, toss on a few reserved pineapple tidbits right before serving.

Side Dishes

This chicken is incredibly versatile. Fluffy jasmine rice is a classic, soaking up every last bit of sauce, while soft sandwich buns transform it into a crowd-pleasing BBQ sandwich. On the side, think crisp coleslaw, grilled corn, or a vibrant green salad to keep things lively.

Creative Ways to Present

Fancy a fun twist? Spoon your Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken onto slider buns for game day parties, wrap it in lettuce leaves for a lighter handheld, or pile it on baked sweet potatoes. It’s also fantastic as a topping for loaded nachos or stuffed inside a quesadilla!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got extra Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken? Lucky you! Allow leftovers to cool, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep perfectly in the refrigerator for up to four days, making lunch or dinner a breeze the next day.

Freezing

This Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, make sure to remove as much air as possible, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy again!

Reheating

Reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave, adding a splash of water or extra barbecue sauce if the mixture seems thick. Stir occasionally until the chicken is hot all the way through and perfectly saucy—just like day one!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs not only stay extra juicy in the slow cooker but also develop an even richer flavor. Just swap them in at the same quantity and follow the recipe as written.

Is there a way to make Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken spicier?

Definitely. Choose a spicy barbecue sauce or add a diced jalapeño (or a pinch of red pepper flakes) to the sauce mixture for extra heat and zest.

Can I prepare Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken ahead of time?

Yes! Mix the sauce and chicken in the crockpot insert the night before and refrigerate it. In the morning, just pop it in the slow cooker and set the timer—dinner will be ready with zero fuss.

What’s the best way to shred the chicken?

Use two forks to gently pull the cooked chicken apart right inside the crockpot. For an even speedier approach, a hand mixer on low will shred the chicken in seconds!

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Just be sure your barbecue sauce and soy sauce are both gluten-free varieties, and you’re good to go for a delicious gluten-free meal.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken enough—it’s weeknight-friendly, kid-approved, and always leaves everyone wanting seconds. Whether you’re brand new to slow cooking or just looking for a dish that guarantees happy faces around the table, this recipe is bound to become a staple. Give it a try, and prepare for rave reviews!

Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 26 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken recipe combines the sweetness of pineapple with savory barbecue flavors for a delicious and easy meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, this dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

BBQ Sauce Mixture:

1 cup barbecue sauce
1 cup canned pineapple chunks (with juice)
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Serving:

Cooked rice or buns for serving
Chopped green onions or cilantro for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Place the chicken in the crockpot: Arrange the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot.
Prepare the BBQ sauce: In a bowl, combine barbecue sauce, pineapple chunks with juice, chopped onion, soy sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. Pour over the chicken.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until the chicken is tender.
Shred the chicken: Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot and stir to coat in the sauce.
Serve: Serve hot over rice or sandwich buns. Garnish with green onions or cilantro if desired.

Notes

Try using a smoky or spicy BBQ sauce for additional flavor.
This recipe can also be made with chicken thighs.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for later consumption.

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