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Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken

Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken

This Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken slow-cooked in a tangy, sweet, and smoky pineapple BBQ sauce. It’s effortless to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights, and versatile enough to serve on rice, buns, or with veggies. This family-friendly dish is bursting with vibrant flavors and requires just one pot for easy cooking and cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, with juice)
  • 1 to 1.5 cups BBQ sauce (your choice of brand or homemade)

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of your crockpot. Season evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to ensure every bite is flavorful.
  2. Add Pineapple and BBQ Sauce: Pour pineapple chunks along with their juice over the chicken. Then generously coat everything with your chosen BBQ sauce. The pineapple juice will infuse natural sweetness that balances the tanginess.
  3. Cook Low and Slow: Cover the crockpot and cook on low setting for 4 to 6 hours. This slow cooking will tenderize the chicken and allow all flavors to meld, producing juicy, delicious meat.
  4. Shred and Stir: After cooking, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. Stir well so the shredded meat absorbs even more of the sauce and pineapple.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken hot, spooned over rice, piled into sandwich buns, or paired with your favorite sides for a complete, satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Choose chicken thighs for juicier meat or breasts for leaner, easy shredding.
  • Don’t skip the pineapple juice; it adds essential moisture and sweetness.
  • Use a thick BBQ sauce so it clings well throughout slow cooking.
  • Check tenderness at 4 hours depending on crockpot size and model.
  • Season chicken before adding sauce to build deep flavor layers.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months, thaw overnight before reheating.
  • Reheat gently on stove or microwave; add water or extra BBQ sauce if dry to keep chicken moist.
  • Fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, green onions, or toasted sesame seeds boost flavor and presentation.

Nutrition

Keywords: Crockpot chicken, Pineapple BBQ chicken, Slow cooker recipe, Easy dinner, BBQ chicken, Pineapple chicken, Gluten-free dinner