Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken
This Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken recipe is a juicy, sweet, and tangy slow-cooked meal that combines tender chicken breasts with the tropical sweetness of pineapple and smoky BBQ sauce. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners or batch meal prep, it delivers vibrant flavors with minimal effort and healthy, balanced nutrition.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1⅔ cups pineapple chunks (fresh or canned in juice)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite variety)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Ingredients
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a gentle kick)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley leaves (optional, for garnish)
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by trimming any excess fat from the chicken breasts, then season them evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to build a flavorful base.
- Layer Ingredients in the Crockpot: Place the seasoned chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. Pour pineapple chunks and their juice over the top, then evenly spread your choice of BBQ sauce to coat everything.
- Slow Cook It Low and Slow: Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours. This allows the chicken to soak up the sweet and tangy flavors while becoming ultra tender.
- Shred and Mix: Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir it thoroughly into the sauce, ensuring every piece is well coated.
- Final Touches: Add optional red pepper flakes or fresh herbs at this stage for extra flavor and visual appeal. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.
Notes
- Choose a 4- to 6-quart crockpot to prevent overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
- Proper seasoning before cooking enhances overall flavor depth.
- Avoid overcooking; use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F to stay juicy.
- If canned pineapple juice is too watery, drain some to prevent diluted sauce.
- If the sauce is too thin, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes and cook on high to reduce it.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Crockpot, Pineapple BBQ Chicken, Slow Cooker, Sweet and Tangy, Meal Prep, Easy Dinner, Gluten Free