Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken
Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that combines the natural sweetness of pineapple with smoky barbecue sauce. Cooked low and slow until tender and juicy, this family-friendly meal requires minimal effort and can be enjoyed with rice, sandwiches, or salads for versatile dining options.
- Author: James
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 7 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes on low
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 ½ cups pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, with juice)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Extras
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Fresh herbs (such as cilantro) for garnish
- Prep the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs into the bottom of the crockpot. Season lightly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to create a simple yet flavorful base.
- Add Pineapple and Sauce: Evenly pour the pineapple chunks, including the juice if using canned, over the chicken. Then, add a generous layer of barbecue sauce, spreading it so every piece is well-coated for the perfect blend of flavors.
- Cook Low and Slow: Set the crockpot to low and cook for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking process ensures the chicken becomes tender enough to shred effortlessly while absorbing the sweet and smoky flavors.
- Shred and Stir: After cooking, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. Stir thoroughly to mix the meat with the pineapple and barbecue sauce, locking in the savory-sweet flavors.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken hot with your favorite sides, or use it as a filling for sandwiches, wraps, tacos, or salads for a tasty and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier and richer flavor compared to breasts.
- Include pineapple juice when using canned pineapple to add sweetness and prevent dryness.
- Resist the urge to lift the lid during cooking to maintain consistent heat.
- Choose a barbecue sauce that balances sweetness and tang to complement the pineapple flavor.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro after cooking to brighten the dish just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Crockpot chicken, pineapple BBQ chicken, slow cooker chicken, BBQ chicken recipe, easy dinner, Crockpot recipe, family meal, gluten free