Make Delicious Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken Tonight!

Get ready to experience a mouthwatering explosion of sweet and savory flavors with this irresistible Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken recipe! Tender chicken breasts simmered to perfection in a luscious sauce made with tangy BBQ and juicy pineapple chunks – it’s a flavor combination that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party dish, this Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken is sure to become a new family favorite.

Table of Contents

Ingredients for Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken

• 2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite)
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained; reserve a splash of juice if you want)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (optional, boosts savory flavor)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional garnish: Sliced green onions, chopped cilantro
• Optional thickener (if you want a sticky sauce):
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water

Step-by-Step Instructions for Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken

Gather your ingredients and let’s get cooking! This Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken is a total breeze to prepare.

Add to Crockpot

Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and season them with a pinch of salt and pepper. In a separate bowl, stir together the BBQ sauce, pineapple chunks, soy sauce (if using), garlic powder, and onion powder. Pour the flavorful sauce mixture over the chicken, making sure it’s all well coated.

Cook

Cover the Crockpot and cook the chicken on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through. Your house will smell absolutely amazing as this Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken simmers away.

Shred

Once the cooking time is up, remove the chicken from the Crockpot and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Then, simply return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir it into the delectable sauce.

Thicken (optional)

If you’d like to achieve a nice, sticky sauce consistency, you can stir in a cornstarch slurry. Just whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold water, then pour it into the Crockpot. Cover and cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the sauce has thickened up.

Serve

Now it’s time to dig in! Serve your mouthwatering Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken over fluffy white rice, tucked into soft sandwich rolls, or piled high on taco shells. Top it off with some sliced green onions or fresh cilantro for a little extra flavor and color. Prepare to be the hero of dinnertime!

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken. Here are some delicious ideas to try:

• Rice Bowls: Scoop the shredded chicken over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice, then add your favorite toppings like diced avocado, shredded cabbage, and a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce.
• Sandwiches: Pile the Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken high on soft burger buns or Hawaiian rolls for a satisfying handheld meal.
• Tacos: Serve the chicken in warm tortillas or taco shells, along with shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream.
• Salads: Toss the shredded chicken into a fresh green salad with crisp veggies and a tangy vinaigrette for a lighter option.

As for side dishes, this Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken pairs beautifully with grilled pineapple spears, roasted sweet potato wedges, or a crunchy coleslaw. The sweet and savory flavors are simply irresistible!

Nutritional Information

Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken is not only incredibly delicious, but it’s also relatively healthy. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a lean protein source, and pineapple provides a boost of vitamin C and fiber. Of course, the BBQ sauce does contribute some added sugars, so you may want to opt for a lower-sugar variety if you’re watching your intake. Overall, this dish is a well-balanced meal that’s sure to satisfy your tastebuds and nourish your body.

Variations and Substitutions

Love the idea of Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken but want to mix things up a bit? Here are some tasty variations to try:

• Protein Swaps: Instead of chicken, you can use pork tenderloin or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
• BBQ Sauce Flavors: Experiment with different BBQ sauce varieties, such as spicy, smoky, or even a honey-based sauce.
• Pineapple Variations: Use fresh pineapple chunks or swap in canned pineapple tidbits or crushed pineapple.
• Cooking Methods: For a quicker meal, you can also make this dish in an Instant Pot or on the stovetop.

The beauty of Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken is that it’s incredibly versatile and adaptable to your personal taste preferences. Have fun mixing and matching ingredients to create your own signature version!

FAQs About Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken

How can I enhance the flavor of my Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken?

To enhance the flavor of your Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken, consider marinating the chicken in the BBQ sauce and pineapple juice for a few hours or overnight before cooking. You can also add spices like smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or ginger to the sauce for an extra kick. Incorporating aromatics such as chopped onions, bell peppers, or even a splash of apple cider vinegar can deepen the flavor profile. Lastly, for a finishing touch, drizzle some fresh lime juice or top with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley just before serving.

Can I use frozen chicken in my Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken in your Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken recipe. However, it’s important to note that cooking times may vary slightly. When using frozen chicken, you should cook on HIGH for about 4 to 5 hours or on LOW for about 7 to 8 hours to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Avoid cooking on LOW for too long as the chicken could become dry; it may be helpful to check the chicken’s doneness a bit earlier than you might with thawed chicken.

What is the best way to serve Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken for a party?

For a party, consider serving Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken as a buffet-style dish. Shred the chicken and keep it warm in the Crockpot, allowing guests to build their own plates. Offer various serving options, such as sandwich rolls, taco shells, or rice bowls, along with toppings like sliced jalapeños, coleslaw, or extra BBQ sauce. This setup allows guests to customize their meals and makes for a fun, interactive dining experience. You can also prepare side dishes like corn on the cob or a fresh salad to complement the flavors.

How can I ensure my Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken doesn’t turn out too watery?

To prevent your Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken from becoming too watery, make sure to drain the pineapple chunks well before adding them to the Crockpot. If you prefer a thicker sauce, consider using less BBQ sauce or adding a thickening agent, such as cornstarch mixed with cold water, towards the end of the cooking time. You can also reduce the amount of liquid in the recipe by using only a portion of the reserved pineapple juice, or by cooking the chicken on HIGH heat, which can help evaporate excess liquid more quickly.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Barbecue Pineapple Chicken
• Honey Garlic Bacon Chicken Bites
• Chicken Salad

Conclusion

Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken is the ultimate slow-cooked comfort food that’s bursting with sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a mouthwatering meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you serve it over rice, in sandwiches, or in tacos, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, go ahead and fire up your Crockpot – it’s time to enjoy the deliciousness of Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken!

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