Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken

Why Make This Recipe

Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, making it a go-to choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The convenience of cooking in a slow cooker allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in tender and juicy chicken that can easily be shredded and served in a variety of ways. Whether you’re looking for a quick family dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck, this recipe fits the bill perfectly. Plus, the tropical twist from pineapple adds a refreshing change from traditional BBQ chicken.

How to Make Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken

Making Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken is as straightforward as it gets, perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs. Simply layer your ingredients in the slow cooker, let it simmer for several hours, and enjoy the tantalizing aroma that fills your kitchen. This hands-off method allows you to focus on your day while your meal cooks itself.

Ingredients:

• 4 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (The main protein for the dish.)
• 1 cup Barbecue sauce (Adds flavor and moisture.)
• 1 cup Pineapple chunks (Fresh or canned, drained.)
• 1 tablespoon Soy sauce (Enhances the umami flavor.)
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder (Adds depth of flavor.)
• 1 teaspoon Onion powder (Provides a subtle sweetness.)
• to taste Salt (For seasoning.)
• to taste Pepper (For seasoning.)
• as needed Chopped green onions (For garnish.)

Directions:

1. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, pineapple chunks, soy sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
3. Pour the pineapple BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken in the crockpot, ensuring the chicken is well coated.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and mix it with the sauce.
6. Serve the pineapple BBQ chicken hot, garnished with chopped green onions.

How to Serve Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken

Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken is incredibly versatile. Serve it over a bed of rice or quinoa for a hearty meal, or use it as a filling for sandwiches or tacos. You can even serve it on a salad for a fresh twist. The addition of chopped green onions not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a burst of flavor.

How to Store

If you have leftovers, simply let the chicken cool to room temperature and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the shredded chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers. It will keep well for up to 3 months; just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Tips to Make

• For an extra layer of flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the barbecue sauce and soy sauce mixture overnight.
• If you prefer a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce mix.
• Ensure that the chicken is well-coat in the sauce to prevent it from drying out during cooking.

Variation

You can customize this recipe to your liking. Swap out the barbecue sauce for teriyaki sauce for a different flavor profile, or add chopped bell peppers and onions for extra veggies. If you want a tangier version, incorporate a splash of apple cider vinegar into the sauce mixture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you may need to increase the cooking time by an hour or so to ensure they are fully cooked.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients a day before and store them in the refrigerator. Just throw everything in the crockpot the next day.

Is it okay to use other types of meat?
While this recipe is designed for chicken, you can substitute pork or beef, but cooking times may vary. Adjust accordingly to ensure the meat is tender and fully cooked.

Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken

A sweet and savory slow-cooked chicken dish with pineapple and barbecue sauce that's perfect for weeknights or gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American, BBQ

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 4 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts The main protein for the dish.
• 1 cup Barbecue sauce Adds flavor and moisture.
• 1 cup Pineapple chunks Fresh or canned, drained.
• 1 tablespoon Soy sauce Enhances the umami flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder Adds depth of flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Onion powder Provides a subtle sweetness.
• to taste Salt For seasoning.
• to taste Pepper For seasoning.
• as needed Chopped green onions For garnish.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• In a medium bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, pineapple chunks, soy sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
• Pour the pineapple BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken in the crockpot, ensuring the chicken is well coated.

Cooking

• Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
• Once cooked, remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and mix it with the sauce.

Serving

• Serve the pineapple BBQ chicken hot, garnished with chopped green onions.

Notes

For an extra layer of flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the barbecue sauce and soy sauce mixture overnight. If you prefer a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce mix. Ensure that the chicken is well-coated in the sauce to prevent it from drying out during cooking. You can also customize this recipe by swapping out the barbecue sauce for teriyaki sauce or adding chopped bell peppers and onions for extra veggies.

Keyword BBQ Chicken, Crockpot Chicken, Easy Dinner, Pineapple chicken, Slow cooker