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Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken

Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken

Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken is a flavorful and tender slow-cooked dish blending sweet pineapple with tangy barbecue sauce. Perfectly cooked in a crockpot, it offers a juicy, fall-apart chicken ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, with a tropical twist and a balance of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

Sauce & Flavorings

  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, reserve some for garnish)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or chili powder

Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Trim any excess fat from the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels to ensure it absorbs the sauce evenly.
  2. Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, pineapple chunks (reserve some for garnish if desired), brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika or chili powder. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
  3. Layer Ingredients in Crockpot: Place the chopped onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the crockpot. Add the chicken on top, then pour the prepared sauce mixture evenly over everything to coat thoroughly.
  4. Cook Low and Slow: Set the crockpot to low and cook for 6-7 hours, or set it to high and cook for 3-4 hours. Cook until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
  5. Shred and Serve: Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot, mixing it well with the sauce to maximize flavor coverage. Garnish with reserved pineapple chunks and fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs as they remain juicier and more flavorful compared to breasts after slow cooking.
  • Don’t skip the apple cider vinegar—it balances sweetness and prevents the dish from tasting too sugary.
  • Reserve some pineapple chunks for garnish to add a refreshing contrast in texture.
  • Layer onions and garlic at the bottom for even infusion of flavors during cooking.
  • If the sauce is too thin after cooking, remove the lid and set the crockpot to high to reduce the sauce to desired consistency.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot chicken, pineapple BBQ chicken, slow cooker recipe, BBQ chicken, easy dinner, pineapple chicken, gluten free, family meal