Easy Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken Recipe

Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken is a slow cooker meal made with tender chicken breasts simmered in a mix of barbecue sauce and sweet pineapple.

As it cooks, the chicken soaks up all that smoky, tangy, and tropical flavor, turning melt-in-your-mouth soft.

I love how simple this meal is. I just toss everything into the slow cooker in the morning, go about my day, and come back to tender, juicy chicken that’s practically falling apart.

The combination of tangy BBQ sauce and sweet pineapple tidbits creates the kind of flavor that makes you want seconds (and maybe thirds).

The first time I made this, my family couldn’t stop asking what smelled so good. When we finally sat down to eat, there wasn’t a bite left. That’s when I knew this recipe was a keeper.

If you’re after something easy, family-friendly, and packed with flavor — this Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken is about to become one of your favorite slow cooker meals.

Why We’ll Love This Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken Recipe?

Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken is one of those recipes that checks every box — easy, flavorful, and family-approved.

I love how I can throw everything into the crockpot in the morning and come back later to a dinner that tastes like it’s been slow-cooked all day by a pro.

Here’s why We’ll love it too:

1. Simple ingredients: Everything you need is probably already in your kitchen — no fancy sauces or special seasonings required.

2. Incredible flavor: The mix of tangy BBQ sauce and sweet pineapple gives the chicken that perfect balance of smoky and sweet.

3. Perfect for busy days: Whether you’re working, running errands, or just want a break from cooking, this slow cooker recipe makes dinner stress-free.

4. Tender chicken every time: The crockpot keeps the chicken moist and flavorful — no dry meat here!

5. Versatile leftovers: Use the leftovers for sandwiches, wraps, tacos, or even pizza toppings the next day.

How To Make Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken?

Recipe Overview

Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken brings together the tropical sweetness of pineapple and the smoky richness of barbecue sauce for a melt-in-your-mouth chicken dinner that’s effortless to make.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4–6 hours (on low) or 2–3 hours (on high)
• Total Time: About 6 hours
• Cuisine: American
• Course: Main Dish
• Difficulty: Easy
• Yield: 6 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 330 kcal
• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce

Equipment

You’ll only need a few simple tools to make this Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken:

• Crockpot or slow cooker (6-quart size is ideal)
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring spoons
• Mixing spoon or spatula
• Non-stick cooking spray

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp butter or ghee (or extra virgin olive oil)
• ½ green pepper, finely chopped
• ½ large sweet onion, finely chopped
• 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• Non-stick olive oil cooking spray
• 1½ tbsp smoked paprika (make sure it’s smoked paprika for that BBQ depth)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt (more or less, to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 can (10 oz) pineapple tidbits, drained well
• 1 bottle (18 oz) barbecue sauce of your choice

Ingredient Notes

1. Chicken: Boneless, skinless breasts are perfect, but you can swap for chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat.

2. Pineapple: I like using tidbits instead of crushed pineapple — they hold their shape and give you little pops of sweetness.

3. BBQ Sauce: Any store-bought sauce works, but I personally love using a smoky or hickory-style BBQ sauce for this recipe.

4. Smoked Paprika: Don’t skip this! It adds that true backyard barbecue flavor.

5. Butter or Ghee: Adds richness to the sauce while keeping the chicken moist.

Instructions

1. Prep your slow cooker:

Lightly coat the inside of your crockpot with olive oil cooking spray.

2. Saute the veggies (optional but worth it):

Melt butter or ghee in a small pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.

3. Layer the chicken:

Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.

4. Add the pineapple and BBQ sauce:

Pour the drained pineapple tidbits evenly over the chicken, then cover everything with the BBQ sauce.

Cook:

•  On low heat: 5–6 hours
•  On high heat: 2½–3 hours

The chicken should be tender and easy to shred with a fork.

5. Shred and mix:

Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks. Stir everything together so the chicken soaks up the sauce.

6. Serve and enjoy:

Serve hot over rice, mashed potatoes, or in toasted sandwich buns.

Tip: If you like a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to let it reduce slightly.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 330
• Protein: 36g
• Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 680mg

Recipe Tips

✔️Make it spicy: Add a few red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for extra kick.

✔️Use chicken thighs: If you prefer juicy, darker meat, thighs work perfectly in this recipe.

✔️Pineapple BBQ Chicken Tacos: Spoon the shredded chicken into soft tortillas and top with coleslaw.

✔️BBQ Pineapple Chicken Sandwiches: Pile the chicken on toasted buns with melted cheese and pickle slices.

✔️Meal prep friendly: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the fridge.

Serving Suggestions

This Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken pairs wonderfully with:

1. Steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice

2. Grilled vegetables

3. Mashed potatoes

4. Cornbread or dinner rolls

5. Simple green salad for a fresh side

Storing Tips

✅Refrigerate: Store in a sealed container for up to 4 days.

✅Freeze: Cool completely, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet or microwave.

Health Benefits

Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken is high in protein and lower in fat when made with chicken breasts. Pineapple provides vitamin C and natural sweetness,

while garlic and onion add flavor without extra calories. It’s a balanced dish that satisfies your comfort-food cravings while keeping things light.

Recipe Note

1. Always drain the pineapple well to prevent the sauce from becoming watery.

2. Use smoked paprika, not regular — it makes all the difference.

3. If using a sweeter BBQ sauce, reduce the pineapple slightly to keep the balance.

4. Perfect for meal prep — tastes even better the next day!

FAQ

What Makes Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken Such an Easy and Flavorful Weeknight Dinner Option?

It’s all about convenience and flavor. You only need a few pantry ingredients, and the slow cooker handles everything. The sauce thickens beautifully while the chicken becomes fork-tender and infused with sweet BBQ flavor.

Can I Use Fresh Pineapple Instead of Canned in This Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken Recipe?

Yes! Fresh pineapple chunks work perfectly. Just make sure to reduce the liquid slightly and avoid using the juice so the sauce stays thick.

Conclusion

If you’re craving something easy, flavorful, and sure to please everyone at the table, this Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken is it.

It’s the kind of meal that proves you don’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen to make something truly delicious.

Give it a try this week — your slow cooker will do all the work, and your kitchen will smell amazing. When you do make it,

I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Drop a comment or share your version — maybe you’ll inspire someone else’s next dinner night.