Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken

Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken is a sweet and smoky slow cooker dish made with tender chicken breasts, pineapple tidbits, and rich barbecue sauce. It’s an easy, flavorful dinner that practically cooks itself — perfect for busy weeknights or family meals.

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Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 6

Total Time: 6 10

Servings: Servings

Calories: 330kcal

Equipment

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

Instructions

Prep your slow cooker:

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

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.

Layer the chicken:

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

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.

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.

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.

Notes

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!

Nutrition