Crockpot Pineapple Chicken: My Sweet Hawaiian Crock‑pot Story and Recipe

I still remember the first time I made Crockpot Pineapple Chicken it was a rainy Sunday, and I was craving something comforting but exciting. My kitchen smelled like sunlit beaches and island breezes, even as drops tapped against the window. That’s the magic of this Sweet Hawaiian Crock‑pot Recipe: it transforms the humblest day into a tropical escape.

If you’re searching for a rich, flavorful dinner that requires almost no effort, this Hawaiian Chicken Thighs Slow Cooker delight is a must‑try. From weekend family dinners to weeknight wins, Crockpot Pineapple Chicken Thighs has become a staple in my home, and I’m thrilled to share it with you.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Pineapple Chicken

There’s a reason this Slow Cooker Chicken And Pineapple Recipes category is so popular: it pairs tender, juicy chicken with a sweet, tangy pineapple sauce that tastes both refreshing and deeply satisfying. Whether you call it Pineapple Pepper Chicken Slow Cooker style or crave Chicken With Pineapple Recipes Crockpot options with a bit of heat, this dish delivers bold flavor with minimal work.

With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a meal that impresses dinner guests and satisfies even the pickiest eaters. Plus, the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, which means more time relaxing and less time fussing in the kitchen.

Crockpot Pineapple Chicken

Crockpot Pineapple Chicken

This sweet, tangy Crockpot Pineapple Chicken combines tender chicken thighs with pineapple, barbecue sauce, and savory spices for a tropical slow cooker meal that’s effortless and bursting with flavor. A Hawaiian-inspired favorite for busy weeknights!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American, Hawaiian
Calories: 390

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 lbs chicken thighs boneless, skinless
  • 1 can pineapple chunks with juice (20 oz)
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce sweet or spicy
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 bell pepper sliced
  • 1 onion sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • red pepper flakes optional, for heat
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To Serve
  • cooked rice or quinoa for serving

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Knife
  • Cutting Board

Method
 

  1. Place chicken thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker.
  2. In a bowl, mix pineapple juice (from can), barbecue sauce, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and black pepper.
  3. Add sliced bell pepper and onion over the chicken. Pour sauce mixture over top. Add optional red pepper flakes.
  4. Cover and cook on Low for 4–6 hours or High for 2–3 hours, until chicken is tender and cooked through.
  5. Serve chicken and sauce over rice or quinoa. Spoon extra sauce on top for added flavor.

Notes

Use fresh pineapple for a firmer texture — add in the final 30 minutes of cooking. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months.

Ingredients for Crockpot Pineapple Chicken

Before we dive into the cooking, here’s everything you’ll need for this standout Crockpot Pineapple Chicken and its variations, like Pineapple Barbecue Chicken Thighs Crockpot and Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken:

  • 2 lbs chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
  • 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, with juice
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce (sweet or spicy)
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 medium bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 small onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper (or more for Pineapple Pepper Chicken Slow Cooker)
  • Optional red pepper flakes for heat
  • Cooked rice or quinoa, for serving
Ingredients for Crockpot Pineapple Chicken
Ingredients for Crockpot Pineapple Chicken

This ingredient list forms the base of your Crockpot Pineapple Chicken, but you can easily adjust it to lean more towards a “Hawaiian barbecue” or a “sweet and tangy tropical” flavor, depending on your taste.

Step‑by‑Step: How to Make Crockpot Pineapple Chicken

Here’s how to bring this Chicken With Pineapple Recipes Crockpot creation to life:

  • Prepare the Chicken Thighs
    Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker. For the best texture in this Hawaiian Chicken Thighs Slow Cooker dish, spread them evenly so they cook uniformly.
  • Mix the Sauce
    In a bowl, combine pineapple juice from the can with barbecue sauce, soy sauce, honey, and minced garlic. Stir well. This sweet, tangy blend is the heart of your Crockpot Pineapple Chicken Thighs.
  • Add Vegetables
    Layer the sliced bell pepper and onion over the chicken. These add color, flavor, and nutrients to your Slow Cooker Chicken and Pineapple Recipes meal.
  • Pour the Sauce
    Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Sprinkle black pepper (or extra red pepper flakes if you’re making Pineapple Pepper Chicken Slow Cooker) on top.
  • Cook Low and Slow
    Cover and cook on Low for 4–6 hours (or High for 2–3 hours). The low and slow method is what makes this a quintessential Crock Pot Hawaiian Barbeque Chicken dish — tender, juicy, and full of flavor.
  • Serve and Enjoy
    Once the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly, serve over steamed rice or quinoa. Spoon extra sauce from the Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken right over the top for maximum sweetness.
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Flavor Variations to Try

One of the best things about Crockpot Pineapple Chicken is how easy it is to make variations:

Spicy Pineapple Pepper Chicken Slow Cooker

Add jalapeños or cayenne pepper to the sauce to kick your dish. This spicy variation keeps all the Sweet Hawaiian Crock‑pot Recipe vibes while delivering heat.

Tangy Barbecue Twist

Swap traditional barbecue sauce for a Hawaiian‑style sweet BBQ to create a more island‑savory Pineapple Barbecue Chicken Thighs Crockpot experience.

Coconut Pineapple Crockpot

Replace half of the pineapple juice with coconut milk for a creamier, tropical spin on Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken.

Each version keeps the heart of Slow Cooker Chicken And Pineapple Recipes alive, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or summer potlucks.

Tips for the Best Crockpot Pineapple Chicken

Here are my top tips to make sure your Crockpot Pineapple Chicken turns out fantastic every time:

🔹 Don’t skip the liquid. The pineapple juice and barbecue sauce create the perfect balance of sweet and savory for this Sweet Hawaiian Crock-Pot Recipe.
🔹 Trim excess fat from chicken thighs to prevent grease buildup in your slow cooker.
🔹 Toast your rice while the chicken cooks to elevate your Chicken With Pineapple Recipes Crockpot experience.
🔹 Add pineapple last if you prefer it less soft. Fresh pineapple added in the final 30 minutes keeps a firmer texture.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

What makes this Crockpot Pineapple Chicken truly special is its simplicity and crowd‑pleasing flavor. Whether you’re a busy parent trying to balance work and dinner or a home cook looking for a dish that feels like a vacation, this recipe delivers. It combines the ease of Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken with bold, memorable taste.

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The sweet and tangy pineapple sauce, paired with perfectly tender chicken thighs, creates a dish that feels both familiar and exciting. And because everything cooks together in one pot, cleanup is a breeze perfect for those nights when you’d rather relax than scrub.

Serving Suggestions

To make your Slow Cooker Chicken And Pineapple Recipes dinner complete, consider these side ideas:

Serving Suggestions
Serving Suggestions

Steamed Jasmine Rice soaks up all the delicious sauce.
Lightly Sautéed Vegetables adds freshness and crunch.
Simple Green Salad balances sweetness with crisp greens.
Grilled Pineapple Rings elevate the tropical theme!

Presentation tip: Sprinkle a few toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions over your Crockpot Pineapple Chicken Thighs before serving for an extra touch of flair.

Common Questions About Crockpot Pineapple Chicken

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! You can swap chicken breasts for thighs in this Hawaiian Chicken Thighs Slow Cooker recipe. Just be careful not to overcook them, breasts tend to dry out faster.

How do I store leftovers?

Place leftover Crockpot Pineapple Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, freeze cooked Pineapple Barbecue Chicken Thighs Crockpot in freezer‑safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

What can I serve with this recipe?

This Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken pairs beautifully with rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter meal.

Final Thoughts on Crockpot Pineapple Chicken

If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that feels like a mini vacation, Crockpot Pineapple Chicken is your go‑to. This Sweet Hawaiian Crock‑pot Recipe checks all the boxes: easy prep, bold flavor, and the kind of mouthwatering aroma that makes everyone gather in the kitchen.

From classic Chicken With Pineapple Recipes Crockpot versions to spicier Pineapple Pepper Chicken Slow Cooker twists, there’s a variation for every palate. So grab your slow cooker and let this Crockpot Pineapple Chicken Thighs dish become your new family favorite!

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