3-Ingredient Crockpot BBQ Pineapple Chicken: A Sweet & Savory Time Saver

Written by Sarah Gardner

Looking for a weeknight dinner that tastes like a mini tropical vacation? This 3-ingredient BBQ Pineapple Chicken is a flavor-packed dish that's as simple as tossing a few things in your slow cooker and walking away. The sweet tang of pineapple, the smoky richness of BBQ sauce, and tender chicken come together in perfect harmony for a meal that feels way fancier than it actually is. It's perfect for busy days when you want maximum flavor with minimum effort.

Crockpot BBQ Pineapple Chicken

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 5 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Crockpot any size that comfortably fits 4 chicken breasts
  • Mixing bowl optional, but useful for combining BBQ sauce and pineapple
  • Tongs or a Serving Spoon

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if you prefer juicy, darker meat)
  • 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce sweet, smoky, or tangy—it’s your call!
  • 1 can 20 oz crushed pineapple (including juice)

Instructions
 

Prep the Chicken

  1. Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of your crockpot. There’s no need to pre-cook or season—the sauce will handle all the flavoring for you.

Mix the Sauce

  1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the BBQ sauce and crushed pineapple (including the juice). Stir it together for an even flavor. Alternatively, you can pour both directly over the chicken in the crockpot and mix lightly.

Cook Low and Slow

  1. Pour the BBQ-pineapple mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated. Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours.
    chicken breast in a crockpot

Shred or Serve

  1. Once the chicken is tender and cooked through, use tongs to remove it from the crockpot. You can shred it using two forks for a pulled chicken vibe or leave the breasts whole. Spoon the remaining sauce from the crockpot over the chicken when serving.
    cooked chicken pieces being shredded inside a crockpot

Pairings

  • Side dishes: Serve over steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or buttery dinner rolls to soak up the extra sauce.
  • Veggies: Pair with roasted broccoli, grilled corn, or a light salad to balance the sweetness.
  • Drinks: A crisp lemonade, pineapple mojito, or sparkling water with lime complements the tropical flavors beautifully.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and stay tender even with longer cooking times, making them a great option for this dish.

2. Can I make this with frozen chicken?

Yes, you can add frozen chicken directly to the crockpot, but you’ll want to add an extra 30-60 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it’s fully cooked.

3. What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?

This really depends on your taste! A smoky BBQ sauce adds depth, while a sweeter sauce enhances the pineapple's tropical vibe. If you like heat, go for a spicy BBQ sauce.

4. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce if needed.

5. Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Sure! Cook on the manual/high pressure setting for 10-12 minutes, then allow a natural release for 10 minutes before shredding or serving.

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