Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken

Your entire family will love this Sweet and Savory Chicken Slow Cooker recipe. This dump and go Crockpot Meal is made with just a few ingredients and minimal prep. Tender chicken simmers in a flavorful sauce made from pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic and more creating a perfectly balanced dish that’s both comforting and refreshing.

It is perfect for feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week. If you have tried our Baked BBQ Pineapple Chicken Recipe, Crock Pot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken or The Best Pineapple Chicken Recipe then you are going to love this slow cooker recipe.

Why You’ll Love this Pineapple Chicken Recipe

This effortless slow cooker recipe is perfect when you need a meal to make on a busy morning. Just toss the simple ingredients into the crockpot right before you head out the door and dinner is done when you get home.

Slow Cooking the chicken in the sweet and savory sauce gives it so much flavor and this recipe is kid approved! Serve over rice or noodles with a side of veggies for a complete meal idea.

Ingredients

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs – Chicken Breasts can be used instead of chicken thighs in this recipe if you prefer. Feel free to also use bone-in chicken
• Pineapple Chunks in Juice – Do no drain the canned pineapple
• Yellow Onion – Cut int 1 inch chunks
• Low Sodium Soy Sauce – If you are out, see Best Soy Sauce Substitute
• Cornstarch – Helps to thicken the sauce
• Cloves Garlic, minced – Learn How to Mince Garlic Cloves
• Grated Fresh Ginger – ¼ teaspoon Ground Ginger can be used instead of the fresh ginger in this recipe.
• Sesame Oil – See The Best Sesame Oil Substitute if you are out
• Brown Sugar – Learn How to Make Brown Sugar
• Red Bell Pepper – Cut tin 1 inch chunks
• Toppings – Add Green Onions and Sesame Seeds when serving 

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card

How to Make Pineapple Chicken in the Slow Cooker

• Step 1 – Drain the juice from the canned pineapple into a mixing bowl. 

Step 2 – Whisk in the soy sauce, cornstarch, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, brown sugar and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. You can all add in ½ cup of chicken broth for even more flavor.

Step 3 – Add the diced chicken, pineapple chunks and onion into the bottom of a slow cooker (5 quart or larger slow cooker). Pour the pineapple juice mixture on top. 

Step 4 – Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high heat for 2-2.5 hours until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165 degrees F). 

Step 5 – Stir in the red bell pepper for the last 30 minutes of the cooking time until it’s tender. Serve topped with the green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy! 

Expert Tips

• Adding Bell Peppers – I add the red bell pepper at the end of the cooking time so that it doesn’t get too soft. If you’re good with soft bell peppers, you can add it in at the beginning of the cooking time and the bell pepper will likely cook down into the sauce.  
• Meat Thermometer – We recommend using a meat thermometer to ensure that your chicken is fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees when the chicken is finished cooking. Cooking time will vary.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Pineapple Chicken – Add 1 teaspoon of sriracha sauce for a hint of spicy flavor.
• Smoky Flavor – Add a tablespoon of Homemade Barbecue Sauce for amazing flavor.
• Vegetables – This is a great crock pot recipe to toss in vegetables of your choice. Snap peas, broccoli or asparagus are great additions.

Serving Suggestions

• Rice – Serve over Cauliflower Rice, Instant pot White Rice Recipe or Microwave Brown Rice.
• Side Dishes – Add a side of Parmesan Roasted Broccoli or The Best Air Fryer Vegetables.
• Leftovers – If you have leftovers, make Pineapple Chicken Tacos or make a rice bowl.