Crock Pot Pineapple Chicken – Sweet & Savory Twist

This Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, and it only needs SIX ingredients! It’s freezer-friendly and easy to prepare ahead of time.

Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Chicken

This recipe kicks off a month-long series of Six Ingredient Slow Cooker Dinners. You can explore all my Six Ingredient Suppers right here.

We’re big fans of pineapple in every dish (even if it’s a controversial ingredient!), and this sweet pineapple chicken is our latest go-to weeknight meal.

It’s incredibly easy — so simple, my 8-year-old could probably make it without help!

Tips for Perfect Chicken Breasts in the Slow Cooker

One of the most important things I’ve learned after years of testing slow cooker recipes is this: chicken breasts don’t need more than 2–3 hours on low.

The cooking time may vary slightly depending on how thick your chicken breasts are and how hot your specific slow cooker runs. But generally, in my 2.5-quart crockpot (about half to two-thirds full), the chicken is fully cooked in 2 to 3 hours.

Overcooking leads to dryness, so if someone asks whether they can cook it for 8 hours — technically yes, but should you? Probably not.

Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness instead of relying on color. For best results, keep the chicken breasts whole. Cutting them into smaller pieces causes them to dry out faster.

Variations and Add-Ins

• Fresh Pineapple: You can substitute fresh pineapple. Just make sure to also add about ¾ cup of pineapple juice or chicken broth since canned pineapple includes extra liquid.
• Add Veggies: Toss in thinly sliced carrots, onions, or bell peppers at the beginning. For vegetables that cook faster, like green beans or broccoli, stir them in during the final 30 minutes.
• Spicy Twist: Add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes for heat.
• BBQ Pineapple Chicken: Mix in ¼ cup of barbecue sauce for a smoky flavor boost.

Can I Make This on the Stove?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time or don’t have a slow cooker, this dish works well on the stovetop.

Combine all ingredients in a large skillet just as you would in the crockpot. Simmer over medium-low heat for about 15 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked.

Always use a thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F internally.

How to Bake Pineapple Chicken

Yes — this recipe also works in the oven!

1. Arrange chicken breasts in a single layer in a large baking dish.
2. Whisk the sauce together and pour it over the chicken.
3. Cover and bake at 400°F for 20–30 minutes, or until a thermometer inserted in the thickest part reads 165°F.

Can I Use Chicken Thighs or Bone-In Chicken?

Definitely. You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs with no changes to the cook time or method.

For bone-in chicken breasts or thighs, increase the cook time to 5–6 hours on low to ensure tenderness.

Try these all Chicken recipe

• Crockpot Mexican Chicken
• Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
• Crockpot Bourbon Chicken