Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and often result in even more tender, flavorful meat. They're more forgiving if cooked a bit longer, but you may want to trim excess fat before cooking. The cooking time remains similar – about 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high.

Why is my sauce too runny?

This happens sometimes depending on your chicken and pineapple. Some chicken releases more liquid during cooking, and pineapple juice content can vary. The easiest fix is making a cornstarch slurry – mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water, stir it into your crockpot, and cook on high for 10 more minutes. The sauce will thicken beautifully without affecting flavor.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead?

Yes! Add all ingredients to your Instant Pot, seal, and cook on high pressure for 12 minutes with a 10-minute natural release. Shred the chicken, then use the sauté function for 5-10 minutes if you need to reduce the sauce. You'll have the same great flavor in a fraction of the time.

What's the best way to serve this for a complete meal?

My favorite way is over steamed rice with a side of steamed broccoli or a simple green salad. The rice soaks up the amazing sauce, and the vegetables balance the sweetness. For something different, try serving it in lettuce cups, over quinoa, or as filling for Hawaiian slider buns with a bit of coleslaw on top.

Pineapple Chicken Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe

This Pineapple Chicken is a game-changer for busy weeknights! Tender chicken breasts slow-cooked with sweet crushed pineapple and tangy BBQ sauce create a mouthwatering Hawaiian-inspired dish that practically makes itself. With just three simple ingredients and minimal prep, this crockpot recipe delivers incredible tropical flavor that’ll transport your taste buds straight to the islands – all while your slow cooker does the heavy lifting!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ridiculously Easy: Just three ingredients and five minutes of prep time! Simply add everything to your crockpot, turn it on, and walk away.
Family-Friendly Flavor: The perfect balance of sweet and tangy creates a dish that even picky eaters can’t resist. The pineapple adds natural sweetness while the BBQ sauce brings that familiar comfort-food appeal.
Versatile Meal Base: This shredded chicken works beautifully in sandwiches, over rice, with veggies, or however you prefer! One recipe gives you countless serving options.
Hands-Off Cooking: Perfect for busy days when you need dinner to cook itself. Come home to a house filled with amazing aromas and dinner ready to serve.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: The star protein that becomes incredibly tender and shreddable during slow cooking. They absorb all the sweet and tangy flavors beautifully.
Crushed Pineapple: Brings natural sweetness, moisture, and that distinct tropical flavor that makes this dish special. The juice helps tenderize the chicken while infusing it with flavor.
Sweet BBQ Sauce: Creates the base for our sauce and complements the pineapple perfectly. The sweetness enhances the tropical flavor profile while adding that classic BBQ depth.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Switch Up The Protein

Try using boneless chicken thighs for even more flavor and moisture. They’re more forgiving if slightly overcooked and bring a richer taste to the dish.

Fresh Pineapple Upgrade

Replace canned pineapple with fresh pineapple chunks for a brighter, more vibrant flavor. Simply dice the pineapple into small pieces for easier serving.

Flavor Boosters

Take it up a notch by adding any combination of: garlic powder, fresh ginger, a splash of soy sauce, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat, or a tablespoon of brown sugar for extra caramelization.

Make It A Meal Kit

For a complete Hawaiian-inspired experience, add bell peppers and onions during the last 30-60 minutes of cooking for a built-in veggie component.

How to Make Pineapple Chicken

Step 1: Arrange Chicken

Place your boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of your crockpot. Keeping them in one layer helps ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Add BBQ Sauce

Pour the entire bottle of sweet BBQ sauce directly over the chicken, making sure each piece is completely covered. The sauce will infuse the chicken with flavor while preventing it from drying out.

Step 3: Add Pineapple

Add the entire can of crushed pineapple, including all the juice, on top of the chicken and sauce. This is where the magic happens – the pineapple juice will help tenderize the chicken while adding that signature tropical sweetness.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. The chicken is done when it’s fork-tender and easily shreds. Low and slow cooking gives the best texture and flavor development.

Step 5: Shred and Serve

Once cooked, shred the chicken right in the crockpot using two forks. Mix everything together so the chicken absorbs all that flavorful sauce before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Chicken Arrangement: Place chicken in a single layer rather than stacking to ensure even cooking.
Sauce Thickness: If your sauce is too thin after cooking, make a quick cornstarch slurry with 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with a little cold water. Stir into the hot mixture and cook for 10 more minutes to thicken.
Let It Rest: Allow the shredded chicken to rest in the sauce for 10-15 minutes before serving. This helps it absorb more flavor and moisture.
Quality Ingredients: Since this recipe uses so few ingredients, quality matters. Choose a BBQ sauce you genuinely enjoy eating on its own.

How to Serve

As A Main Dish

Serve over steamed white rice or coconut rice for a complete Hawaiian-inspired meal. The rice soaks up the delicious sauce perfectly!

Sandwich Style

Pile the shredded chicken high on Hawaiian sweet rolls or burger buns for incredible pulled pineapple chicken sandwiches. Top with coleslaw for added crunch.

Bowl Creation

Create a tropical rice bowl with this chicken, adding avocado slices, black beans, and a sprinkle of cilantro or green onions.

Taco Tuesday Twist

Fill flour or corn tortillas with the shredded chicken for an interesting fusion taco night. Top with diced fresh pineapple and jalapeños for color and contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavor actually improves overnight as the chicken continues to soak in the sauce.

Freezing

This chicken freezes beautifully! Portion cooled chicken into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. The sauce helps keep the chicken moist even after freezing.

Reheating

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Reheat in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water or pineapple juice if needed to revive the sauce. You can also reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and often result in even more tender, flavorful meat. They’re more forgiving if cooked a bit longer, but you may want to trim excess fat before cooking. The cooking time remains similar – about 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high.
Why is my sauce too runny?

This happens sometimes depending on your chicken and pineapple. Some chicken releases more liquid during cooking, and pineapple juice content can vary. The easiest fix is making a cornstarch slurry – mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water, stir it into your crockpot, and cook on high for 10 more minutes. The sauce will thicken beautifully without affecting flavor.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead?

Yes! Add all ingredients to your Instant Pot, seal, and cook on high pressure for 12 minutes with a 10-minute natural release. Shred the chicken, then use the sauté function for 5-10 minutes if you need to reduce the sauce. You’ll have the same great flavor in a fraction of the time.
What’s the best way to serve this for a complete meal?

My favorite way is over steamed rice with a side of steamed broccoli or a simple green salad. The rice soaks up the amazing sauce, and the vegetables balance the sweetness. For something different, try serving it in lettuce cups, over quinoa, or as filling for Hawaiian slider buns with a bit of coleslaw on top.

Final Thoughts

This Pineapple Chicken recipe is the perfect example of how a few simple ingredients can create something truly special. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or meal prepping for the week ahead, this Hawaiian-inspired dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort. The sweet-tangy combination is both comforting and exciting – exactly what we need in a go-to recipe. Give this crockpot wonder a try, and I’m confident it’ll earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection!