IRRESISTIBLE PINEAPPLE BBQ CHICKEN EASY

The sweet and smoky aroma of perfectly cooked chicken, infused with juicy pineapple and tangy barbecue sauce… can you resist? This Pineapple BBQ Chicken recipe is about to become your new go-to, offering a burst of tropical flavor that’s incredibly easy to achieve. I promise you, it’s a crowd-pleaser!

The Magic Behind the Flavor: Why This Recipe Works

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about why this Pineapple BBQ Chicken is so darn good. It’s all about the balance of sweet, savory, and smoky. The pineapple not only adds a delightful sweetness but also tenderizes the chicken beautifully. Plus, using a slow cooker (or even your oven) makes this one of the easiest Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken variations you’ll ever encounter. This really is one of the best Crockpot Bbq Chicken recipes out there.

Gather Your Ingredients

Chicken

• 2-3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, cut into chunks)

Pineapple

• 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple chunks, undrained

BBQ Sauce

• 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce (I love a smoky or sweet one!)

Extras (Optional but Recommended!)

• 1/2 cup chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (for extra sweetness and caramelization)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (for a touch of tang)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for depth of flavor)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions: Two Ways to Deliciousness

I’m giving you two options here because I know we all have different schedules and preferences. Whether you’re a slow cooker devotee or an oven-baking enthusiast, you’ll end up with incredible Pineapple BBQ Chicken.

Crockpot Method (The Ultimate Easy Crockpot Recipes For Family Option)

1. Prep the Chicken: If using chicken breasts, cut them into 1-inch chunks. This helps them cook evenly and absorb all that delicious flavor. Using chunk meat recipes like this is super easy.
2. Combine Ingredients: In your crockpot, combine the chicken chunks, pineapple chunks (with juice!), BBQ sauce, red onion, brown sugar (if using), apple cider vinegar (if using), and smoked paprika (if using). Stir everything together until the chicken is well coated.
3. Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be very tender and easily shreddable. Remember, with all day crockpot dinner recipes, safety first! Make sure that your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
4. Shred and Serve: Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks. Give it a good stir to coat the shredded chicken with the sauce.
5. Serve: Serve hot over rice, quinoa, or in sliders. Garnish with extra pineapple chunks and chopped green onions for a pop of color.

Oven Method (For a Quicker Fix)

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chicken chunks, pineapple chunks (with juice!), BBQ sauce, red onion, brown sugar (if using), apple cider vinegar (if using), and smoked paprika (if using). Stir until well combined.
3. Bake: Pour the mixture into a baking dish (9×13 inch is ideal). Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
4. Uncover and Finish: Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Shred and Serve: Shred the chicken in the baking dish using two forks. Stir to coat the shredded chicken with the sauce.
6. Serve: Serve hot over your favorite sides.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Okay, let’s be real. Sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned in the kitchen. Here are a few tips to help you nail this recipe:

• Chicken Dryness: If you’re using the crockpot method and the chicken seems dry, add a splash of chicken broth or more pineapple juice.
• Sauce Too Thin: If the sauce is too thin after cooking, you can thicken it by removing the lid from the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking time, or by simmering it on the stovetop for a few minutes.
• Spice It Up: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce.
• Fresh Pineapple: While canned pineapple is convenient, fresh pineapple will add an even brighter flavor! Just make sure to cut it into chunks.
• Caramelization: To get a really nice caramelization on the chicken, you can broil it for a few minutes after shredding. Just watch it carefully so it doesn’t burn!

Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal

Pineapple BBQ Chicken is incredibly versatile. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:

• Over Rice or Quinoa: A classic combination that’s always a winner.
• In Sliders or Buns: Perfect for a party or casual weeknight dinner. Top with coleslaw for extra crunch.
• On Pizza: Use it as a topping for a Hawaiian-style pizza.
• In Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter, low-carb option.
• As a Salad Topping: Add it to a green salad for a sweet and savory twist.

Don’t forget some delicious side dishes. Some great additions are roasted vegetables, like broccoli or bell peppers. A simple green salad also works well. Or you can try some coleslaw.

Variations to Make It Your Own

This recipe is a fantastic starting point, but don’t be afraid to experiment! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Spicy Pineapple BBQ Chicken: Add a jalapeño or two (finely chopped) to the crockpot or baking dish.
• Teriyaki Pineapple BBQ Chicken: Substitute half of the BBQ sauce with teriyaki sauce.
• Hawaiian Pizza Chicken: Use the cooked chicken as a topping for homemade or store-bought pizza crust, along with mozzarella cheese and extra pineapple.
• Bell Peppers and Onions: Add sliced bell peppers and onions to the crockpot or baking dish for extra flavor and nutrients.

More Easy & Delicious Crockpot Inspiration

If you’re loving the ease of this recipe, let me share some other favorites! The Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken is another super simple dump-and-go dinner. If you are in the mood for meatballs, you can try Peachy Crockpot Meatball or Sweet Chili Meatballs Crockpot. Also, for those craving something with a bit more of a kick, the shredded chicken crockpot bbq, or Shredded Chicken Crockpot Bbq is an amazing twist on BBQ chicken.

Why Pineapple BBQ Chicken is a Winner Every Time

Let’s face it: weeknight dinners can be a struggle. But this Pineapple BBQ Chicken is here to save the day. It’s quick, easy, flavorful, and can be made in either the slow cooker or the oven. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will love. Whether you’re looking for easy crockpot recipes for family or just a simple dinner idea, this recipe is a guaranteed success. This is a fantastic Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken variation. Give it a try, and let me know what you think!

Irresistible Pineapple BBQ Chicken

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Pineapple BBQ Chicken recipe offers a delightful burst of tropical flavor with the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky. Made easily in a slow cooker or oven, the pineapple tenderizes the chicken while the BBQ sauce creates a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Slow Cooker or Baking Dish (9×13 inch)
• Large bowl
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Spoon or spatula
• forks
• Oven (if using oven method)

Ingredients

  

• 2-3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into chunks
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• ½ cup chopped red onion
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Optional: Chopped green onions for garnish
• Optional: Cooked rice or quinoa for serving
• Optional: Buns or slider rolls for serving
• Optional: Coleslaw for serving

Instructions

 

• Crockpot Method: Prep the Chicken: If using chicken breasts, cut them into 1-inch chunks.
• Crockpot Method: Combine Ingredients: In your crockpot, combine the chicken chunks, pineapple chunks (with juice!), BBQ sauce, red onion, brown sugar (if using), apple cider vinegar (if using), and smoked paprika (if using). Stir everything together until the chicken is well coated.
• Crockpot Method: Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be very tender and easily shreddable. Ensure that your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Crockpot Method: Shred and Serve: Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks. Give it a good stir to coat the shredded chicken with the sauce.
• Crockpot Method: Serve: Serve hot over rice, quinoa, or in sliders. Garnish with extra pineapple chunks and chopped green onions for a pop of color.
• Oven Method: Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Oven Method: Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chicken chunks, pineapple chunks (with juice!), BBQ sauce, red onion, brown sugar (if using), apple cider vinegar (if using), and smoked paprika (if using). Stir until well combined.
• Oven Method: Bake: Pour the mixture into a baking dish (9×13 inch is ideal). Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
• Oven Method: Uncover and Finish: Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
• Oven Method: Shred and Serve: Shred the chicken in the baking dish using two forks. Stir to coat the shredded chicken with the sauce.
• Oven Method: Serve: Serve hot over your favorite sides.

Notes

If chicken seems dry in the crockpot, add chicken broth or more pineapple juice. If the sauce is too thin, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking time or simmer on the stovetop. For a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce. Fresh pineapple can be used instead of canned. Broil the chicken for a few minutes after shredding for caramelization. This dish can be served over rice or quinoa, in sliders or buns with coleslaw, on pizza, in lettuce wraps, or as a salad topping.