If you’re searching for a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors—all tied together in the ease of a single pot—Crockpot Pineapple Chicken is going to be your new go-to weeknight dinner. With juicy pieces of chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and mouthwatering chunks of pineapple, all simmered in a glossy, fragrant sauce, it’s the kind of meal that tastes like a tropical escape and requires almost no hands-on time. Grab your slow cooker and get ready to discover a delicious dish that delivers maximum satisfaction with minimum fuss!

Crockpot Pineapple Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Crockpot Pineapple Chicken is in the way each ingredient brings its own special magic to the table—aromatics, color, juicy fruitiness, and those deep umami notes. These simple staples come together effortlessly for a meal that’s anything but ordinary.

Chicken thighs or breasts: Choose thighs for a richer, juicier result, but chicken breasts work perfectly for a leaner option.
Red bell pepper: Adds sweetness, color, and a lovely subtle crunch to the finished dish.
Green bell pepper: Brings a mild, earthy flavor that balances out the sweetness of the pineapple.
Onion: Provides a savory backbone that deepens as it slow-cooks with the rest of the ingredients.
Pineapple chunks in juice: Both the fruit and the juice infuse the dish with irresistible tropical notes.
Reserved pineapple juice: Gives the sauce its signature tang and helps tenderize the chicken.
Low-sodium soy sauce: Adds umami richness without overpowering the sweeter elements.
Honey: Blends with the pineapple to create a luscious, sticky-sweet sauce.
Rice vinegar: Offers welcome acidity and the perfect tangy contrast.
Garlic: Brings a tasty aromatic punch that enhances every other flavor.
Fresh ginger: Adds a little zing and warmth that wakes up the palate.
Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce and gives it that crave-worthy glossy coating.
Cold water: Needed to mix with the cornstarch for lump-free thickening.
Chopped green onions & sesame seeds (optional): The perfect finishing touch for color, texture, and a hint of nutty crunch.

How to Make Crockpot Pineapple Chicken

Step 1: Layer the Crockpot

Begin by placing your chicken thighs or breasts right at the bottom of your slow cooker. Then, add the sliced red and green bell peppers, onions, and pineapple chunks. It will look beautifully colorful, and as these all cook together, the vegetables will soak up loads of flavor while stewing into that irresistible tenderness.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the reserved pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and fresh ginger. This magical mixture is what gives Crockpot Pineapple Chicken that sweet, tangy, and umami-packed personality—don’t skip or swap if you want the full flavor experience!

Step 3: Pour It On and Cook

Pour your prepared sauce evenly over the chicken and veggie layers, making sure everything gets a little coating. Pop on the lid, set your slow cooker to low for 5–6 hours or high for about 3–4 hours, and let it do its thing. The chicken should become fall-apart tender, and the sauce will become rich and aromatic.

Step 4: Thicken to Perfection

About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir together the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until totally smooth. Lift the lid and gently stir the cornstarch slurry into your crockpot. This step thickens the sauce, turning it into that glorious, clingy glaze that makes every bite extra satisfying. Let it cook for the remaining 30 minutes.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

When the timer is up and the sauce is glossy, grab a big ladle and spoon the Crockpot Pineapple Chicken over hot rice or noodles. Sprinkle on green onions and sesame seeds if you’re feeling fancy—this little extra bit of effort goes a long way for both taste and presentation!

How to Serve Crockpot Pineapple Chicken

Garnishes

A handful of chopped green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds make Crockpot Pineapple Chicken truly pop—adding color, crunch, and a restaurant-style look. For extra zing, toss on a few extra pineapple chunks or even a little fresh cilantro if you’ve got it on hand.

Side Dishes

Classic steamed white or jasmine rice is always a top pick for soaking up the luscious sauce. If you want something a bit different, try serving with fluffy basmati rice, brown rice for an earthier note, or even a quick batch of stir-fried noodles. Fresh steamed broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy also make fantastic, easy sides.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun weeknight twist, stuff the warm pineapple chicken into lettuce wraps for a light and interactive meal. Or serve over cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. Hosting a crowd? Dish it up in individual pineapple bowls (just hollow them out) for a presentation guaranteed to wow everyone at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool completely, then transfer your Crockpot Pineapple Chicken into an airtight container. It keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and is perfect for speedy lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

This dish freezes like a dream! Portion the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, and you’ll have a delicious homemade meal at your fingertips anytime.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop individual portions in the microwave until piping hot, or warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much. Stir well so the sauce coats the chicken and veggies evenly again.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh pineapple is delicious in this recipe—just cut into chunks and use extra juice from the cutting board in place of the reserved canned juice. The end result will be extra vibrant and fresh.

Is Crockpot Pineapple Chicken gluten-free?

It certainly can be! Just be sure to use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and double-check that all your sauces and seasonings are certified gluten-free if needed.

Can I make Crockpot Pineapple Chicken with frozen chicken?

It’s best to use thawed chicken for both food safety and even cooking. If you’re short on time, you can thaw the chicken quickly in cold water before adding to the crockpot.

What’s the best way to add more heat or spice?

If you love a little kick, toss in some sliced jalapeños, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or even a drizzle of sriracha before serving. The sweetness of the pineapple pairs beautifully with a bit of spice!

How can I prevent the vegetables from getting too soft?

If you prefer crisp-tender veggies, add the bell peppers to the crockpot during the last 1-2 hours of cooking instead of at the start. This keeps their color and crunch intact!

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a dish with minimal prep that still absolutely wows in flavor—Crockpot Pineapple Chicken is that dependable, delicious recipe you’ll crave again and again. Try it out, make it your own, and watch how quickly it becomes one of your family’s favorite meals. Happy slow cooking!

Crockpot Pineapple Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Crockpot Pineapple Chicken recipe is a delicious and easy dish with sweet and savory flavors that the whole family will love. Tender chicken, bell peppers, onions, and juicy pineapple cooked in a flavorful sauce, served over rice or noodles.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

Veggies:

1 red bell pepper (sliced)
1 green bell pepper (sliced)
1 small onion (sliced)

Sauce:

1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks in juice (drained, reserve juice)
½ cup reserved pineapple juice
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
¼ cup honey
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)

Thickening:

2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water

Garnish:

Chopped green onions and sesame seeds (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare Ingredients: Place chicken, bell peppers, onion, and pineapple into the crockpot.
Make Sauce: Whisk reserved pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Pour over chicken and veggies.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 3–4 hours until chicken is tender.
Thicken Sauce: In the last 30 minutes, mix cornstarch and water, add to crockpot, and let it thicken.
Serve: Enjoy hot over rice or noodles, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.