If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with sweet and savory flavors and perfect for effortless weeknight dinners, this Crockpot Pineapple Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender chicken breasts slowly cooked with juicy pineapple chunks, vibrant bell peppers, and a luscious sauce made from honey, soy, garlic, and fresh ginger create a mouthwatering symphony of taste. The easy slow-cooker method frees you up to relax while the flavors deepen, making this meal an instant favorite to share with family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started on this Crockpot Pineapple Chicken Recipe is a breeze thanks to simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one contributes something special: the pineapple adds natural sweetness and juiciness, the bell peppers bring crunch and color, and the soy sauce and honey balance salty and sweet perfectly.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that becomes beautifully tender in the slow cooker.
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks with juice: Provides sweetness and moisture that infuses the chicken.
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped: Adds color and a mild peppery crunch.
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped: Offers a fresh, slightly grassy bite that balances the dish.
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce: Delivers umami and saltiness without overpowering.
- 1/3 cup honey: Sweetens the sauce naturally for a wonderful glaze.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic depth and warmth.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated: Adds a zesty, bright kick that livens the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce into a silky glaze.
- 2 tablespoons water: Mixed with cornstarch to create the thickening slurry.
- Optional garnishes: sliced green onions and sesame seeds: Perfect finishing touches for extra flavor and texture.
How to Make Crockpot Pineapple Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Layer the Chicken
Begin by placing the chicken breasts neatly at the bottom of your crockpot. This ensures they cook evenly and soak in all the wonderful sauce that will come later.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice (reserve the pineapple chunks), soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger. This combination creates the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and aromatic flavors that will envelop the chicken.
Step 3: Add Peppers and Pineapple Chunks
Scatter the chopped red and green bell peppers alongside the pineapple chunks on top of the chicken. These colorful veggies not only brighten up the dish visually, but provide delightful texture when cooked just right.
Step 4: Pour and Cook
Pour the sauce mixture over everything in the crockpot, making sure the chicken is well coated. Put on the lid and set your slow cooker to low for 5-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through. The long, slow cooking brings out deep, harmonious flavors.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
About 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir this slurry into the crockpot to thicken the sauce to a glossy, luscious consistency that clings to every bite.
Step 6: Ready to Serve
Once thickened and bubbly, your Crockpot Pineapple Chicken Recipe is ready to be enjoyed. Serve it right away for the best flavor and texture experience.
How to Serve Crockpot Pineapple Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds adds a fresh, nutty burst that perfectly complements the rich sauce and tender chicken. These simple garnishes bring a restaurant-quality feel to your home-cooked meal.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine or basmati rice, which soaks up all that amazing pineapple sauce. For a fun twist, try serving it over noodles or alongside lightly sautéed greens or stir-fried vegetables for additional crunch and color.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve your Crockpot Pineapple Chicken Recipe in carved pineapple halves or on a bed of coconut rice. Adding a wedge of lime or a handful of chopped fresh herbs like cilantro can brighten every bite and impress your guests with minimal effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pineapple chicken keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it excellent for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
If you want to save extras for even longer, freeze the cooled dish in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. It will keep its taste and texture for up to 2 months and thaw quickly in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain the sauce’s smoothness. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much in the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will give you a slightly richer flavor and remain juicy, but be sure to adjust cooking times if they are bone-in or larger pieces.
Is this dish spicy?
The Crockpot Pineapple Chicken Recipe is mild by default, with sweet and tangy notes. You can always add chili flakes or sriracha if you want to kick up the heat.
Can I substitute fresh pineapple for canned?
Fresh pineapple works well but may need a little extra juice or water to keep the sauce saucy enough. Canned pineapple with its juice ensures consistent sweetness and moisture.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can simmer the ingredients gently on the stove in a covered pot for about 1 hour, but the slow cooker does give a deeper melding of flavors and effortless convenience.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to keep this tasty Crockpot Pineapple Chicken Recipe safe for gluten-sensitive diners.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about coming home to a kitchen filled with the sweet and savory aromas of this Crockpot Pineapple Chicken Recipe. It’s a simple, reliable way to wow your loved ones with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Give it a try, and I promise this dish will become one of your favorite go-to meals that you’ll want to make again and again.
Print
Crockpot Pineapple Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make Crockpot Pineapple Chicken featuring tender chicken breasts cooked slowly in a sweet and savory pineapple-soy sauce, complemented by colorful bell peppers. The sauce is thickened at the end for a perfect balance of flavors, served best over steamed rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Sauce & Vegetables
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks with juice
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
Thickening Slurry
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Optional Garnishes
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot, ensuring they lay flat for even cooking.
- Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the pineapple juice (reserve the chunks), low-sodium soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger. Stir well to blend all flavors.
- Add Sauce and Vegetables: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the crockpot. Then add the chopped red and green bell peppers along with the reserved pineapple chunks on top.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
- Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, whisk together the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the crockpot to thicken the sauce nicely.
- Serve: Once thickened and cooked through, serve the pineapple chicken and vegetables over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For best results, do not lift the crockpot lid frequently during cooking as it releases heat and may increase cooking time.
- Adjust honey quantity to suit your preferred sweetness level.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes before cooking.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with jasmine rice or egg noodles.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
