Why Make This Recipe
Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken is a delicious and easy meal that brings together the sweetness of pineapple and the smoky flavor of barbecue sauce. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights because it cooks itself while you go about your day. It’s also a great option for family gatherings or parties, as everyone loves pulled chicken sandwiches or bowls. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser, and you can customize it to fit different tastes.
How to Make Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (The main protein for the dish.)
- 1 cup Barbecue sauce (Adds flavor and moisture.)
- 1 cup Pineapple chunks (Fresh or canned, drained.)
- 1 tablespoon Soy sauce (Enhances the umami flavor.)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder (Adds depth of flavor.)
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder (Provides a subtle sweetness.)
- to taste Salt (For seasoning.)
- to taste Pepper (For seasoning.)
- as needed Chopped green onions (For garnish.)
Directions
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, pineapple chunks, soy sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
- Pour the pineapple BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken in the crockpot, ensuring the chicken is well coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and mix it with the sauce.
- Serve the pineapple BBQ chicken hot, garnished with chopped green onions.
How to Serve Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken
You can serve this dish in many ways! It’s great on its own, with rice, or in a sandwich. Consider using buns for pulled chicken sandwiches, adding coleslaw for some crunch. It also works well with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
How to Store Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken
To store leftover pineapple BBQ chicken, let it cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Tips to Make Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the barbecue sauce and pineapple juice overnight before cooking.
- You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less pineapple.
- If you like spice, consider adding some red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe! Try substituting chicken with pork or tofu for a different protein. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers or onions to the crockpot for extra color and nutrition.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in the crockpot. Just make sure they are fully cooked before shredding.
Q: Can I use homemade barbecue sauce?
A: Absolutely! Homemade barbecue sauce will work great and add a personal touch to the dish.
Q: What can I serve with this chicken?
A: You can serve it with rice, in sandwiches, or with a side of vegetables or salad for a complete meal.
