Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken

Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken

Hey there, friend! If you’re craving something sweet, tangy, and downright delicious without spending hours in the kitchen, you’ve come to the right place.

This Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken is the ultimate shortcut to a mouthwatering meal that tastes like a tropical vacation.

Imagine tender, juicy chicken thighs simmering in a sticky-sweet pineapple glaze with a hint of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce.

It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like a kitchen rockstar with minimal effort.

Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays, this recipe is all about big flavor and even bigger smiles.

How to Make It

Note: This is an overview. See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.

1. Prep Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop the fresh pineapple into bite-sized chunks if using fresh, or drain canned pineapple if that’s what you have on hand. Slice the red bell pepper into thin strips, mince the garlic, and grate the ginger. If you’re using chicken thighs, trim off any excess fat. Having everything prepped and ready to go makes the process seamless and stress-free.

2. Sear the Chicken (Optional but Worth It!)
For an extra layer of flavor, sear the chicken thighs in a hot skillet until they’re golden brown on both sides. This step isn’t mandatory, but it adds a delicious caramelized crust that takes the dish to the next level. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and add the chicken directly to the slow cooker—it’ll still turn out tender and flavorful.

3. Layer Everything in the Slow Cooker
Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer. Add the pineapple chunks, sliced bell peppers, minced garlic, and grated ginger on top. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and a touch of cornstarch to create the sauce. Pour this mixture over the chicken and veggies, making sure everything is evenly coated.

4. Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Magic
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The long, slow cooking process allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and infuses it with the sweet, tangy flavors of the pineapple and sauce. As it cooks, the sauce will thicken into a sticky, glossy glaze that clings to the chicken and veggies.

5. Garnish and Serve
Once the cooking time is up, give everything a gentle stir to coat the chicken and veggies in the thickened sauce. Garnish the dish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a fresh, colorful finish. Serve the pineapple chicken over steamed rice or quinoa to soak up all that delicious sauce. For an extra touch, add a few fresh pineapple slices or a side of steamed broccoli to round out the meal.

Pro Tips

• Boost the Flavor: Add a splash of chili garlic sauce or sriracha for a spicy kick.
• Go Fresh: Use fresh pineapple for a brighter, more vibrant flavor, but canned works in a pinch.
• Thicken the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin after cooking, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the slow cooker. Cook on high for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
• Double the Recipe: This dish freezes beautifully, so make extra for future meals!

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
  

Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken

Cooking Method: Simmering, Slow Cooking Cuisine: Fusion Favorites Courses: Main Courses

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 3 hrs Total Time 3 hrs 15 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 320

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Dietary:

Dairy Free

Description

Tender chicken thighs simmered in a sticky-sweet pineapple glaze with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. This fuss-free slow cooker recipe is bursting with tropical flavors and perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays.

Serve it over rice for a meal that’s sure to impress!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs

• 1 cup fresh or canned pineapple chunks

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated

• ¹⁄₃ cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)

• ¹⁄₄ cup brown sugar

• 2 tbsp rice vinegar

• 1 tbsp cornstarch

• ¹⁄₄ cup water

• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

• 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prep Ingredients:

   Chop the bell pepper, mince the garlic, and grate the ginger.

2. Sear Chicken (Optional):

   Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.

3. Layer in Slow Cooker:

   Place chicken in the slow cooker. Add pineapple chunks, bell pepper, garlic, and ginger.

4. Make Sauce:

   In a small bowl, whisk soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and water. Pour over chicken.

5. Cook:

   Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

6. Garnish and Serve:

   Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve over rice or quinoa.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 320kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 8g13%

Total Carbohydrate 28g10%

Sugars 20g

Protein 32g64%

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* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

• For a spicier version, add 1-2 tsp of chili garlic sauce.
• Fresh pineapple is preferred, but canned works too—just drain the juice.
• Serve with steamed veggies for a complete meal.

These values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used. Always check your ingredient labels for precise nutrition details.

Keywords: Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken, Easy Chicken Recipe, Tropical Chicken Dinner