The Busy Mom’s Guide To Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken!
You know those days when you’ve got a million things on your plate, but still want to get a delicious, wholesome meal on the table? That’s why I love this Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken recipe. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with tender chicken that practically melts in your mouth, and a tangy pineapple glaze that my whole family can’t get enough of.
Every time I make it, it’s a hit! Plus, it’s so easy to prep, which means you can toss everything in your slow cooker and let it do all the work while you get on with your busy day. This has quickly become one of our go-to family dinners, and I know it’ll become a favorite in your house, too.
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
A: Absolutely! Fresh pineapple works just as well and gives the dish a slightly more vibrant flavor. Just make sure to cut it into small chunks to allow it to cook evenly.
Q: Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
A: Yes! If you like a bit of heat, you can add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for an extra kick.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Definitely! Chicken thighs are actually a great option because they stay juicy and tender in the slow cooker. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.
Q: Can this be made ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prep all the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge. In the morning, simply add everything to your slow cooker and set it to cook.
Q: Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
A: It sure is! You can freeze any leftovers in an airtight container for up to three months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat when you’re ready to serve.
What You Need to Make Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 can (20 oz) of pineapple chunks (with juice)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon ginger (optional, but recommended)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to thicken the sauce)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or quinoa, for serving
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
How to Make Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken
- Prepare the Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice (reserve the chunks for later), soy sauce, honey, ketchup, garlic, and ginger.
- Assemble in the Slow Cooker: Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over the top. Add the pineapple chunks. Season with a bit of salt and pepper.
- Cook: Set the slow cooker on low for 5-6 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the sauce to thicken. Let it cook for the remaining time.
- Serve: Serve the chicken over rice or quinoa, with the sauce drizzled on top. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if you like.
Tips for Making the Best Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, you can reduce the honey to 2 tablespoons.
- Add vegetables: Feel free to throw in some bell peppers or carrots for added color and nutrition.
- Shred the chicken: For a different texture, you can shred the chicken once it’s cooked and mix it with the sauce before serving.
- Don’t skip the cornstarch: This step really helps thicken the sauce and make it glossy and delicious.
Reader Reviews
Sarah M.: “I made this last night and my kids devoured it! I was worried the pineapple would be too sweet, but it was perfectly balanced. Definitely going into our weekly rotation!”
Emily P.: “Loved how easy this was to throw together. I added some red pepper flakes for heat, and it was just perfect. Thanks for the recipe!”
John D.: “This was a great meal for a busy workday. I prepped everything in the morning, and dinner was ready by the time I got home. So flavorful and easy.”
Jessica H.: “We liked this recipe, but I think next time I’ll use less honey – it was a bit too sweet for our taste. Still really tasty though!”
Mark R.: “Super delicious! My wife and I both loved it. I served it with quinoa instead of rice, and it was great.”
Printable Recipe!
Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken Recipe
This easy Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken combines tender chicken with a sweet and tangy pineapple glaze. Perfect for busy families, it’s a simple, flavorful dinner that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (20 oz) of pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon ginger (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Rice or quinoa for serving
- Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, ketchup, garlic, and ginger.
- Place chicken in slow cooker, pour sauce over, and add pineapple chunks.
- Cook on low for 5-6 hours, or high for 3-4 hours.
- Mix cornstarch with water, stir into sauce 30 minutes before serving to thicken.
- Serve over rice or quinoa, and garnish as desired.
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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
If you and your family loved this Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken as much as we do, please take a moment to share it with your friends and followers on social media! Every share helps me reach more busy moms looking for easy, delicious dinner ideas to feed their families. Plus, I’d love to see how your version turned out! Tag me in your posts or stories, and let’s inspire others to get creative in the kitchen with this simple, flavorful meal. Your support means the world to me, and together we can spread the joy of cooking easy, family-friendly meals!
