With tender chicken and juicy pineapple chunks, this slow cooker pineapple chicken recipe makes for the perfect sweet and savory meal!
Sweet, savory, and full of flavor, this Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken dish is everything you’re looking for in a weeknight meal. A mixture of tender chicken and juicy pineapple chunks, this easy slow cooker recipe makes for the perfect meal served on a bed of brown rice or quinoa. With Asian-inspired flavors and plenty of fresh veggies, this dish is everything you love about stir-fry night with the convenience of the slow cooker. Whether you’re facing major Chinese takeout cravings or trying to find a new chicken recipe with a little extra flair, this easy, sweet and savory Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken is a perfect meal for all cravings and occasions.
Full of healthy ingredients that pack both flavor and nutrition, this simple recipe has it all. Juicy pineapple is definitely a standout ingredient that helps make this dish the best of all things sweet and savory. However, pineapples are also a top source for bromelain, which helps support bone and joint health.
Meanwhile, chicken itself also helps boost this recipe’s impressive nutritional profile. Chicken is everywhere, so it’s easy to forget all the health benefits it actually brings to the table. A lean protein, chicken is a can’t-miss staple in any weight loss, fitness, or other health and wellness plan. Great for workout prep and recovery, this easy, go-to protein will also keep you full for hours.
Of course, this recipe wouldn’t be complete without plenty of veggies. Flavorful bell peppers and crunchy water chestnuts pack this dish full of flavor and texture. And the best part? This dish also lends itself well to additions! If you want to get inventive, throw some extra veggies into the mix to add to the fun. Great choices would be: carrots, cherry tomatoes, and asparagus.
This Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken recipe combines protein, vegetables, and a whole grain, so you get a complete meal in one dish. Just toss the ingredients into the pot and hours later, dinner is served! Fun and flavorful, this recipe is an instant weeknight classic.
Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken
Ingredients
- 20 ounces pineapple chunks can, in natural juice
- 2 tablespoons lite soy sauce optional tamari
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger freshly ground
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 4 boneless and skinless chicken breasts cut into 1 inch cubes
- 1 red bell pepper cored and seeded, sliced into 1 inch strips
- 8 ounces water chestnuts can, sliced, drain
Instructions
- Pour juice from canned pineapple chunks into a small mixing bowl. Add to juice, soy sauce, garlic, ginger and honey, whisk to combine. Add cornstarch and stir until combined.
- Place chicken in slow-cooker, pour pineapple mixture over chicken, cover and cook on low 4-6 hours or until chicken is cooked through.
- Add bell pepper, water chestnuts, and pineapple chunks the last 30 minutes of cooking time. Serve chicken over a bed of quinoa or brown rice.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Have you made this recipe?
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Last updated June 27, 2018
Hi! Do the nutrition facts include the calories in the quinoa/brown rice or is that just for the chicken dish?
The nutritional data does not include quinoa or brown rice. Add 110 calories to the serving size for 1/2 cup of cooked brown rice and 115 calories for 1/2 cup of cooked quinoa.
I had high hopes for this recipe, but the soy sauce was overpowering, especially on the chicken. Next time, I'll use less soy or substitute orange juice. My husband complained that everything was too big – 2" chicken cubes are huge, and he prefers pineapple tidbits. I like that it's not loaded with brown sugar like so many other recipes, and I think we'll really like it with orange juice and smaller pieces. Taking tips from other readers, I'll also put the pineapple in toward the end to keep its pretty color.
We made the following adjustments: cut the chicken sizes down to 1" cubes and added the pineapple toward the end. Thanks for your feedback.
Thank you for the recipe! Can I add rice with chicken to cookie all together in a slow cooker? Thanks!
Hi Emma!
I would cook the rice separately and serve with the chicken. Rice tends to become over cooked and mushy in the slow cooker.
Has anyone put carrots in the recipe?
Has anyone frozen this? If so how and how to prepare after frozen? Thank you.
Mary, Allow to thaw in the fridge before reheating.
I tried making this today exactly by the book and for whatever reason it’s super soupy and unappealing looking. Hoping the liquid burns off with a sauté.
Can also serve with white rice, couscous or potatoes. Can’t wait to try this.
I forgot to turn on the crockpot! Can I cook it on high at all?
Hi Kristie, yes – you can cook this on high for about half the time.
Made this last night. Added some red pepper flakes to give it some kick. It was yummy!
Karen, Great! Thanks for the feedback. 🙂