Slow Cooker Pineapple Brown Sugar Chicken

Slow Cooker Pineapple Brown Sugar Chicken is a sweet-and-savory tropical twist on classic comfort food. Tender shredded chicken simmers in a sticky pineapple, brown sugar, and soy sauce glaze that’s full of island-inspired flavor. It’s an easy, family-friendly weeknight dinner that takes just minutes to prep, then your slow cooker does the rest.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, with some juice)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions

1. Place the chicken breasts in an even layer in the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the pineapple chunks, brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, ground ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well until the brown sugar is mostly dissolved and everything is evenly mixed.
3. Pour the pineapple mixture over the chicken, making sure each piece is generously coated with sauce.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or on HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and very tender (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
5. Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir well so the shredded chicken absorbs the sauce and pineapple pieces are evenly distributed.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding a splash more soy sauce for saltiness or a sprinkle of brown sugar for extra sweetness.
7. Serve the pineapple brown sugar chicken over hot cooked rice and garnish with sliced green onions just before serving.

Variation

1. Add vegetables: Stir in sliced bell peppers and onion during the last 1–1.5 hours of cooking for extra color and nutrition.
2. Spicy pineapple chicken: Increase red pepper flakes to 1/2–3/4 teaspoon and add a teaspoon of sriracha or hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
3. Pineapple BBQ twist: Swap the ketchup for your favorite BBQ sauce and add 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar for a tangier, barbecue-style flavor.

Cooking Notes

1. Avoid overcooking on HIGH; chicken breasts can dry out if cooked too long. Check for doneness at the earliest time listed.
2. If the sauce seems too thin after shredding, remove the lid and cook on HIGH for 15–20 minutes to let it thicken slightly, stirring occasionally.
3. For thicker, glossy sauce, you can whisk 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and stir into the slow cooker during the last 20–30 minutes of cooking.

Serving Suggestions

1. Serve over steamed white rice, jasmine rice, or brown rice to soak up all the sweet and savory sauce.
2. Pair with a simple side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
3. Use leftovers as a filling for tacos, lettuce wraps, or pineapple chicken sandwiches with a crunchy slaw on top.

Tips

• Spray or lightly oil the slow cooker insert before adding the chicken to make cleanup easier and reduce sticking.
• Trim excess fat from the chicken breasts before cooking for a cleaner, less greasy sauce.
• Make it ahead: Prep the sauce and chicken in a zip-top bag and refrigerate overnight (or freeze), then dump into the slow cooker and cook as directed.

Prep Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4–6 hours (low) or 2–3 hours (high)
• Total Time: 4–6 hours

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Protein: 28 g
• Sodium: 650 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen chicken?
   It’s safest to thaw chicken completely in the refrigerator before adding it to the slow cooker for even cooking and food safety.
2. Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs instead of breasts?
   Yes, boneless, skinless thighs work very well and stay extra tender; cook times are similar.
3. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
   Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water if needed.
4. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes, you can double it as long as your slow cooker is large enough. Add 30–60 minutes to the cook time if it’s very full and check for doneness.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Pineapple Brown Sugar Chicken brings tropical sweetness and savory comfort together in one easy dish. With just minutes of prep, you get tender, saucy shredded chicken that’s perfect over a bowl of fluffy rice. It’s simple, crowd-pleasing, and ideal for busy nights when you want big flavor with hardly any effort.