Crock Pot Pineapple Chicken

This tangy-sweet Crock Pot Pineapple Chicken creates the most irresistible pulled chicken sandwiches topped with creamy coleslaw. The pineapple infuses the meat with natural sweetness while slow cooking transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary that your whole family will request again and again.

I first made these sandwiches for a neighborhood block party last summer, and they disappeared faster than anything else on the table. Several neighbors have since added this to their regular rotation after begging me for the recipe.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: A lean protein that becomes perfectly tender in the slow cooker. Look for breasts that are similar in size for even cooking.
• Pineapple juice: Provides natural sweetness and tenderizes the meat as it cooks. Use 100% juice, not concentrate for best results.
• Brown sugar: Deepens the sweet flavor profile and helps create that sticky glaze texture.
• Butter and flour: Create the base for a thickened sauce that will cling to your chicken.
• Garlic: Fresh minced cloves provide so much more flavor than garlic powder.
• Ketchup: Adds tomato richness and tanginess to balance the sweetness.
• Soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce: Bring umami depth that makes the flavor more complex.
• Onion: Fresh chopped adds texture and sweetness when sautéed in butter.
• Spices: Including ginger, salt, pepper, and onion powder create a balanced flavor profile.
• Coleslaw ingredients: Including mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar create the perfect creamy topping.
• Rolls: Choose soft rolls that can hold up to the saucy chicken without falling apart.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Flavor Base:

Cook the chopped onion in melted butter over medium heat until they become translucent and slightly golden, about 5 minutes. This initial step builds a foundation of sweet onion flavor that permeates the entire dish.

Create the Sauce Mixture:

In a separate bowl, combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, minced garlic, ketchup, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, onion powder, and ginger. Whisk until fully integrated to ensure all the sweet, savory, and tangy elements are evenly distributed throughout your final sauce.

Make the Roux:

Add flour to the sautéed onions in the skillet and stir continuously for about 1 minute. The mixture will look thick and pasty, but this crucial step creates the thickening agent that will give your sauce body and help it cling to the chicken.

Finish the Sauce:

Pour your pineapple juice mixture into the skillet with the flour and onions. Stir constantly while bringing it to a simmer, then cook for 5 minutes until it begins to thicken. You should notice it coating the back of a spoon when it reaches the right consistency.

Slow Cook the Chicken:

Place chicken breasts in your crock pot and pour the prepared sauce over them, making sure they're fully covered. Cover and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours, allowing the meat to slowly absorb all those wonderful flavors while becoming fall apart tender.

Shred and Finish:

Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it thoroughly using two forks. Return the shredded meat to the sauce in the crock pot and cook for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up even more flavor and fully incorporate with the sauce.

Prepare the Coleslaw:

Mix mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, ground mustard, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until smooth. Pour this dressing over your coleslaw mix and toss until every piece is evenly coated. The creamy, tangy slaw provides the perfect contrast to the sweet chicken.

Assemble the Sandwiches:

Place a generous portion of the saucy shredded chicken onto each roll and top with a heaping spoonful of coleslaw. The combination of warm, sweet chicken with cool, creamy slaw creates a perfect texture and flavor contrast in every bite.

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This recipe has saved my dinner plans countless times when hosting unexpected guests. The slow cooker aspect means I can start it in the morning and have an impressive meal ready by evening, no matter how hectic my day becomes. The pineapple juice is truly the secret ingredient here, tenderizing the chicken while adding natural sweetness.

Storage and Reheating

The shredded chicken mixture keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best results, store the coleslaw separately as it maintains its crunch better this way. When reheating the chicken, add a splash of pineapple juice or water to maintain moisture, then warm gently on the stovetop or microwave until just heated through. The flavors actually develop and improve after a day in the refrigerator, making this perfect for meal prepping.

Ingredient Substitutions

If pineapple juice is unavailable, substitute orange juice mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice for a similar sweet citrus profile. Boneless chicken thighs work wonderfully in place of chicken breasts and actually stay even more moist throughout the long cooking time. For a lighter coleslaw, Greek yogurt can replace half or all of the mayonnaise while adding a pleasant tanginess. Those watching sugar intake can reduce the brown sugar by half and add a tablespoon of honey instead, which provides sweetness while complementing the pineapple beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

These sandwiches pair wonderfully with sweet potato fries, which echo the sweet notes in the chicken. A simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette offers a light, fresh contrast to the rich sandwiches. For a fun presentation at parties, consider serving smaller portions on slider buns with a pineapple slice on top secured with a toothpick. During summer months, grilled corn on the cob with a touch of chili powder creates a perfect seasonal side dish that complements both the sweetness and tanginess of the main course.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh pineapple juice instead of canned?

Yes, fresh pineapple juice works well and may enhance the flavor with added freshness.

→ Can I substitute chicken breasts with thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative, offering a richer flavor and added juiciness.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Add a teaspoon of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for extra heat.

→ What rolls work best for this sandwich?

Brioche or Hawaiian rolls complement the sweet and tangy flavors well, but any soft sandwich roll will work.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and coleslaw a day in advance. Store them separately and assemble when ready to serve.