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Homemade Slow Cooker BBQ Pineapple Chicken photo

Slow Cooker BBQ Pineapple Chicken

This Slow Cooker BBQ Pineapple Chicken is a sweet and tangy delight that's effortless to make and perfect for any busy weeknight!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time6 hours
Total Time6 hours 15 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: BBQ, Chicken, Easy, Pineapple, Slow Cooker
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Sauce

  • 4 pounds bone-in chicken pieces skin removed
  • 1/2 cup onion finely chopped
  • 2 large cloves garlic minced
  • 3/4 cup natural ketchup
  • 1/2 cup orange marmalade use sugar-free for lower calorie option
  • 1/2 cup crushed pineapple fresh or canned
  • 2 tablespoons honey for sweetness
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons brown mustard adds tanginess
  • 2 teaspoons salt to enhance flavors
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper for seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons sriracha sauce optional, for heat

For Thickening the Sauce

  • 1/4 cup cornstarch to thicken sauce
  • 1/4 cup water to dissolve cornstarch

Instructions

Preparation

  • Remove the skin from the bone-in chicken pieces and place the chicken in the slow cooker.

Make the Sauce

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, natural ketchup, orange marmalade, crushed pineapple, honey, Worcestershire sauce, brown mustard, salt, black pepper, and sriracha sauce if using. Mix until well combined.

Combine and Cook

  • Pour the pineapple orange barbecue sauce over the chicken pieces in the slow cooker, coating each piece well.
  • Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and pulls away easily from the bone.

Thicken the Sauce

  • Remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and set aside. In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in water.
  • Pour the cornstarch mixture into the sauce in the slow cooker and stir well. Cover and cook on high for an additional 15-30 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Serve

  • Return the chicken to the slow cooker, coat well with the thickened sauce, and serve hot with your favorite sides.

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Serving spoon

Notes

  • Use boneless chicken for quicker cooking times: about 4 hours on low or 2 hours on high.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Swap ingredients seasonally, like fresh pineapple in summer or Dijon mustard for a twist.