Why order Chinese Take-out when this Slow Cooker Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Chicken recipe is just as good? And putting it together is SO easy!
Don’t get scared by the word “spicy” in the title and the red pepper flakes in the photo, you can make this as mild or as spicy as you want.
But this is just too good and made for an easy summer dinner that hit the spot. It’s got a nice thick sauce that mixes perfectly with the rice. This will be a hit for your family for sure!
Key Takeaways
- Cook Time: Low – 8 hours; Medium – 6 hours; High – 4 hours
- Main Ingredients: Pineapple, chicken, brown sugar, chili sauce, fresh garlic, and more
- Servings: 6
- Extras: For more veggies, add in snap peas, broccoli, carrots, or others (even a frozen stir-fry mix); also add soy sauce and honey or brown sugar for a richer taste
- Tips: Cut the chicken to be about the same size as the pineapple to get great bite sizes
Sweet & Spicy Pineapple Chicken Recipe
Cooking this easy Pineapple Chicken is a breeze, which makes it perfect for those who love flavor-packed dinners but might not have the time for extensive kitchen endeavors.
To start, simply gather all your ingredients and prepare the chicken and pineapple by cutting them into bite-sized pieces.
This ensures each bite is a perfect mix one very bite.
Mix the sugar, chili sauce, and garlic (and red pepper flakes if you’re going for that kick!) in a separate bowl .
Add pineapple chunks and chicken to the crock pot and then add the sauce mixture on top.
Set it to cook on High for 4 hours, making sure the chicken is cooked to 165°F.
Halfway through, add in the bell pepper or your choice of veggies for an extra nutritional punch.
Stir-fry vegetables are a great addition to the red bell pepper I used!
Once done, serve this delightful dish over a bed of fluffy rice for a complete meal that’s sure to become a beloved favorite in your home.
Remember that when you drain the pineapple chunks, keep some of the pineapple juice! you will want about 1/2 cup to put in the slow cooker with everything else.
There is a small step at the end, but it’s almost a requirement if you want a thick sauce.
I just haven’t found a way to thicken sauces in the slow cooker without doing a little cooking on the stovetop at the end.
And honestly, it will take you literally less than 5 minutes to heat up some of the juices with cornstarch on medium-high heat to thicken it.
Serve this pineapple chicken over a generous portion of this aromatic, glistening chicken topped with vibrant pineapple chunks onto a bed of steaming, fluffy rice.
The combination of sweet and spicy flavors, enriched by the slight tanginess of pineapple chicken creates harmony in each bite.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinles chicken breasts cubed, about 1.5 - 2 lbs total
- 1 can pineapple chunks 15 oz, drained with juice set aside
- 1/2 cup of pineapple juice
- 1/2 red pepper cut into chunks
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes or less if you don't like the "spicy"
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 cloves of garlic minced or pressed (or 2 tsp minced jarred garlic)
- 2 Tbsp chili sauce either sweet chili or sirracha (depending on how hot you want it 🙂
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 3 Tbsp cornstarch + 1/2 cup cold water
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in the slow cooker, except the cornstarch and water.
- Cook on high for 4 hours (or medium for 6, or low for 8).
- In a small sauce pan, whisk the cornstarch and water.
- Heat sauce pan over medium heat while occasionally whisking.
- Add 2/3 cup of the liquid from the slow cooker to the pan and whisk together until it thickens up.
- Place thickened liquid into the slow cooker and stir in well.
- Serve over white rice.
Recipe Substitutions
you can tailor the Sweet & Spicy Pineapple Chicken to suit any preference, ensuring it remains a versatile and beloved dish in your culinary repertoire.
Experimenting with these substitutions can help tailor the sweet and spicy pineapple chicken to your taste preferences and dietary requirements.
Here are a few suggestions:
The Meat
Chicken breasts are one of the main stars of pineapple chicken, but you can use chicken thighs, chicken drumsticks, or swap out the chicken entirely if you want.
If you’re not in the mood for chicken or looking for a variation, lean cuts of pork or beef can be excellent substitutes.
Make sure they’re cut into small, bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook thoroughly in the slow cooker.
For a seafood twist, consider adding shrimp during the last hour of cooking. This will prevent them from becoming overly tough and chewy.
For a vegan option that mimics meat texture, soy curls or jackfruit are fantastic substitutes. Both absorb the sauce flavors well and offer a satisfying mouthfeel.
There are other meat substitutes you can try to use a protein you like and fits your dietary needs.
The Fruit
While pineapple is a star in this recipe, mango chunks can offer a tropical sweetness that complements the spicy flavors well.
You can also try using canned peaches or apricots for a different twist.
For a lower sugar option, opt for fresh diced fruits like apples or pears. The natural sugars in the fruit will still offer a touch of sweetness without being overwhelming.
The Sauce
If you’re looking for an alternative to the sweetness of pineapple juice in pineapple chicken, honey or brown sugar can be excellent substitutes.
Adjust the amount based on your sweetness preference and how it will match your other ingredients.
For those who enjoy a bit more heat, adding a bit more red pepper flakes or even a splash of sriracha sauce can kick it up a notch.
If you want a richer taste, add garlic and ginger- classic profile in Asian dishes, and I’ll even add garlic and ginger powder to my rice when cooking it.
If you’re looking to alter the flavor profile slightly or have dietary restrictions, swapping in soy sauce or coconut aminos can add an extra layer of depth to the dish.
If I use soy sauce, I use lemon juice and brown sugar to work with the saltiness- and then toss in Frank’s Red Hot (hot sauce) for a kick to go with it!
You can also get low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the salt in the dish.
A splash of rice vinegar can heighten the tanginess of this sweet and savory sauce, providing a subtle, distinct acidity that balances the sweet and spicy elements beautifully.
The Veggies
In my version of Pineapple Chicken, I added a red bell pepper to add a little spice and some more nutrition to make it a complete dish.
Feel free to add other vegetables besides bell peppers, such as snap peas, carrots, or broccoli, to make this dish even heartier and more colorful.
Serving It Up
Sweet and spicy pineapple chicken can be served in a variety of mouthwatering ways that enhance its flavors and appeal.
For a classic pairing, serve it over a bed of steamed jasmine or even fried rice, allowing the rice to absorb the rich, flavorful sauce.
Another amazing idea that I’m going to try next time is serving it over coconut rice!
The spicy sauce over sweet coconut rice sounds amazing, balancing heat and sweet so well.
Alternatively, for those looking for a lighter option, quinoa or cauliflower rice make excellent substitutes.
To add a colorful crunch, consider a side of stir-fried vegetables or a fresh Asian-inspired salad dressed with a ginger vinaigrette.
For a fun, interactive dining experience, serve Pineapple Chicken freshly chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and extra red pepper flakes on the side.
Have whatever is available and allow everyone to customize their dish to their liking!
Other Slow Cooker Recipes
And if you like this pineapple chicken and how easy it is to throw in the crockpot, you might be interested in 40 other slow cooker dump recipes that are AMAZING!
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple chunks instead of canned pineapple?
Absolutely! Fresh pineapple chunks would be a great swap if you buy fresh or cut it yourself.
Keep in mind that you’ll need to adjust the amount of juice accordingly.
Not every pineapple is super juicy, and you want your Pineapple Chicken to have plenty of liquid in the crock pot.
If using fresh pineapple, try to collect about 1/2 cup of juice during the preparation process for the best flavor balance.
If there isn’t enough, have a can of pineapple juice ready in the wings.
Can I freeze pineapple chicken for stow-and-go meals?
Yes, this sweet and spicy pineapple chicken freezes beautifully.
Cook it according to the directions, but don’t add green onions, sesame seeds, or other toppings to the mix- add those fresh when reheating later.
Make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through.
What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a classic combination, serve it over steamed rice or noodles.
For a low-carb option, try cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Steamed broccoli, bok choy, or a fresh green salad are also excellent choices to round out the meal.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Definitely! To adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot, simply use the sauté function to brown the chicken if desired, then add all the ingredients (except for the thickener).
Cook on high pressure for about 10 minutes. Allow for a natural pressure release before opening, then switch back to sauté mode to thicken the sauce as directed.
Can I substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts in this recipe?
Certainly! Both chicken thighs and chicken breasts work well for this dish.
Thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful due to their higher fat content, whereas skinless chicken breasts are leaner.
The cooking time remains relatively the same, but always ensure the chicken is cooked through to the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What if I don’t have a slow cooker or an Instant Pot?
No problem! You can easily adapt this recipe for stovetop cooking.
Use a large pot or deep skillet with a lid. Brown the chicken if desired, then add all other ingredients except for the thickener.
Cover and simmer on low heat for about 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked, stirring occasionally.
Add in the stir fry veggies or whatever you picked, and cook for about 10 minutes.
Lastly, thicken the sauce at the end over medium heat as described if it’s a bit runny.
How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Adding vegetables can make this dish even more wholesome.
Bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas are great additions that complement the sweet and spicy flavors.
These are classics that make it almost like a stir fry, without having to actually make a stir-fry on the stove.
Add them during the last 30 minutes of slow cooking or the last 10 minutes if using an Instant Pot.
For stovetop cooking, add them halfway through simmering to ensure they remain crisp-tender.
You can also toss in some frozen mixed vegetables towards the end of cooking for added convenience.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just be sure to check the labels of all ingredients used, as some may contain hidden sources of gluten.
Final Thoughts
Sweet and spicy pineapple chicken is more than just a delightful meal; it’s a versatile dish that caters to a wide range of dietary preferences and cooking methods.
Whether you’re using a slow cooker, Instant Pot, or conventional stovetop, this recipe is straightforward, delicious, and open to customization.
By incorporating fresh or canned pineapple, adjusting the heat and sweetness levels, and adding a variety of vegetables, you can make this dish uniquely yours.
It’s freezer-friendly, making it perfect for meal prep or those busy weeknights when you need a quick and nutritious dinner option.
With numerous serving suggestions and the possibility to adapt it for gluten-free diets, sweet and spicy pineapple chicken is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Happy cooking!
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You say set the pineapple juice aside, but, not when to add it. So when does the juice go in.
I would mix the pineapple juice with the cornstarch and not use the water.
I made this recipe this evening. Absolutely delicious. Recipe is a keeper.
I didn’t have red bell peppers so i used cherries instead. Really great recipe though.
Can I.use fresh pineapple instead and no pineapple juice?
I did and it turned out perfect
So this uses the juice from the can of pineapple plus another ½ cup? And the additional ½ cup goes into the slow cooker at the start, but the reserved juice does not? I’m confused.
I was confused as well. I ended up accidentally adding in the pineapple juice to the crockpot. This morning I realized my mistake. I strained out a cup of juice so it could get cool and I could whisk it with the cornstarch. I don’t know if the temperature makes a difference but recipes always say cold water. Then I’ll follow the directions and add more liquid from the slow cooker (this time hot) as instructed. It’s pretty much a science experiment at this point.
Can you make it without adding the extra sugar?
Perfect for my Mealthy electric pressure cooker…and I can start with frozen chicken breasts and be putting it on the table in less than a half hour.
This was good. Maybe i cut the chicken up too small, about half inch sizes, but it was over done. Next time ill cut them larger or decrease the time on low. Also, I think i would double the sauce next time
What brand and kind of sweet chili sauce is it like Frank’s Sweet Chili or like Asian sweet chili sauce, there is a big difference.
I was super excited to find new slow cooker recipes as I use my slower cookers frequently. I printed off several of your recipes to try. Today I tried the Spicy Pineapple Chicken. I I decided to try cooking on low for 4 hours, as I cook whole chickens for 8 hours, in any of my three slow cookers and they get done. I left the chicken in large chunks, but otherwise followed the recipe as written. After 4 hours it was done. Once I gently stirred in the cornstarch mixture, I was left with a pot of unappealing mush.… Read more »