Crockpot Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken
This Crockpot Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken is the kind of easy dinner every busy family needs! Tender chicken slow cooks in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce with juicy pineapple, fresh garlic, ginger, and soy sauce before being finished with a quick cornstarch slurry for the perfect thick sauce. Serve it over jasmine rice with steamed broccoli for a simple meal everyone will love.
If there is one thing I hear over and over again, it's that everyone is always looking for more easy crockpot recipes. Life gets busy, and having dinner waiting on you at the end of the day just makes everything feel a little easier.
This Crockpot Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken has quickly become one of those recipes I'll keep making because it checks every box. It's incredibly simple to throw together, the ingredients are easy to find, and the flavor is absolutely amazing.
The combination of savory teriyaki sauce and soy sauce paired with sweet pineapple creates the perfect balance of salty and sweet. As the chicken slowly cooks, it becomes incredibly tender while soaking up all of that delicious sauce. Fresh garlic and ginger add just enough flavor to make it taste like you spent far more time on dinner than you actually did.
One of my favorite parts about this recipe is that it feels like takeout without ever leaving the house. Just serve it over fluffy jasmine rice with some steamed broccoli, spoon plenty of that thickened sauce over everything, and dinner is done.
Whether you're feeding your family on a busy weeknight, meal prepping lunches, or simply looking for something different to add to your weekly rotation, this recipe is one you'll come back to again and again.
Why You'll Love This Recipe:
- Only a handful of simple ingredients.
- The slow cooker does almost all of the work.
- Sweet and savory flavors everyone enjoys.
- Great for meal prep and leftovers.
- Better than takeout while being budget friendly
Recipe Variations:
- Add red bell peppers during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Stir in snap peas before serving.
- Add a little sriracha or red pepper flakes for heat.
- Top with chopped cashews for extra crunch.
📝 Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 (15-ounce) bottle teriyaki sauce
- 1 (20-ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 4 garlic cloves, minced (or 2 tablespoons minced garlic)
- 1 tablespoon granulated ginger
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Cornstarch Slurry:
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons cold water
- For Serving:
- Microwave jasmine rice
- Salt, to taste (for the rice)
- Steamed broccoli
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
👩🍳 Directions
- 1
Add the cubed chicken, teriyaki sauce, drained pineapple, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a pinch of salt and black pepper to the crockpot. Stir until everything is well combined.
- 2
Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- 3
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Pour the slurry into the crockpot and stir well to combine.
- 4
Cover the crockpot again and let the sauce thicken for 10–15 minutes while you prepare the sides.
- 5
Prepare the microwave jasmine rice according to the package directions and season it with a pinch of salt. Steam the broccoli until tender.
- 6
To serve, spoon the jasmine rice into bowls. Top with the teriyaki chicken and pineapple, making sure to spoon plenty of the thickened sauce over the top. Serve alongside the steamed broccoli and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
💡 Tips for Success
- Don't skip the soy sauce: Even though the teriyaki sauce already has plenty of flavor, the soy sauce adds another layer of savory richness that really balances the sweetness from the pineapple.
- Cut the chicken into even pieces: Keeping the chicken cubes about the same size helps everything cook evenly.
- Make sure the pineapple is drained: Draining the pineapple keeps the sauce from becoming too thin while still giving you all of the delicious sweetness.
- Mix the cornstarch slurry separately: Always whisk the cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the crockpot. This prevents lumps and helps the sauce thicken smoothly.
- Let the sauce thicken: After adding the slurry, cover the crockpot for about 10–15 minutes while you prepare the rice and broccoli. The sauce will become perfectly glossy and coat the chicken beautifully.
- Season your rice: A pinch of salt added to the jasmine rice makes the entire meal taste even better.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and stay incredibly tender in the slow cooker.
Can I use fresh pineapple?
Yes! Fresh pineapple can easily be substituted for canned pineapple. You'll need about 2 cups of pineapple chunks.
Can I cook this on high?
Yes. If you're short on time, cook it on HIGH for about 2–2½ hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely! This recipe reheats beautifully and is perfect for meal prep throughout the week.
What vegetables go well with this?
Steamed broccoli is my favorite, but snow peas, carrots, green beans, bell peppers, or snap peas are all delicious options.
Can I make the sauce thicker?
Yes. If you'd like an even thicker sauce, simply make another slurry using 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1½ tablespoons cold water and stir it into the crockpot.
Can I use frozen chicken?
For food safety, it's best to thaw the chicken completely before placing it in the slow cooker.
How do I store it?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. The sauce may thicken in the refrigerator, so add a splash of water if needed while reheating.
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Made this recipe?
Tag me on Instagram @holleyinthekitchen — I'd love to see it!Recipe from Holley in the Kitchen: https://holleyinthekitchen.com/recipe/crockpot-teriyaki-pineapple-chicken