Slow Cooker Sweet Chili Pineapple Chicken

Sticky, sweet and just a little tangy, this slow cooker pineapple chicken brings bold tropical flavor with minimal effort.

Juicy chicken slow cooks in a glossy sweet chili sauce with pops of pineapple and tender bell peppers, creating that perfect balance of sweet, tangy and savory.

It's a family-friendly, dump-and-go meal that feels fresh and vibrant, whether you serve it over fluffy rice, mashed potatoes or scoop it into bowls for an easy weeknight win.

For more delicious slow cooker recipes, try this Slow Cooker Potato Soup, my Slow Cooker Mississippi Pork Roast and this Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff.

Ingredients

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Lean protein that becomes tender and juicy when slow cooked
Garlic and onion powder: Deep, savory base note
Oil: Used for searing to build flavor
Pineapple chunks (drained): Sweet, tangy bursts that define the dish
Red bell pepper: Adds color, crunch, and natural sweetness
Sweet chili sauce: The sticky, sweet-spicy backbone of the sauce
Soy sauce: Adds umami and saltiness
Brown sugar: Deepens sweetness and helps create a glossy finish
Rice vinegar: Balances with acidity
Minced garlic: Fresh, punchy flavor

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

chicken pineapple and peppers in the slow cooker

Step 1: Season chicken on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly golden. Transfer chicken to the slow cooker in an even layer. Add pineapple chunks and bell pepper over the chicken.

Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar and minced garlic.

chicken pineapple peppers and sauce in the crockpot

Step 3: Pour the sauce evenly over everything.

cooked chicken and peppers in the slow cooker

Step 4: Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until chicken is tender and cooked through. Let sit briefly to allow the sauce to thicken slightly, then serve warm.

slow cooker sweet chili chicken on a plate with mashed potato

Substitutions

Chicken breasts: Chicken thighs for a juicier result
Soy sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
Rice vinegar: Apple cider vinegar

Variations

Spicy: add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha
Extra garlic: increase the minced garlic for a bolder flavor
Veggie boost: stir in broccoli or snap peas toward the end

crockpot pineapple chicken styled on a plate

Equipment

I used a slow cooker and a skillet for this recipe.

Storage

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw before reheating.

Top tip

Drain the pineapple well to prevent the sauce from becoming too thin.

FAQ

Can I skip searing the chicken?

Yes, it saves time, but searing adds an extra layer of flavor and color that's worth it if you can.

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