Simple #1 Pineapple Barbecue Chicken Recipe In A Slow Cooker

Looking for an easy, delicious, and healthy crockpot chicken recipe that the whole family will love? This barbecue chicken pineapple slow cooker recipe is sweet, savory, and perfectly balanced with a hint of tropical flavor. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, it’s a great gluten-free weeknight dinner that takes minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor.

Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, craving a nourishing dinner, or need a flavorful protein option the whole family will love, this slow cooker pineapple BBQ chicken is a go-to recipe that delivers sweet, savory comfort with gut and hormone-supportive ingredients.

Let’s explore why this tropical-inspired chicken dish deserves a place in your rhythm-based recipe rotation. Plus, how it embodies The Harmony Method™ approach to holistic, sustainable nourishment.

With its balance of lean protein, digestion-enhancing pineapple, and anti-inflammatory ingredients, this recipe supports blood sugar balance, hormone health, and gentle digestion; while bringing bold BBQ flavor you can feel good about.

It’s a simple, functional recipe that fits seamlessly into your weekly rhythm, honoring your body’s need for nourishment, flexibility, and ease; whether served in a bowl, wrap, or nourish plate.

You might also enjoy my pineapple salsa for a fresh pairing or my gut-friendly cranberry chicken recipe made in a slow cooker.

Jump to:

• 💖 Why You'll Love This Slow Cooker Pineapple BBQ Chicken Recipe?
• 🥣 Ingredients For Tropical BBQ Chicken Recipe
• 👩‍🍳 Directions For How To Make Pineapple BBQ Chicken In a Slow Cooker
• 🩺 Health Benefits For Slow Cooker Pineapple BBQ Chicken
• 🌀 Harmony Notes
• 🧡 Learn How To Make Pineapple BBQ Chicken
• 📖 Recipe
• 📖 Recipe
• ⭐️ Pro Nutrition Tip
• 💙 Substitutions
• 🥚 Healthy Food Swaps Guide
• 🍴 Variations
• 🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• ❄️ Storage Tips
• 🥘 Meal Prep Tips
• 🍳 Equipment
• My Favorite Slow Cooker!
• 🤔 ⁉️ FAQ - Common Questions
• 🍍 A Sweet & Savory Meal Your Gut Will Love - Tropical BBQ Chicken
• 📲 Save & Share
• ❤️ You Might Also Love These
• 🤲 Pairing
• 💬 Comments

🥣 Ingredients For Tropical BBQ Chicken Recipe

This isn’t just any healthy BBQ chicken made in a crockpot. It’s slow-cooked, deeply flavorful, and crafted to nourish your gut, balance your hormones, and keep your energy steady; without sacrificing comfort or ease.

1. Chicken Breast – A lean, high-quality protein source essential for blood sugar regulation, muscle repair, and hormone production. Keeps you full and energized, while supporting your metabolism and mood.
2. Pineapple Chunks (in 100% juice) – Rich in bromelain, a digestive enzyme that aids in protein breakdown and reduces inflammation. Pineapple also delivers vitamin C and antioxidants that support collagen production and skin health.
3. Garlic – A powerful prebiotic and immune-boosting ingredient. Garlic supports the gut microbiome, liver detoxification, and cardiovascular health with its sulfur-rich compounds.
4. Tamari (Gluten-Free Soy Sauce Alternative) – A gut-friendly substitute for traditional soy sauce, tamari provides savory umami flavor without gluten or excess sodium. It’s fermented, which may offer mild probiotic benefits.
5. BBQ Sauce (Homemade or Clean Store-Bought) – When made from scratch, your BBQ sauce is free of refined sugar and inflammatory oils. A blend of tomato, apple cider vinegar, and natural sweeteners provides antioxidants, digestion support, and hormone-friendly nourishment.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar (in homemade BBQ sauce) – Supports stomach acid production and overall digestive health. Also helps balance blood sugar and reduce post-meal glucose spikes.
7. Maple Syrup or Raw Honey (in homemade BBQ sauce) – A natural sweetener with trace minerals, offering a lower glycemic impact than refined sugar and supporting hormone balance when used mindfully.
8. Smoked Paprika & Mustard Powder (in homemade BBQ sauce) – Anti-inflammatory spices that bring depth of flavor and aid digestion, while gently supporting detox pathways.
9. Sea Salt & Black Pepper – Help enhance flavor and deliver essential trace minerals to support adrenal health, electrolyte balance, and overall vitality.

See the recipe card for quantities.

👩‍🍳 Directions For How To Make Pineapple BBQ Chicken In a Slow Cooker

Hormone-supportive meals like this pineapple BBQ chicken are surprisingly simple to prepare. These step-by-step directions show you how to create a nourishing slow cooker meal using clean, gut-friendly ingredients.

Let’s learn how to make our signature The Harmony Method™ pineapple BBQ chicken. Complete with a naturally sweet, refined sugar-free sauce that supports digestion, hormone balance, and balanced energy.

Step 1: Layer Ingredients

Place the chicken breasts into the bottom of your slow cooker. Top with minced garlic, tamari, pineapple chunks (with juice), and barbecue sauce.

Step 2: Stir & Set

Gently stir to coat the chicken evenly with sauce and pineapple. Cover and cook.

Step 3: Cook on Low 6-7 Hours

Cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until chicken is fork-tender.

Step 4: Shred & Serve

Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks and stir it back into the sauce. Let sit for 10 minutes on warm to absorb flavors.

🩺 Health Benefits For Slow Cooker Pineapple BBQ Chicken

Every bite of this pineapple BBQ chicken is more than just flavorful comfort food. It’s designed to support your gut, hormones, and energy levels with purposefully chosen, nourishing ingredients.

High-Quality Protein

Chicken breast is a lean protein source that supports muscle repair, satiety, and hormone production. It helps keep blood sugar levels stable and energy steady throughout the day.

Digestive Support from Pineapple

Pineapple contains bromelain, a natural digestive enzyme that helps break down protein and reduce inflammation; making this meal both flavorful and easy on the gut.

Gut-Friendly, Gluten-Free Sauce

Made with tamari (a gluten-free soy alternative) and a homemade BBQ sauce that skips refined sugar and inflammatory oils. This recipe supports gut lining health and reduces digestive stress.

Anti-Inflammatory Spices

Garlic, smoked paprika, and mustard powder deliver functional benefits; supporting immune health, liver detox pathways, and reducing inflammation throughout the body.

Blood Sugar Balance

The combination of protein, light natural sweetness, and optional fiber-rich side pairings (like quinoa or sweet potatoes) helps prevent post-meal blood sugar spikes, supporting mood and hormone stability.

🌿 Made with intention and crafted through The Harmony Method™ to bring balance and nourishment to your plate; without sacrificing flavor or simplicity.

🧡 Learn How To Make Pineapple BBQ Chicken

Learn how simple it is to make a pineapple chicken breast recipe for a tasty tropical bbq chicken that will be a family favorite. Let's make barbecue chicken with a simple prep in a slow cooker.

📖 Recipe

📖 Recipe

💙 Substitutions

Making this slow cooker pineapple BBQ chicken is all about flexibility and honoring your personal dietary needs. Here are some easy swaps to help you customize this chicken in pineapple sauce recipe while keeping it nourishing and gut-friendly.

• Chicken Breast – Swap with boneless chicken thighs for added richness, shredded turkey for a post-holiday variation, or use jackfruit or tempeh for a plant-based twist.
• Pineapple Chunks – Fresh pineapple works well if you prefer a whole food option. You can also use mango or peach for a different fruity flavor profile that still supports digestion.
• Tamari (Gluten-Free Soy Sauce) – Substitute with coconut aminos for a soy-free, gluten-free option with a touch more natural sweetness.
• Homemade BBQ Sauce – If short on time, use a clean store-bought BBQ sauce with no added refined sugar or inflammatory oils. Look for versions made with apple cider vinegar and natural sweeteners.
• Garlic – For a low-FODMAP option, use garlic-infused olive oil or omit entirely and add chopped chives for mild flavor support.

These substitutions allow you to adapt the recipe to your personal wellness goals; while still enjoying every smoky, sweet, and satisfying bite.

🍴 Variations

Here are some delicious and gut-loving ways to switch up this pineapple BBQ chicken to keep your rhythm rotating and your meals inspiring.

• BBQ Chicken Lettuce Wraps – Serve in butter lettuce or romaine boats for a refreshing, low-carb, and digestion-friendly option.
• Hawaiian Nourish Bowl – Layer the chicken over brown rice or quinoa with steamed greens, avocado, and grilled bell peppers for a balanced, macro-friendly meal.
• Plant-Based BBQ Bowl – Use shredded jackfruit, chickpeas, or tempeh in place of chicken, and coat with the same pineapple BBQ sauce for a vegan version.
• Spicy Pineapple BBQ Chicken – Add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a metabolism-boosting kick.
• Tropical Tacos – Serve the chicken in gluten-free tortillas with shredded cabbage, lime crema, and fresh cilantro for a taco night twist.
• BBQ Chicken Salad – Toss the shredded chicken over a bed of arugula or spinach with corn, avocado, and a drizzle of extra sauce for a hearty BBQ-inspired salad.

These variations keep your meals flavorful, functional, and microbiome-diverse; just the way the The Harmony Method™ intended.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve your pineapple barbecue chicken over:

• Steamed jasmine or brown rice.
• Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
• Gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps.
• A side of roasted sweet potatoes, coleslaw, or my ginger garlic cabbage saute.

❄️ Storage Tips

This chicken dish is great served fresh but can also be meal-prepped for ease.

• Refrigerator - Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer - Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.

🥘 Meal Prep Tips

Make your week easier (and tastier) with this slow cooker pineapple BBQ chicken recipe. It’s perfect for rhythm-based meal prep that supports your gut and hormones.

Follow these tips to prep once and enjoy nourishing meals all week long.

• Double the recipe and store portions in the fridge or freezer for quick lunches and dinners.
• Shred the chicken after cooking and portion into glass containers with a side of rice, quinoa, or roasted veggies.
• Use the extra BBQ sauce as a dip, drizzle, or base for other meals throughout the week.
• Serve in different ways - Lettuce wraps, nourish bowls, tacos, or stuffed sweet potatoes to keep meals interesting.
• Freeze extra pineapple BBQ chicken in single-serving portions for quick reheat-and-eat options on busy days.

This recipe fits beautifully into your weekly wellness rhythm; bringing ease, flavor, and hormone-supportive nourishment to your plate.

🍳 Equipment

• Slow Cooker – The star of the show! Let it do the heavy lifting while you go about your day.
• Cutting Board + Knife – For prepping garlic, pineapple (if using fresh), and optional veggies.
• Mixing Bowl – For stirring together your homemade BBQ sauce.
• Storage Containers – Glass containers or meal prep trays for storing leftovers or prepped meals.
• Mason Jars – To freeze leftover BBQ sauce or store for later use.
• Chicken Shredder + Serving Utensils – For shredding and mixing the chicken evenly with the sauce.

Meal prep just got easier and tastier; with this gut-friendly BBQ favorite from The Harmony Method™.

🤔 ⁉️ FAQ - Common Questions

🍍 A Sweet & Savory Meal Your Gut Will Love - Tropical BBQ Chicken

This slow cooker pineapple BBQ chicken is a cozy, feel-good meal that delivers big on flavor and nourishment; without the fuss. With quick prep and gut-friendly ingredients, it’s the perfect gluten-free dinner idea for busy nights or meal prep.

Serve it for lunch, dinner, or as a crowd-pleasing dish at your next gathering. However you enjoy it, this is a recipe you’ll come back to all year long.

📲 Save & Share

Loved this Harmony Method™ chicken recipe? Don’t forget to:

🔖 Save it to your Healthy Dinner Recipes board on Pinterest.
📸 Tag me on Instagram @eatyournutrition and show me how you served it!
📩 Share with a friend who’s looking for easy, gut-healthy dinner inspiration.

💬 Tried this recipe? Comment below and let me know your favorite way to enjoy BBQ chicken. Is it over rice, in a lettuce wrap, or as part of a nourish bowl?

✨ Want more meals like this? Sign up for The Harmony Method™ Weekly for gut-hormone supportive recipes and wellness tips delivered straight to your inbox.

❤️ You Might Also Love These

Looking for other easy gluten-free chicken dinner recipes like this? Try these:

🤲 Pairing

These are my favorite recipes to serve with chicken in pineapple sauce recipe:

Are You Interested in More Healthy Recipes?

If you’re interested in trying new healthy recipes, you can find many more inside the Eat Your Nutrition Cookbook.

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