Get your main dish done with just three ingredients with this set-it-and-forget it pineapple salsa chicken recipe that pairs perfectly with veggies and grains or wrapped up in a tortilla! Originally posted July 2018. Last updated July 2022.
During the busiest times, I revert to simplicity because it just works. If you have a lot going on, this recipe has your name written on it. It has very few ingredients--three, to be exact--and there's no measuring required. It's honestly hardly even a recipe because you literally toss everything into a slow cooker and go about your business. My crockpot pineapple salsa chicken is the definition of a set-it-and-forget-it dinner recipe.
And if you're looking for more easy slow cooker chicken ideas, try my Moroccan Style Chicken Tagine in a Crock Pot or Pulled BBQ Chicken Sliders. You'll also enjoy this Simple Shredded Chicken for Tacos and Enchiladas.
Quick Recipe Video
In case you're a visual learner like me, here's a how-to video that gets straight to the point! While you're watching, go ahead and subscribe to my YouTube channel for new videos every week.
What You'll Need for this Recipe
I describe it as a three-ingredient dinner recipe because us food bloggers don't really count salt and pepper! For the sake of preciseness, though, here's exactly what to add to your grocery shopping cart to make it. You probably have most of the ingredients on hand.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
- Crushed Pineapple
- Salsa of your choice
- Sea Salt and Black Pepper to taste
Part of what makes this dump dinner recipe so versatile is that you get the best of both worlds with sweet and spicy flavors. And you can change up the taste by using different kinds of salsa. I like to use a slow roasted medium heat salsa for a bit of smoky flavor--so good!
An even quicker option is to use the ever-popular Trader Joe's pineapple salsa for both tastes in one. You can also do chicken thighs with pineapple salsa if chicken breast is not your thing. The only tools you will need to grab are your slow cooker and a kitchen spoon to mix everything up!
What to Serve with Crockpot Salsa Chicken
This dish doesn't look like much while cooking because it's completely covered by the salsa and crushed pineapple--but that's exactly what helps make it so tender and juicy. The chicken falls apart at the touch of a fork making it perfect to shred up for taco Tuesday. Easy pineapple salsa chicken tacos, anyone? Pineapple salsa chicken and rice with a side of beans is a simple yet satisfying meal you can make in a pinch. Let me suggest smoky jollof rice for that. And here are a few veggie sides to pair with the chicken, too.
- Garlicky Green Beans and Mushrooms
- Massaged Kale Salad
- Oven-Roasted Carrots
- Smokey Sautéed Brussels Sprouts
Options for serving slow cooker salsa chicken are nearly endless. I make it often and never get bored. A couple of other low effort options are to add this sweet and spicy crockpot chicken to lettuce cups or power bowls!
I've linked my favorite slow cookers (Yes, I have multiple slow cookers!) below. I hope you'll try and love making salsa chicken in a crockpot soon and very soon. And sharing is caring so be sure to pin the recipe and follow me over on Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
Slow Cooker Pineapple Salsa Chicken Recipe
📖 Recipe
Pineapple Salsa Chicken
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 20-ounce can crushed pineapple
- 1 16-ounce can salsa
- 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
- sea salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season chicken breast with sea salt and black pepper then place in crock of slow cooker.
- Pour salsa and crushed pineapple over top then cover and set to high.
- Cook for four hours or until chicken is cooked through (should be very tender to touch) and sauce is bubbly. Fully cooked chicken breast will read 165 degrees Fahrenheit when a meat thermometer is inserted into the thickest part. Turn off heat and stir sauce.
Video
Nutrition
Ashley says
Do I need to cook on low or high for 4 hours in the crock pot?
Jazzmine Woodard says
Hi, Ashley! Cook on low for four hours or high for two to three hours. I'll update the recipe instructions.
Sue says
I came across this recipe while I was looking for something different to do with chicken. This is the one I picked. Don't malign me for changing it a bit. I had fresh pineapple that I chopped fine. I had a green bell pepper and a small amount of cabbage that needed to be used so I chopped those up and added them to my Dutch oven. I had 4 bone in chicken thighs. I assembled it all and put it in a 350 degree oven and cooked it, covered for about 45 minutes. I checked the temperature of chicken along the way. It made two dinners for me and my husband and was even better the next day. Thank you for this inspiration, Jazzmine. It was a nice easy meal. I will make this again.
Jazzmine Woodard says
Thanks for your note, Sue. I'm glad you could make the recipe your own!
Ann says
I donot have an insta pot or slow cooker i do have a crueset dutch . Can I use that and how long do you think I can cook the chicken at what temp?
Jazz says
Hi, Ann. I haven't made this dish in a Dutch oven but the high setting of a slow cooker is roughly 300 degrees Fahrenheit and the low setting is about 190 degrees.
Kaluhi says
This was super easy to make and the chicken was extremely juicy!!! I deeply enjoyed both cooking and eating this!
Tamara says
This chicken has become a weekly meal for us! It is packed full of flavor, and so easy to just set it and forget it!
Kate says
My pineapple salsa chicken turned out so delicious! We served ours with some rice and everyone had second helpings. Loved it!
Robin Sparks says
I was surprised by the ease yet intense flavor of this chicken. Now that I have an Instant Pot this recipe will be on rotation.
Jessica says
I did this in my instant pot and served it in tortillas with some avocado and rice and beans on the side and it was so fire. It doesn't get any easier than this recipe! Loved it.
Britney Brown-Chamberlain says
This is my new favorite slow cooker recipe! It was perfectly balanced with savory and sweet flavors.
Marta says
I TOTALLY needed a break from intensive recipes this week and this 3-ingredient pineapple salsa chicken was my lifesaver! I actually served it in warmed corn tortillas for Taco Tuesday and the family loved it.
Mari says
Hi, can I use the pineapple salsa in a jar from traders joe? Thanks.
Jazz says
Hi, Mari. That sounds like a great shortcut and should work, although, I have not tried it.
Amy Rodriguez says
If I double the recipe do I need to change cooking time?
Jazz says
Hi, Amy! I have doubled this recipe before and did not need to increase the cooking time, however, it is always good practice to check for doneness using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the thickest part of the breast should reach 165 degrees farenheit. Hope this helps.