This pineapple salsa chicken officially solidifies July 2018 as the month of pineapple recipes, y'all. Last week, I shared these pineapple jalapeno mimosas and the week before was two-ingredient pineapple nice cream. There's no real reason for all of this except that I particularly love pineapples and these three recipe ideas happened to converge in July. Much like the preceding pineapple dishes, this one has very few ingredients--three, to be exact. And it couldn't be easier--you just season the chicken with salt and pepper then literally toss everything into a slow cooker and go about your business. I made this batch the other day on my way out the door to church and came home to the most delicious aroma emanating from my kitchen. It is the definition of a set-it-and-forget-it recipe. There's also no measuring involved!
Part of what makes this dish 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 used a slow-roasted medium heat salsa (here's the exact jar) for the rendition you see here, which resulted in sweet and smoky flavors reminiscent of barbecue--so good!
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 moist. This pineapple salsa chicken falls apart at the touch of a fork making it perfect to shred up for taco Tuesday. Serve it over rice and add a side of beans, make lettuce wraps, pair it with veggies or toss it into a power bowl! The possibilities are quite endless. I also recommend checking out these slow cooker chicken tacos and spicy slow cooker shredded chicken for more ideas.
Using your slow cooker for savory dishes is a no-brainer. This Moroccan chicken and these BBQ pulled chicken sliders are popular examples of slow cooker recipes I've shared over the years. But did you know you can also make desserts in the slow cooker? Last summer, I whipped up this yummy cherry apple crisp and made this applesauce a few seasons back. Just thought I'd throw that out there to help get your wheels turning for ways to use your slow cooker. It's hot as balls outside right now and I want to help you avoid standing over your stove or cranking up your oven unnecessarily. 🙂
I've linked my favorite slow cookers (Yes, I have multiple slow cookers!) below. Also, I'm currently planning out more slow cooker recipes for next season and would love to hear what y'all would like to see. Let me know your ideas in the comments below. As always, thanks so much for reading!
P.S. more slow cooker goodness:
- Honey Fire Meatballs
- Pesto Parm Meatballs
- Roasted Garlic Potato Soup
- Turkey Meatballs in Marinara Sauce
An easy, set-it-and-forget-it slow cooker recipe for sweet and spicy chicken made with just three 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
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. Turn off heat and stir sauce.
Mimi says
I need to try this for dinner, it sounds delicious!
Paula @ I'm Busy Being Awesome says
This looks like such a nice and quick recipe, it looks tasty too!
Jenni LeBaron says
I love crockpot meals because I can add all the ingredients and then forget about it until we're ready to eat. I also love any excuse not to turn the oven on!
Whitney Kutch says
Slow cooker meals are my FAVORITES and this one looks awesome! Super easy - thanks for the meal idea!
Jazz says
You're welcome! Thanks for stopping by.
Amanda Martin says
I love anything with pineapple! I bet this is a great, easy weeknight dinner
Jazz says
It's SO easy!
Charla says
Pineapple and chicken - two of my favourite things in one serving!!
Brian says
Kinda confused you say cook time four hours but the total time is two hours and forty two minutes?
Jazz says
Hi, Brian. Not sure why the total time says 2 hours and 42 minutes but it should be 2 minutes prep time and 4 hours cook time. I’ll correct that.
Carolyn says
4 hours on low or high??
Jazz says
Four hours on high!
Liz says
Do I drain the pineapple juice? I bought the chunks...I love pineapple!!!
Jazz says
Hi, Liz! No need to drain the pineapple. Just pour it all in there. I hope you love it!
Aly Michell says
Recipes like these make me realize I need to really get into cooking with a slow cooker!
Calysta says
Mmmmm! Savory summer flavor that is simple to to do in the crock pot! I can’t wait to throw this together!
Tisha says
I'm always down for a great slow cooker meal! This looks fantastic. I can't wait to try!
Katrina Adams says
I love chicken and pineapples so this is a must try!!
Aline says
Ohhhh chicken and pineapple, a match made in heaven!! Looks so yummy!
Mari Wilson says
Eating it now over a mix of.brown rice and cauliflower rice. Sprinkled some tagine seasoning on top. Very good. Husband loves it!
Jazz says
So glad y'all enjoyed this, Mari!
Marta says
It's crazy how something so easy to make was so full of flavor, but this pineapple salsa chicken is a new staple in our meal rotations.
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.