Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken with Pineapple

This easy Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken with Pineapple is one of my favorite healthy crock pot dinners for busy weeknights. Made with just 5 simple ingredients and about 10 minutes of prep, it’s the kind of effortless recipe that delivers big flavor with very little work.

Tender chicken thighs slowly simmer in teriyaki sauce with sweet pineapple and green onions until juicy, flavorful, and fork tender. Serve it over rice, cauliflower rice, or alongside steamed vegetables for a simple family-friendly meal that’s perfect for meal prep too.

While homemade teriyaki sauce is delicious, sometimes convenience wins. Using a good-quality bottled teriyaki sauce keeps this recipe quick and easy without sacrificing flavor. I especially like Soy Vay and Kikkoman Takumi brands because they tend to have richer flavor and fewer unnecessary additives.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Just 5 simple ingredients
• Easy dump-and-go slow cooker meal
• WW-friendly and high in protein
• Great for meal prep and freezer meals
• Family-friendly sweet and savory flavor
• Easy to customize with vegetables and spices
• Delicious served over rice or cauliflower rice

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Boneless skinless chicken thighs – Stay moist and tender during slow cooking. Boneless skinless chicken breasts can also be used, though they may cook a bit faster and won’t be quite as juicy.
• Canned pineapple tidbits or chunks, drained – Add sweetness and classic teriyaki flavor. Fresh pineapple works well too.
• Teriyaki sauce – A good bottled teriyaki sauce makes this recipe incredibly easy. I especially like Soy Vay and Kikkoman Takumi brands for their rich flavor.
• Green onions (scallions), chopped – Add freshness and mild onion flavor.
• Minute tapioca (affiliate link) – Helps thicken the sauce naturally while it cooks. If you don’t have it, use a cornstarch slurry at the end instead.

Optional Add-Ins

Feel free to customize the flavor with:

• Minced garlic
• Fresh ginger
• Red pepper flakes
• Sliced bell peppers
• Broccoli florets
• Sesame seeds for garnish

How Many Calories and WW Points?

According to my calculations, each serving of chicken teriyaki has 240 calories and 1 WW Point.

To see your WW Points for this recipe, track it in the WW App!
(You must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.)
6 PointsPlus (Old plan)

How to Make Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken with Pineapple

Step 1: Prepare the slow cooker

Lightly coat the slow cooker insert with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Add the chicken

Arrange the chicken thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker.

Step 3: Make the sauce

In a bowl, stir together the pineapple, teriyaki sauce, chopped green onions, and minute tapioca (affiliate link).

Step 4: Slow cook

Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken.

Cover and cook:

• LOW: 6 to 8 hours
• HIGH: 3 to 4 hours

The chicken should be very tender and easy to shred or cut.

Step 5: Serve

Serve warm over rice, brown rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles with vegetables on the side.

Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Recipe Notes

This easy crock pot teriyaki chicken is proof that simple recipes can still be incredibly satisfying.

The minute tapioca thickens the sauce beautifully right in the slow cooker. If you prefer not to use it, simply stir together 1 to 2 tablespoons cornstarch with a little cold water at the end of cooking and add it to the sauce. Let it cook another 10 to 15 minutes until thickened.

Chicken thighs work especially well here because they stay moist and flavorful during long slow cooking. If you prefer leaner meat, chicken breasts are a great substitute.

For extra flavor, try adding fresh garlic, ginger, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before cooking.

Variations

• Use chicken breasts instead of thighs
• Add broccoli or bell peppers during the final hour
• Swap pineapple for mandarin oranges
• Use sugar-free teriyaki sauce to reduce sugar
• Add a drizzle of sriracha for heat

Can You Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?

Yes. Boneless skinless chicken breasts work well in this recipe, though they may not be quite as juicy as thighs. Check them a little earlier for doneness to avoid overcooking.

Serving Suggestions

This slow cooker teriyaki chicken pairs well with:

• Steamed jasmine or brown rice
• Cauliflower rice
• Stir-fried vegetables
• Asian slaw
• Steamed broccoli or snap peas
• Simple cucumber salad

For a lower-carb meal, serve it in lettuce wraps or over shredded cabbage.

Meal Prep & Storage Tips

This recipe is excellent for meal prep because the leftovers reheat beautifully.

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze portions for up to 3 months.
• Reheat gently in the microwave (affiliate link) or on the stovetop.

Leftovers are delicious:

• In rice bowls
• Stuffed into lettuce wraps
• Tossed with noodles
• Added to fried rice
• Served over baked sweet potatoes

If you’ve made this Slow Cooker Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken, please give the recipe a star rating below and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. And stay in touch on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.

More WW-Friendly Easy Asian-Inspired Recipes

• Slow Cooker Szechuan Chicken and Broccoli
• Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken
• Crock Pot Pineapple Pork
• Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken
• WW Crock Pot Asian-Braised Beef
• WW Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
• Crock Pot Salmon and Asian-Style Vegetables
• Low Carb Miso-Glazed Salmon