Description
Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Salsa Chicken is a vibrant slow cooker meal featuring tender shredded chicken simmered with pineapple, salsa, beans, and warm spices. Perfectly balancing heat and sweetness, this versatile dish is ideal for bowls, tacos, burritos, or salads.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thawed
- 1/2 cup mild salsa
- 1/4 to 1/3 cup hot wings sauce (start with 3 tablespoons)
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 can (20 ounces) pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 ounces) sweet corn, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (4 ounces) mild diced green chilies
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Optional Garnishes: cooked white or brown rice, crushed tortilla chips, sour cream, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, sliced avocados, shredded lettuce, fresh lime wedges
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in an even layer at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add salsa, hot wings sauce, brown sugar, pineapple chunks, black beans, corn, green chilies, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Stir gently around the chicken to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 4–6 hours, until chicken is tender and easily shreds.
- Remove chicken and shred using two forks.
- Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat in the sauce. Cook an additional 30 minutes to meld flavors.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more hot sauce, sugar, or salt as desired.
- If needed, drain excess liquid for a thicker consistency before serving.
- Serve over rice, in tortillas, or with desired garnishes.
Notes
- Use fully thawed chicken for even cooking and food safety.
- Reduce brown sugar to 1/2 cup for a less sweet version.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used for juicier results.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently with a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–7 hours (low) or 4–6 hours (high)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
