If you’re looking for a sweet-and-savory sandwich that practically screams summer, Crock Pot Pineapple Chicken Sandwiches are about to steal the show in your kitchen. Tender chicken breasts soak up a pineapple-infused sauce, delivering a mouthwatering blend of tropical flavors with a hint of tang and warmth from ginger and garlic. Topped with a crunchy homemade coleslaw and served on a soft roll, these sandwiches are guaranteed to disappear at any gathering—whether it’s a backyard bash or a cozy weeknight dinner. Once you try Crock Pot Pineapple Chicken Sandwiches, don’t be surprised if they become a mainstay in your meal rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Crock Pot Pineapple Chicken Sandwiches Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the joys of Crock Pot Pineapple Chicken Sandwiches is how effortlessly the simple ingredients come together to create magic. Every component, from pineapple juice to coleslaw mix, adds its own sparkle—balancing sweet, tangy, creamy, and savory notes in every bite.

Onion (1 medium, chopped): Adds a savory base and subtle sweetness as it cooks down with the butter.
Butter (2 Tb): Sautéing the onion in butter helps mellow its flavor and brings richness to the sauce.
Flour (1/4 C): Thickens the sauce so it perfectly coats the chicken and doesn’t turn out runny.
Pineapple juice (2 C): The star ingredient, infusing the chicken with tropical sweetness and helping to tenderize the meat.
Brown sugar (1 C): Rounds out the pineapple’s tartness with deep caramel notes for irresistible flavor.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Delivers a warm, aromatic kick that complements the sweet sauce beautifully.
Ketchup (3/4 C): Adds tang and color, blending seamlessly into the sweet and savory profile of the sauce.
Soy sauce (1 Tb): Lends umami depth and just the right touch of saltiness to balance the flavor.
Worcestershire sauce (1 1/2 tsp): Brings those “what’s that awesome flavor?” undertones every good barbecue sauce craves.
Salt (1 tsp) & Pepper (1/2 tsp): Essential for seasoning and rounding out the other flavors.
Onion powder (1/2 tsp): Reinforces that comforting onion flavor for a satiny sauce.
Ground ginger (1/2 tsp): Adds a gentle zing and brightens each bite.
Chicken breasts (3 pounds): The perfect canvas—they soak up all that gorgeous sauce and become melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Mayonnaise (1 1/3 C, Best Foods Light recommended): The creamy base of your coleslaw, bringing everything together.
Apple cider vinegar (1/4 C): Lifts the coleslaw’s flavor and cuts through the richness in the best way.
Sugar (1/3 C): Sweetens the slaw, offering a delightful balance to the tangy vinegar.
Ground mustard (1/2 tsp): Adds subtle complexity and rounds out the coleslaw dressing.
Onion powder (1/4 tsp): Gives the slaw a slightly savory note without raw onion’s bite.
Salt (1/2 tsp) & Pepper (1/2 tsp): Essential seasonings that pull the slaw flavors together.
Coleslaw salad mix (1 bag, 14 oz): No prep required—just toss and go for instant crunch.
Rolls (6–8): Choose soft sandwich rolls that will embrace all that saucy, shredded chicken and slaw.

How to Make Crock Pot Pineapple Chicken Sandwiches

Step 1: Sauté the Onions

Start by melting the butter in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Once it’s bubbling, add the chopped onion and cook until it turns beautifully translucent. This step builds a sweet, aromatic base that will set the tone for the rest of your sauce. Don’t rush the onions—a little patience here delivers big flavor later.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Pineapple Sauce

While those onions work their magic, grab a mixing bowl and whisk together the pineapple juice, brown sugar, minced garlic, ketchup, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, onion powder, and ground ginger. This tropical medley is what sets Crock Pot Pineapple Chicken Sandwiches apart—the aroma alone will have everyone circling the kitchen.

Step 3: Make a Flavored Roux

Sprinkle the flour over your sautéed onions in the skillet and stir. The mixture will look a little pasty, but trust the process! This quick roux will naturally thicken your sauce while letting the flavors of onion and butter shine through.

Step 4: Simmer and Thicken the Sauce

Slowly pour the pineapple juice mixture into the skillet, stirring as you go. Turn the heat up a bit and let it come to a gentle simmer. Cook, stirring often, for around 5 minutes or until you see the sauce thickening. This step locks in all that amazing flavor so every inch of chicken is coated in sunshine.

Step 5: Combine with Chicken and Cook Low and Slow

Place those fresh chicken breasts in a 3–4 quart crock pot, and pour every drop of that luscious sauce right over the top. Pop on the lid, set to low, and let the Crock Pot Pineapple Chicken Sandwiches do their thing for 6–8 hours. The chicken will slowly tenderize while basking in caramelized pineapple goodness.

Step 6: Shred and Soak

Once the chicken is fork-tender, fish it out of the crock pot and shred it with two forks—you want it juicy and in bite-sized pieces. Slide the shredded chicken back into the sauce, give it a stir, and let it soak up all those tasty juices for another 30 minutes. This final bath is where the magic truly happens.

Step 7: Make the Creamy Coleslaw

While your chicken finishes, stir together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, ground mustard, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Pour this luscious dressing over your coleslaw mix, stirring until every strand is coated and ready to layer onto your Crock Pot Pineapple Chicken Sandwiches. The coleslaw adds crunch, color, and a tangy bite to every sandwich.

Step 8: Assemble and Serve

Ready for the grand finale? Spoon a generous heap of saucy, shredded chicken onto a soft roll, pile high with homemade coleslaw, and crown your creation with the top bun. Each bite is the perfect medley of sweet, tangy, creamy, and savory—guaranteed to steal the spotlight at your table.

How to Serve Crock Pot Pineapple Chicken Sandwiches

Garnishes

Don’t stop at slaw! Sprinkle your Crock Pot Pineapple Chicken Sandwiches with extra sliced green onions, a little fresh cilantro, or even thin pineapple rings for a punch of color and fresh flavor. These simple touches turn your sandwiches into a true tropical feast.

Side Dishes

This sandwich loves a simple side. Try it with crispy sweet potato fries, grilled corn on the cob, or a fresh fruit salad. All provide welcome contrast to the saucy chicken, and let the vibrant flavors of your Crock Pot Pineapple Chicken Sandwiches shine. Even classic potato chips or a simple pickle spear works perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual gatherings, serve the chicken and slaw buffet-style and let everyone build their own signature sandwich. Or, for a fun twist, make sliders using small dinner rolls—perfect for parties and potlucks! You can also serve the shredded pineapple chicken over rice or atop leafy greens for a lighter, fork-and-knife option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Crock Pot Pineapple Chicken Sandwiches filling separately from the slaw and rolls. Place cooled shredded chicken (with sauce) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Keep the coleslaw in its own container to preserve crunch, and assemble sandwiches just before serving to keep everything fresh.

Freezing

Pineapple chicken freezes beautifully! Simply let the shredded chicken and sauce cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Label and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. While you can freeze the chicken, make the coleslaw fresh for best texture and taste.

Reheating

To reheat, place the reserved chicken and sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring every 30 seconds to keep things moist. If stored separately, the juicy chicken stays tender, and the slaw will stay crisp when piled fresh on your sandwich roll.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully and may stay even juicier during the long, slow cooking time. If you prefer dark meat, just swap in an equal amount for the Crock Pot Pineapple Chicken Sandwiches—the sauce is delicious either way!

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour or cornstarch for the thickening step in the sauce, and be sure to use gluten-free rolls. Double-check that your soy sauce and Worcestershire are certified gluten-free as well.

Can I prep any components ahead of time?

You sure can. The sauce can be made a day or two ahead and kept in the fridge. You can also shred the chicken in advance and store it with the sauce, or prepare the slaw up to a day ahead—just keep it chilled and toss before serving.

What’s the best way to feed a crowd with this recipe?

This is a perfect party dish! Double the Crock Pot Pineapple Chicken Sandwiches recipe in a larger slow cooker if needed, or keep extra chicken warm on the “keep warm” setting. Serve buffet style with a variety of rolls and toppings to let everyone personalize their plate.

Can I use canned pineapple instead of just juice?

If you like little bits of pineapple throughout the chicken, stir in drained pineapple tidbits during the last hour of slow cooking. They’ll add extra bursts of flavor, making your Crock Pot Pineapple Chicken Sandwiches even more fun and colorful!

Final Thoughts

With a tropical twist, make-ahead ease, and plenty of room for creativity, these Crock Pot Pineapple Chicken Sandwiches are exactly the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket. Give them a try—you’ll love how satisfying and craveable this simple combo of flavors can be!