Pineapple Chicken Drumsticks
27 Comments Sep 02, 2021
Updated Jun 02, 2025
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If you’re looking for an easy dinner that’s big on flavor and doesn’t heat up the kitchen, these pineapple barbecue drumsticks are it.
We love an easy chicken drumsticks recipe! This one is unique for I’ve added sweet pineapple. Still and easy recipe but with even more flavor. Great for an easy summer dinner and very customizable.
What you’ll need
Just a few simple ingredients. Find the full recipe in the recipe card below the images.
- Chicken Drumsticks: Stay tender and juicy in the slow cooker—these are a budget-friendly option.
- Barbecue Sauce: Pick your favorite; it creates a sweet and tangy glaze that plays perfectly with pineapple.
- Pineapple Slices + Juice: Add tropical flavor and natural sweetness while keeping everything moist.
Cook’s Tips and Variations
You don’t have to brown the chicken, but if you skip that step, you may want to remove the skin before serving.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work too—use about two pounds, and no need to sear them.
Try different barbecue sauces like smoky, spicy, or honey-flavored—whatever you have on hand works great.
For a fun twist, swap the pineapple juice with ½ cup of root beer for a rich, caramel-style flavor.
What to serve with drumsticks
These sweet and tangy drumsticks pair perfectly with simple sides like rice, crockpot corn on the cob, or slow cooker baked sweet potatoes.
For something heartier, serve them with crockpot mac and cheese or crockpot baked beans.
Want a Southern-style meal? Add a scoop of crockpot collard greens and you’re all set.
Featured Comment
“Made it last night. Loved it. Was so easy to make. Thank you.”
– Angela
Pineapple Chicken Drumsticks
How to Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2.5 lbs. chicken drumsticks, about eight drumsticks
- 1/4 salt
- 1/4 pepper
- 2 Tbsp. vegetable or canola oil
- 1 cup favorite barbecue sauce
- 20 oz. can pineapple slices, (1/2 cup of juices reserved)
Instructions
- Sprinkle the chicken with the salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet set to medium-high heat, add the cooking oil. When the pan is hot, brown the chicken on all sides. Add the chicken to the 3-quart or larger slow cooker.
- Pour over the barbecue sauce evenly over the chicken. Next, pour over the 1/2 cup of reserved juices from the pineapple can. Add the pineapple slices over the chicken and sauce.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or on LOW for 5-6 hours. Do not open the lid during the cooking time.
Nutrition
Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.
More Barbecue Chicken recipes:
Root Beer Chicken and Easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken both bring sweet and tangy flavors to the table, whether you’re serving them over rice or tucked into buns.
Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks and Hawaiian Barbecue Chicken Sliders are flavorful, saucy, and easy to make—great for a no-fuss dinner everyone loves.
For a great appetizer, try my barbecue chicken dip. For a meal that’s unique with fun toppings, you’ll love Hawaiian Haystacks.
Made it last night. Loved it. Was so easy to make. Thank you
sooo easy and delicious — next time i am gong to try peaches instead of pineapples
Has anyone made this exact recipe without browning them first? Did they turn out just as good? Plan to put them on low around Midnight Ish.. friend read me the recipe but I’m just now seeing the browning part for myself. Do not want to brown at midnight lol
It will be fine without browning, I’ve done it before.