Pineapple Chicken Drumsticks

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.

close up of barbecue pineapple chicken in slow cooker

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.

ingredients for barbecue pineapple drumsticks on table

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.

Pineapple rings on top of chicken and bbq sauce in slow cooker

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.

tray of cooked drumsticks with bbq sauce on the side

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

29 More Reviews

cooked pineapple bbq chicken in a slow cooker

Pineapple Chicken Drumsticks

5 from 1 vote

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 3

Total Time: 3 15

Servings:

By: Sarah Olson

Sweet and tangy pineapple barbecue drumsticks made easy in the slow cooker.

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How to Video

Equipment

Slow Cooker – 3 quart or larger

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.

Made this recipe? Leave a comment below!

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.