Pineapple Hickory BBQ Chicken Drumsticks: 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Dinner Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the best flavor, use a BBQ sauce that you love eating on its own, as its flavor will concentrate during cooking.

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will help it cling to the chicken even more.

If you want to add extra depth, sprinkle a little smoked paprika or garlic powder over the chicken before adding the sauce. You can also add a sliced onion or bell pepper to the slow cooker for extra vegetables.

Just remember that the video only shows the basic ingredients, so any additions are optional and not part of the original recipe.

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add 1-2 chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce along with the BBQ sauce for a smoky heat. Or stir in 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. Adjust the amount to your spice preference.
• Tropical Twist: Swap the pineapple chunks for mango chunks or a mix of pineapple and mango. Use a mango-habanero BBQ sauce for an extra fruity and spicy flavor. The sweetness of the mango pairs beautifully with the smoky chicken.
• Garlic Lover's: Add 4-5 cloves of minced garlic to the slow cooker with the other ingredients. The garlic will infuse the sauce and chicken with a savory depth that complements the sweet and smoky flavors.
• Honey Mustard: Replace half of the BBQ sauce with honey mustard dressing or a mix of honey and Dijon mustard. This creates a tangier, less sweet glaze that still caramelizes beautifully on the chicken.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave until warmed through.

Freezer

Freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or BBQ sauce to loosen the sauce. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between, until hot.

Store any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even more delicious the next day.

To reheat, place the chicken in a saucepan with a little water or extra BBQ sauce and warm over medium heat until heated through, or microwave in 30-second intervals.

This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble everything in the slow cooker insert the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, simply place the insert in the slow cooker base and start cooking. You can also cook the chicken a day ahead, then reheat it gently in the sauce before serving.

Serving ideas

Serve the chicken drumsticks over a bed of steamed jasmine rice, spooning extra pineapple chunks and sauce over the top. The rice soaks up the delicious sauce, making every bite satisfying.

A sprinkle of sliced green onions or fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and freshness, though these are not part of the original video.

This dish also works well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple side salad. For a casual get-together, set out the slow cooker and let guests help themselves. The sticky, sweet, and smoky flavors are universally loved, and the chicken is easy to eat with your hands if you're serving it as finger food.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Pineapple Hickory BBQ Chicken Drumsticks: 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Dinner

Prep 5 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 5 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 8 chicken drumsticks
• 20 oz pineapple chunks in juice, undrained
• 1 1/2 cups hickory BBQ sauce
• 2 cups cooked jasmine rice, for serving

Instructions

1. Place the chicken drumsticks in the slow cooker insert, arranging them in a single layer or slightly overlapping. It's fine if they touch; they will shrink as they cook.
2. Pour the entire can of pineapple chunks with its juice over the chicken. Spread the chunks evenly around and between the drumsticks so the fruit is distributed throughout.
3. Drizzle the hickory BBQ sauce evenly over the chicken and pineapple. Use a spoon or spatula to gently coat the drumsticks with the sauce, ensuring each piece is covered.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours, or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the meat is falling off the bone. The internal temperature of the thickest part of the drumstick should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. Spoon steamed jasmine rice onto a serving plate. Use tongs to lift the chicken drumsticks out of the slow cooker, letting any excess sauce drip back. Place the chicken on the rice and spoon additional pineapple and sauce over the top.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

540

Protein

42 g

Carbohydrates

38 g

Fat

24 g

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.