Healthy Pineapple Chicken with Bell Peppers (Slow Cooker Style)

This healthy pineapple chicken with bell peppers is sweet, tangy, and made with real, wholesome ingredients—right in your slow cooker. It’s the perfect blend of tropical flavor and tender chicken, finished with a colorful medley of bell peppers. If you’re after a better-for-you dinner that’s big on taste, this one’s a must-try.

Why I Love This Recipe

I’ll admit it—I used to only think of pineapple chicken as a takeout thing. It was something you’d order when you wanted saucy, sticky, sweet chicken over a bed of fried rice. But once I started experimenting with slow cooker recipes at home, I realized I could get those same tropical vibes without all the added sugar or deep frying.

That’s how this healthy pineapple chicken with bell peppers came to be. It was inspired by our success with other slow cooker staples like creamy garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes and the simplicity of our 5-ingredient honey garlic chicken.

Instead of bottled sauces, this recipe uses pineapple juice, coconut aminos (or low-sodium soy sauce), garlic, and a touch of honey for natural sweetness. The bell peppers cook perfectly tender-crisp, and the whole thing turns into a glossy, flavor-packed dish that’s great over rice or cauliflower rice.

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Why You’ll Love It (and What You’ll Need)

Clean Ingredients, Bold Flavor

This is one of those healthy dinners that doesn’t taste like “health food.” Thanks to the pineapple juice and savory garlic sauce, every bite feels satisfying and balanced.

You’ll need:

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• Fresh or canned pineapple chunks (in juice, not syrup)
• Red, yellow, or green bell peppers
• Garlic, ginger, honey
• Coconut aminos or low-sodium soy sauce
• Cornstarch for thickening (optional)

Everything cooks together in the crockpot until the chicken is juicy and the sauce is sticky and sweet. If you’ve loved our ultra creamy crockpot chicken spaghetti, this is its lighter, brighter counterpart.

Bell Peppers Add Texture and Nutrition

The colorful peppers don’t just look good—they hold their texture in the slow cooker and add that fresh crunch that balances the sweetness of the pineapple. They also boost the fiber and vitamin C, making this a nutrient-rich meal even picky eaters enjoy.

If you want more kick, toss in a little red pepper flake or diced jalapeño. But it’s also flavorful enough as-is to stand on its own.

Serving Tips, Swaps & Storage

Best Ways to Serve It

This dish shines with simplicity. Try it over:

• Steamed white or brown rice
• Quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
• Rice noodles or even inside lettuce cups

The sticky-sweet sauce clings beautifully to grains, making it a great make-ahead meal. If you enjoy quick, family-friendly meals like creamy ranch chicken, this pineapple version will feel right at home on your table.

Swaps + Storage Tips

Want to switch things up?

• Use chicken thighs for deeper flavor, or breasts for leaner protein
• Swap bell peppers for snap peas or carrots
• Try fresh pineapple if you prefer firmer texture
• Add a splash of rice vinegar for a tangier sauce

To store:

• Fridge: Up to 4 days in an airtight container
• Freezer: Freeze fully cooled portions in zip-top bags for up to 3 months
• Reheat: Warm gently on stovetop with a splash of water or broth

Leftovers are excellent for meal prep. Just portion over grains and refrigerate for grab-and-go lunches.

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