If you’ve ever found yourself craving that tender, flavorful Cafe Rio shredded chicken, you’re in the right place! This slow cooker recipe makes it easy to have those bold, zesty flavors right at home—without the takeout line. It’s family-friendly, perfect for meal prep, and honestly one of the easiest ways to feed a crowd.

This chicken dinner recipe is one of those life saver crock pot (slow cooker) recipes. I love that you can throw everything together in less than 5 minutes, let it cook all day and then feel like a hero as you serve it to your family for dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Cafe Rio Chicken

• Hands-off crock pot recipe – take 5 minutes to throw all the ingredients in the crockpot, set it and walk away
• Just a few pantry ingredients – only 5 ingredients needed!
• Freezer-friendly & great for meal prep – freeze for another meal or eat it throughout the week
• Works in tacos, burritos, salads, and more – so versatile!
• Copycat flavor at a fraction of the price – restaurant prices are insane these days, so I try to make more restaurant copycats at home
• Great for a crowd or to share with a neighbor – It’s a great dinner idea to take to someone who may need a family friendly meal.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Cafe Rio Chicken

You only need 5 ingredients to make this delicious chicken recipe! And you literally toss it all in the slow cooker let it cook. Here is the ingredients list:

• Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing: Acts as the flavorful marinade base. The vinegar tenderizes the chicken while the herbs and spices infuse it with that bold, tangy punch Cafe Rio chicken is known for. Avoid the fat free dressing.
• Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy depth and a hint of smokiness that balances the tangy dressing.
• Chili Powder: Brings mild heat and layers of chili pepper flavor, making the chicken savory and robust without being overly spicy.
• Garlic: Boosts the savory notes and gives the chicken that aromatic, crave-worthy flavor.
• Chicken Breasts: The protein star of the recipe; they soak up all the marinade flavors and shred beautifully after slow cooking, just like Cafe Rio’s signature chicken.
• Creamy Tomatillo Cilantro Ranch Dressing: The famous Cafe Rio sauce! Creamy, tangy, and fresh, it ties everything together when drizzled over salads, tacos, or burritos.
• Cilantro Lime Rice: The perfect base. Light, fluffy, and bright from the lime and cilantro, it balances the richness of the chicken and dressing, just like at the res

This Easy Crockpot Pineapple Chicken is a family favorite! It’s a cheap, quick and easy dinner that comes together in a few minutes then cooks all day in a slow cooker!

You’ll love this tender chicken in the Hawaiian and Asian inspired flavors of teriyaki sauce and pineapple.

The first time I ever went to Hawaii I expected there to be beautiful pineapple trees every where. I couldn’t wait to feel so tropical and have the air smell as sweet as the sweet and tangy fruit.

They grow on the ground.

I literally had missed the memo for 18 years of my life. I know, I was ridiculous, but now it’s the flavor that’s ridiculous. This is one of our top 5 family favorite recipes for the crockpot!

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken

• Packed with flavorful protein
• Slow cooker does all the work
• Totally from scratch so you have control of the ingredients
• Makes great leftovers for lunch the next day
• Great for meal prep

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• Chicken Thighs: Provide a tender, juicy protein base that soaks up all the sweet and savory flavors from the sauce.
• BBQ Rub: Adds depth, smokiness, and seasoning that enhances the chicken’s flavor before it even hits the sauce.
• Olive Oil: Used to brown the chicken to add more flavor.
• Teriyaki Sauce: Brings sweet, umami-rich flavor with a glossy texture that ties everything together.
• Soy Sauce: Balances sweetness with salty, savory depth and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• Garlic: Adds bold aroma and a savory backbone that complements the sweetness of the pineapple.
• Red Onion: Brings mild sweetness and a little bite for contrast against the rich sauce.
• Red Bell Pepper: Adds color, crunch, and natural sweetness that brightens up the whole dish.
• Pineapple Chunks: Deliver that tropical sweetness and tang that makes the sauce irresistible.
• Green Onion: Finishes the dish with fresh, crisp flavor and a pop of color.
• Rice: The perfect base to soak up all that sweet and savory sauce — it’s how you turn this dish into a complete, satisfying meal.

How to Make Crockpot Pineapple Chicken

1. Season and Sear the Chicken: Sprinkle BBQ rub all over both sides of the chicken and then sear it on both sides until golden brown.
2. Make the Sauce: Add all the sauce ingredients for the sauce to a small bowl and whisk together.
3. Cook: Add the chicken to the slow cooker and pour the sauce over the top.