This Easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken is a sweet and tasty dish that brings a tropical vibe to your dinner table! With chicken, pineapple, and a tangy sauce, it’s truly delightful.
Using a slow cooker means dinner can cook itself while you do something fun! I love serving it over rice to soak up that yummy sauce. Easy peasy and so delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe as they cook down into a tender, shreddable texture. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, you can use thighs, which also add a bit more richness.
Pineapple Juice: The juice adds sweetness and a tropical flair. If you want to cut sugar, consider using unsweetened juice or coconut water. Fresh pineapple juice works too if you have it on hand!
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite brand for this recipe. For a healthier option, look for a low-sugar version or homemade sauce. I enjoy a tangy vinegar-based BBQ sauce that balances the sweetness of the dish.
Coleslaw: It gives a nice crunch to the sandwich. If you want to skip it, try using sliced cucumbers or pickles for some tang and texture.
How Do I Get Perfectly Shredded Chicken?
Shredding chicken might seem tricky, but it’s easy! After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to cool slightly. Then, use two forks—one to hold the chicken steady and the other to pull it apart.
- If the chicken resists shredding, let it cook a little longer until it’s fork-tender.
- Mix the shredded chicken back in with the sauce and pineapple for added flavor!
Easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup pineapple juice (preferably from canned pineapple)
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (use your favorite brand)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 can (8 oz) pineapple chunks, drained
- Hamburger buns or slider buns (for serving)
- Coleslaw (for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Hawaiian chicken recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and then cooks slowly. You need 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the slow cooker, which gives you plenty of time to relax while it cooks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Make sure they’re evenly spaced so they cook well.
2. Make the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, barbecue sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground ginger until the mixture is nice and smooth. This sauce is what will give the chicken its delicious flavor!
3. Combine Sauce and Chicken:
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. It should cover the chicken nicely. Then, add the drained pineapple chunks right on top. Yummy!
4. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6-7 hours, or high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
5. Shred the Chicken:
After cooking, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker. Mix it well with the sauce and pineapple, so every bite is flavorful and juicy.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the Hawaiian chicken hot on hamburger or slider buns. Top it generously with coleslaw for that perfect creamy and crunchy contrast. Enjoy your tropical feast!
These sweet and tangy slow cooker Hawaiian chicken sandwiches are sure to be a hit!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. Thaw in the fridge overnight or place the sealed chicken in cold water for a quicker method. If using frozen, you may need to increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours.
What BBQ Sauce Works Best?
Your favorite brand works best! For a sweeter flavor, try a honey BBQ sauce. For a tangy kick, go with a vinegar-based sauce. Feel free to experiment based on your taste preferences!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and chicken in advance, then store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before cooking. Just combine everything in the slow cooker when you’re ready to start your meal.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly.
