This Easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken is a tropical treat! Just toss chicken, pineapple, and a sweet sauce into the slow cooker and let it work its magic all day long.
The smell alone is worth it, and it’s so easy, even your pet goldfish could make it—if they had hands! 🐟 I love serving it over rice for a yummy dinner.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. They cook evenly and shred beautifully. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, chicken thighs are a good substitute, adding more flavor.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple is delicious, but canned is super convenient. Just make sure to use the juice from the canned pineapple for an extra flavor boost! If you’re not a pineapple fan, you can swap it for diced mango or even peaches.
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite barbecue sauce for this dish. A sweet or tangy barbecue sauce works best! If you’re avoiding sugar, try a sugar-free version or make your own using ketchup and apple cider vinegar.
Coleslaw: This adds a crunchy texture! Store-bought coleslaw is quick and easy, but if you want to make your own, mix shredded cabbage with carrots and a dressing of mayo, vinegar, and sugar.
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Shredded?
Shredding chicken might feel tricky, but it isn’t! After cooking, it should easily fall apart. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Let the chicken cool for a few minutes after removing it from the slow cooker. This makes it easier to handle.
- Use two forks: Hold one fork in each hand and pull the chicken apart in opposite directions.
- For a more uniform texture, you can use a hand mixer on low speed to shred the chicken quickly.
Mix the shredded chicken well with the sauce in the slow cooker for maximum flavor!
Easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice (from the canned pineapple or juice)
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Slider or sandwich buns (4-6)
- Coleslaw (store-bought or homemade), for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and the slow cooker does the rest. You’ll need around 6-7 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH for cooking. So, you can set it in the morning and come home to a delicious dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. This will be the base for your tasty Hawaiian chicken!
2. Make the Sauce
In a medium bowl, mix together pineapple chunks, pineapple juice, barbecue sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground ginger (if you’re using it). Don’t forget to add a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir everything well until combined.
3. Combine in Slow Cooker
Pour that delicious sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Make sure the chicken is well-covered.
4. Cook It Up!
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook. If you choose LOW, let it cook for 6-7 hours, or if you’re short on time, set it to HIGH for 3-4 hours. Your goal is tender chicken that shreds easily!
5. Shred the Chicken
When the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. It should be very tender and flavorful!
6. Mix It All Together
Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker and stir it well to coat the chicken with all that yummy sauce.
7. Toast the Buns
If you love a little crunch, lightly toast your slider or sandwich buns. This step is optional, but it adds a nice texture!
8. Assemble Your Sandwiches
It’s time to put it all together! Pile a generous amount of Hawaiian chicken onto each bun. Top with a spoonful of coleslaw to bring in that crunch and freshness.
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve those delectable sandwiches immediately and take a bite of tropical goodness. Perfect for a casual dinner or a fun gathering!
This easy slow cooker Hawaiian chicken is a fantastic dish for anyone looking for a stress-free meal that tastes amazing! Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the chicken first. Thaw frozen chicken safely in the refrigerator overnight, or place it in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for quicker results. Cooking times may vary slightly if starting with frozen chicken, so ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
What If I Don’t Have Pineapple Juice?
No problem! If you lack pineapple juice, you can use orange juice or even apple juice for a slightly different flavor. Just make sure it’s a fruit juice that complements the dish. You can also add extra pineapple chunks for more natural sweetness.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove or microwave until heated through. If it seems dry, you can add a splash of water or extra barbecue sauce to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Absolutely! If you prefer a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce to the sauce mixture before cooking. This will give your Hawaiian chicken a spicy kick while maintaining its sweet and tangy flavors!
