This Easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken is a tropical delight! With tender chicken cooked in a sweet and tangy sauce featuring pineapple and soy sauce, it’s a dinner everyone will love.
I adore how simple this recipe is—just toss everything in the slow cooker, and let it work its magic! Perfect for busy days when you want something yummy without the fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: I like using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for ease. You can substitute thighs for a juicier texture or even use tofu for a vegetarian option!
Pineapple Juice: Using juice from canned pineapple adds great flavor. In a pinch, you can use fresh pineapple juice or even orange juice for a different twist.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite barbecue sauce; I prefer a sweet and tangy one. If you’re avoiding sugar, look for a sugar-free version or make your own with ketchup and spices.
Crushed Pineapple: Don’t skip this! If you’re out of crushed pineapple, you could use diced fresh pineapple or even fruit preserves for sweetness.
Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw balances the chicken beautifully. You can buy it pre-made or toss together some shredded cabbage, carrots, and a light dressing if short on time.
How Do I Achieve Tender, Shredded Chicken?
The key to perfectly shredded chicken lies in low, slow cooking. Cooking it slowly allows the flavors to meld while keeping the chicken tender. Here’s how to do it:
- Use low heat for longer cooking times (6-7 hours is ideal) to really break down the chicken.
- Ensure there’s enough liquid in the slow cooker to keep everything moist.
- Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before shredding. This makes it easier to pull apart.
By soaking the shredded chicken back in the sauce, it enhances the flavor and keeps it juicy!
Easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 3 to 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 to 2 pounds)
- 1 cup pineapple juice (preferably from canned pineapple)
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (use your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
For Serving:
- Hamburger buns or sandwich rolls
- Coleslaw (store-bought or homemade)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time, plus cook time ranging from 3 to 7 hours depending on your cooking setting. It’s a great option for a busy day since you can set it and forget it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Make sure they’re spread out evenly at the bottom for even cooking.
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, combine the pineapple juice, barbecue sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground ginger (if using). Whisk until everything is well mixed—this sauce is what makes the chicken so flavorful!
3. Combine and Cook:
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring the chicken is well coated. Next, sprinkle the drained crushed pineapple evenly on top of the chicken and sauce.
4. Slow Cook the Chicken:
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook the chicken on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and very tender when finished.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. It should come apart easily!
6. Mix Back into the Sauce:
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir well, making sure it’s all coated with that delicious sauce. Let it sit on warm for about 10-15 minutes to soak up even more flavor.
7. Assemble and Serve:
To serve, place a generous amount of the Hawaiian chicken on a hamburger bun, and top it with coleslaw for that perfect crunch. Enjoy your warm, juicy sandwich!
This easy slow cooker Hawaiian chicken is a perfect blend of sweet and savory with minimal fuss. Let the slow cooker do the work while you focus on enjoying a delicious meal!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to increase the cooking time by about 1 to 2 hours on LOW. Cooking from frozen ensures safety, but always check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before serving.
What If I Don’t Have Pineapple Juice?
No problem! If you don’t have pineapple juice, you can substitute it with orange juice or a mixture of apple juice and a splash of vinegar for a similar sweet/tart flavor. Alternatively, use another fruity juice that you enjoy!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the stove or microwave. For best results, add a splash of water or extra sauce to restore moisture.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and place the chicken in the slow cooker the night before and refrigerate it. In the morning, just set the slow cooker to cook while you’re out. Enjoy the convenience of a ready meal when you return!
