This Easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken is a tropical delight! Juicy chicken is cooked slowly with sweet pineapple and tangy BBQ sauce for a mouthwatering meal.
I love how easy this dish is—just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic. Perfect for busy days when I want something tasty without much fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe, as they shred easily and soak up flavors. For a twist, try thighs for added juiciness or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Pineapple Juice: This is key for sweetness. If you don’t have it, orange juice blends well, or you can even use a mixture of water and a bit of sugar as a last resort.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite for the best flavor! If you’re looking for healthier options, opt for low-sugar or homemade BBQ sauce. You can also swap it with teriyaki sauce for a different taste.
Soy Sauce: This ingredient adds a savory depth. Tamari is a great gluten-free substitute. If you’re watching sodium, look for low-sodium soy sauce.
Coleslaw: While store-bought is easy, making your own allows you to customize it! Add fresh ingredients like apples or raisins for a twist.
How Can I Shred Chicken Perfectly?
Shredding chicken can be a bit tricky if you haven’t done it before. Here’s the best way to do it:
- Once your chicken is cooked and tender, use two forks or meat claws to pull apart the meat.
- Start from the thicker end, and gently pull the meat apart in a shredding motion.
- If you find it too tough, let it cool for a few minutes to make it easier to handle.
This technique ensures you get nice, even shreds, making it perfect for piling on your buns!
Easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 to 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (use your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, drained (reserve juice if you want more sweetness)
- Hamburger buns or slider buns, for serving
- Coleslaw, for topping (store-bought or homemade)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep, plus cooking time of either 6 to 7 hours on LOW or 3 to 4 hours on HIGH in your slow cooker. After that, there’s just a quick 30 minutes to let the shredded chicken soak up all those delicious flavors before serving! Perfect for a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the slow cooker in a single layer. This ensures they cook evenly and get coated with all the yummy flavors.
2. Make the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, barbecue sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger (if using) until everything is well mixed. This will be the sauce that makes your chicken flavorful!
3. Combine Everything:
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, making sure they’re all well-covered. Then, add the crushed pineapple on top.
4. Cooking Time:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through and tender. Your kitchen should smell amazing by now!
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. It’s best to do this while the chicken is still warm.
6. Mix it All Together:
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and give it a good stir to coat it with the sauce. Let it cook for another 15 to 30 minutes on LOW to soak in all those tasty flavors.
7. Prepare the Buns:
While the chicken is soaking up flavor, toast the hamburger buns lightly in a skillet or toaster. This adds a nice crunch!
8. Assemble & Serve:
Now it’s time to put it all together! Pile a generous amount of the Hawaiian chicken onto each bun and finish it off with a scoop of coleslaw for extra texture and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Hawaiian Chicken Sliders!
This recipe is sure to be a hit—enjoy your tender, sweet-savory Hawaiian Chicken Sliders made effortlessly in your slow cooker!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just keep in mind that you may need to add an extra hour of cooking time. Ensure that the chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before serving.
Can I Substitute the Barbecue Sauce?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a different flavor profile, you can substitute barbecue sauce with teriyaki sauce or sweet chili sauce. Just keep in mind that it may alter the taste slightly, but it will still be delicious!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Hawaiian chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes well! Just place it in an airtight container or freezer bag and store it for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it on the stove or microwave.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Definitely! For some heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or a bit of sriracha to the sauce mixture before cooking. You can also serve with spicy coleslaw for an extra kick!
