This Easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken is a sweet and tangy delight! Made with juicy chicken, pineapple, and a tasty sauce, it’s perfect for a cozy dinner.
Sometimes, I just toss everything in and let it work its magic while I relax. The smell alone makes my mouth water—who needs a vacation to Hawaii when you can have this at home?
What I love most is how tender the chicken gets. Serve it over rice, and you’ve got a meal that feels special but is super simple to prepare!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish since they cook evenly and shred easily. If you’re looking for a different option, you can use thighs for a richer flavor, or even tofu as a vegetarian alternative.
Pineapple Juice: This adds a sweet and tropical flavor. If you don’t have pineapple juice, apple juice or orange juice could work as substitutes, but they’ll change the overall taste slightly.
Barbecue Sauce: You can use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce for convenience. For a healthier option, try a sauce with lower sugar or make your own simple BBQ sauce. If avoiding soy, there are gluten-free BBQ sauces available.
Coleslaw: Store-bought coleslaw is quick and easy, but I love making my own with green cabbage, carrots, and a bit of mayo or vinegar for freshness. You can also use other crunchy veggies like shredded broccoli or kale.
How Can I Make Sure My Chicken Shreds Easily?
The key to easy shredding is low and slow cooking. Here’s how to ensure your chicken turns out tender:
- Choose the low setting on your slow cooker for a longer cooking time (6-7 hours). It breaks down the chicken fibers better.
- Check for doneness at the 6-hour mark. If it shreds easily with a fork, it’s ready!
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker immediately and shred it on a plate or cutting board. This way, it won’t soak back into the juices.
Remember to stir the shredded chicken back into the sauce for a moist, flavorful filling.
Easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger (or fresh grated ginger)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
- 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
- 6 sandwich buns or brioche buns
- 2 cups coleslaw (store-bought or homemade)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 10 minutes of prep time plus cooking time. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours in the slow cooker. It’s easy to start it in the morning and have a delicious meal ready for dinner!
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 helps them cook evenly.
2. Make the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, barbecue sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, ground ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you’re using them). This mixture is what will infuse incredible flavor into the chicken.
3. Combine in the Slow Cooker:
Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker, and then sprinkle the drained crushed pineapple on top. This adds an extra burst of sweetness and texture!
4. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for about 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender enough to shred easily when it’s done.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker onto a large plate or cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
6. Mix with Sauce:
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix it well with the sauce so that every bite is packed with flavor.
7. Toast the Buns:
If you’d like, lightly toast the sandwich buns in a toaster or on a skillet until they are golden brown. This will add a nice crunch!
8. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Take the bottom half of each sandwich bun and pile a generous amount of the Hawaiian chicken on top. Then add a scoop of coleslaw for a fresh, crunchy contrast.
9. Serve:
Place the top bun on the coleslaw and serve your sandwiches immediately. Enjoy this delicious meal with a tropical twist!
These sandwiches are sure to be a hit with family and friends, offering a delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors. Enjoy your homemade Hawaiian chicken sandwiches!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it before cooking for even cooking. Thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight or use the microwave’s defrost function if you’re in a hurry. Just remember that cooking time might be slightly longer with frozen chicken.
What Kind of Barbecue Sauce Works Best?
You can use any barbecue sauce you love! Sweet, tangy, or smoky varieties all work well. If you prefer a healthier option, look for lower-sugar barbecue sauces. Homemade BBQ sauce is also an excellent choice if you want to control the ingredients.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. If you find the sauce is too thick when reheating, add a splash of water or pineapple juice to loosen it up.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce mixture the night before, store it in the refrigerator, and cook it in the slow cooker the next day. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly if the chicken is cold when you start the slow cooker.
