This Easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken is a tasty dish that combines tender chicken with a sweet and tangy Hawaiian sauce. Just throw everything in and let the slow cooker do its magic!
It’s perfect for busy days when you want a warm meal without the fuss. I love serving it with rice to soak up all that delicious sauce—who can resist? 🍚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: You can use either chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs offer more flavor and moisture. If you’re trying to reduce fat, go for breasts, but chickens thighs do give better results in slow cooking.
Pineapple Juice: This ingredient adds sweetness and acidity. If you’re out, orange juice could work as a substitute, but you might miss that tropical flair. Using pineapple slices instead of juice gives a chunkier texture!
Barbecue Sauce: I prefer a sweet or Hawaiian-style sauce for a nice balance with the pineapple. If you want less sugar, try a homemade version using tomato sauce, honey, and vinegar!
Brown Sugar: You can swap this with honey or maple syrup if you’re looking for a natural sweetener. Adjust the amount according to your taste!
Ginger: Fresh ginger gives a brighter flavor. If using ground ginger, just keep the measurements the same, and you’ll be good to go!
How Can I Ensure My Chicken is Tender and Flavorful?
The slow cooking method is key for tender chicken. Here’s how to achieve the best results:
- **Don’t rush it:** Cook on low for the best texture. High heat can dry out the chicken.
- **Shred carefully:** Use two forks to pull apart the chicken. This keeps the pieces chunky and mixes them nicely with the sauce.
- **Let it soak:** After shredding, let the chicken sit in the sauce for a bit before serving. This allows the flavors to meld.
Enjoy making this dish, and don’t forget to adjust flavors to your liking—it’s all about making it your own!
Easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (preferably sweet or Hawaiian-style)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger (or 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup diced pineapple chunks (optional)
- Hamburger buns, for serving
- Coleslaw (prepared or homemade), for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This flavorful dish takes about 10 minutes for prep and cooks in 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Just set it and forget it until you’re ready to enjoy your delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs directly in the slow cooker. Don’t worry about cutting them; they’ll shred easily later!
2. Make the Sauce:
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the pineapple juice, barbecue sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, ground ginger, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Combine Everything:
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. If you’d like some extra sweetness, sprinkle diced pineapple chunks on top of the chicken as well.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is tender and pulls apart easily with a fork.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Don’t worry if the pieces are a bit chunky—that’ll just add to the texture!
6. Mix with Sauce:
Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker, stirring it well so that it’s fully coated in the delicious sauce.
7. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Toast your hamburger buns lightly (if you like) and then pile on a generous amount of Hawaiian chicken. Top with coleslaw for added crunch and flavor!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken sandwiches are ready to be devoured! These are perfect for a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner. Enjoy the sweet and savory combination!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! However, it’s best to thaw it beforehand for even cooking. You can thaw chicken in the refrigerator overnight or seal it in a bag and submerge it in cold water for a quicker option. Once thawed, follow the recipe as-is.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce?
If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of brown sugar or use a less sweet barbecue sauce. You can also add a splash of vinegar or lime juice to balance the flavors without adding more sugar.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and chicken in advance, then store them in the fridge for up to 2 days before cooking. After cooking, the finished dish can also be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days—just reheat thoroughly before serving.
What’s a Good Side Dish to Serve with Hawaiian Chicken?
This Hawaiian chicken pairs wonderfully with rice, either white or brown, to soak up the sauce. Alternatively, you can serve it with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables for a lighter option!
