This Easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken is a tasty mix of chicken breasts, pineapple, and a sweet sauce that makes your mouth water. It’s like a tropical vacation on a plate!
Cooking it in the slow cooker makes everything super easy. Just toss the ingredients in, set the timer, and let the magic happen. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the go-to for their lean meat that soaks up flavors well. However, you can also use thighs for a juicier result!
Pineapple Chunks: Fresh pineapple gives the best flavor, but canned works great too. Just drain it well! You can swap pineapple for mango for a different tropical vibe.
Barbecue Sauce: A sweet BBQ sauce enhances the tropical flavor here. If you want a kick, opt for a spicy BBQ sauce or mix in a bit of hot sauce!
Coleslaw: A simple store-bought coleslaw mix saves time. To keep it homemade, add a little mayo, vinegar, and sugar to shredded cabbage and carrots.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Shredded Chicken?
Shredding the chicken is a key step to ensure it mixes well with the sauce and is easy to eat. Here’s how to get it just right:
- After cooking, let the chicken cool slightly (it can be hot!).
- Use two forks to pull the chicken apart. Start from opposite ends and gently tear.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and give it a good toss in the sauce to coat everything evenly.
This technique ensures every bite is packed with flavor and your sandwich stays juicy. Happy cooking!
Easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (canned or fresh, drained if canned)
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (preferably Hawaiian-style or a sweet BBQ sauce)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for a touch of tang)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger or 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 sandwich buns (brioche or hamburger buns work well)
- Coleslaw (green and purple cabbage mix with carrots) for topping
- Optional: Mayonnaise or dressing for the coleslaw
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 10 minutes for preparation and then 6-7 hours cooking time on low (or 3-4 hours on high). After cooking, allow a few more minutes to shred the chicken and assemble your sandwiches!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. No need to season them yet; the sauce will do all the work!
2. Make the Sauce Mix:
In a separate bowl, mix together the pineapple chunks, barbecue sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, chopped onion, apple cider vinegar (if using), ginger, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well combined.
3. Pour the Sauce Over the Chicken:
Carefully pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Make sure they are well covered for maximum flavor.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it’s tender and easy to shred.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it in with all the sauce to coat it well.
6. Toast the Buns:
If you like, toast the sandwich buns lightly for a little extra crunch. You can do this in a toaster or on a hot skillet for a minute or so!
7. Assemble Your Sandwiches:
Now it’s time to build those delicious sandwiches! Place a generous amount of the shredded Hawaiian chicken onto the bottom half of each bun.
8. Add the Coleslaw:
Top each sandwich with a scoop of coleslaw. This adds a crunchy texture that perfectly contrasts the tender chicken.
9. Finish and Serve:
Cover with the top bun, and your sandwiches are ready to be enjoyed. Serve immediately and watch everyone dig in!
This recipe brings the sweet and tangy flavors of Hawaii right to your table. Perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just make sure to extend the cooking time by about an hour if you’re cooking on low, or an additional 2-3 hours on high. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before serving.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you like a bit of heat, add some chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. You can also use a spicy barbecue sauce for extra kick. Adjust to your spice preference!
Can I Prepare This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and add it to the chicken in the slow cooker the night before. Just store it in the refrigerator overnight and cook it the next day. This can also help the flavors meld together beautifully!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. If it gets a bit thick, add a splash of water or broth to bring it back to the right consistency!
