This Easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken is a tasty dish that brings the sweet flavors of the islands right to your kitchen. Chicken cooks slowly to soak up the delicious pineapple and soy sauce!
What I love about this recipe is how simple it is—just toss everything in your slow cooker and let it do the work. Perfect for busy days when you want a special meal! 🍍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend boneless, skinless chicken breasts for their ease in shredding. If you prefer dark meat, thighs work wonderfully too—they tend to be juicier.
Pineapple Juice: Fresh pineapple juice gives a vibrant flavor, but canned works just fine. If you’re out, orange juice is a nice substitute for a twist!
Soy Sauce: Using low-sodium soy sauce helps control the saltiness. If you’re avoiding soy, try coconut aminos for a similar flavor.
Brown Sugar: The brown sugar adds sweetness, but you could swap it with honey or maple syrup if you like natural sweeteners.
Coleslaw: Store-bought coleslaw is a quick option, but homemade adds a personal touch! Feel free to mix in some diced apples or nuts for extra crunch.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Stays Tender and Juicy?
For perfectly tender and juicy chicken, remember these tips! First, use enough cooking liquid; it helps keep moisture in during cooking. Don’t rush the cooking time—low and slow works best.
- Use a slow cooker to maintain even temperature.
- Shred the chicken only after it’s cooked through; it should come apart easily with forks.
- Let the shredded chicken swim in the sauce for a few more minutes to absorb flavor before serving.
These simple steps will ensure you end up with delicious, juicy Hawaiian chicken in every bite!
How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup pineapple juice (preferably fresh or canned)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (or 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for mild heat)
- 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
- 4-6 sandwich buns, toasted
- Coleslaw (store bought or homemade) for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time plus 6-7 hours of cooking on low (or 3-4 hours on high) in the slow cooker. Perfect for a day when you want to set it and forget it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, hoisin sauce, minced garlic, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if you like a touch of heat). This combination will be the flavorful sauce for your chicken!
2. Prepare the Slow Cooker:
Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken. Next, add the drained crushed pineapple on top to add more juicy flavor.
3. 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. You’re looking for the chicken to be very tender and easy to shred.
4. Shred the Chicken:
After 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 well to coat with the sauce.
5. Thicken the Sauce:
Leave the slow cooker lid off and let it cook for another 15-20 minutes. This helps thicken the sauce a little, making it perfect for sandwiches!
6. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Grab your toasted sandwich buns and pile them high with the Hawaiian chicken mix. For a finishing touch, top them generously with coleslaw for added creamy crunch.
7. Enjoy!
Dig into your flavorful, tender slow cooker Hawaiian chicken sandwiches! They make for a delightful meal that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Enjoy the juicy sweetness of pineapple paired with tangy, savory flavors. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it’s important to ensure they cook thoroughly. If you’re starting with frozen chicken, add an extra hour to the cooking time on low or cook on high for about 5 hours.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and put everything in the slow cooker the night before, then refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, just plug in your slow cooker and let it cook throughout the day!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
Can I Customize the Sauce?
Yes! Feel free to add a splash of teriyaki sauce for additional flavor or replace some of the pineapple juice with orange juice for a citrus twist. Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar to taste!
