This Easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken is a fun dish that combines juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and a tasty sauce. Just set it and forget it!
It’s perfect for busy days—simply throw everything in the slow cooker and come home to a delicious dinner. I love serving it over rice for a tropical treat! 🌺
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness, but boneless breasts work just as well. If you’re looking for a lighter option, skinless chicken tenders can also be used.
Pineapple Juice: Using juice from canned pineapple enhances the flavor! If you don’t have any, fresh pineapple juice or even coconut water can be a good substitute to maintain that tropical vibe.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is a great alternative if you want to cut back on salt. You can even try tamari for a gluten-free option.
Brown Sugar: If you don’t have brown sugar, white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses can work. For a healthier choice, maple syrup or honey can substitute as well.
Hoisin Sauce: This adds a rich, sweet flavor. If you can’t find it, try using a mix of soy sauce with a teaspoon of peanut butter or a little extra barbecue sauce!
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Shredded Chicken?
Shredding chicken can be a task! Follow these simple steps to make it easier:
- Make sure your chicken is fully cooked and tender—this makes shredding a breeze.
- Use two forks to pull apart the chicken. Hold one fork steady and use the other to shred in the opposite direction.
- If you have a stand mixer, you can also use it! Just place the cooked chicken in the bowl and use the paddle attachment on low speed for a few seconds.
Shredding properly ensures that every bite gets tons of that juicy flavor!
Easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup pineapple juice (preferably from canned pineapple)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- Hamburger buns or slider rolls, for serving
- Coleslaw (store-bought or homemade), for topping
- Optional: sliced green onions or chopped cilantro for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and requires 6-7 hours of cooking on low or 3-4 hours on high in your slow cooker. It’s a great dish to set and forget while you go about your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In your slow cooker, combine the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, hoisin sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir everything together until the brown sugar is dissolved and all the ingredients are nicely mixed.
2. Add the Chicken:
Place the boneless chicken breasts or thighs into the slow cooker, making sure they’re well-coated with the delicious sauce. Top the chicken with the drained crushed pineapple. This adds a lovely sweetness!
3. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken will be fully cooked when it’s very tender and shreds easily with a fork.
4. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the chicken. It should fall apart easily if it’s cooked properly.
5. Mix in the Barbecue Sauce:
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Pour in your barbecue sauce of choice and stir everything together. Let the mixture cook on low for another 15-30 minutes so the chicken absorbs all those wonderful flavors.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
To serve, scoop the Hawaiian chicken onto hamburger buns or slider rolls, and top it off with coleslaw for a bit of crunch. If you’d like, you can garnish with sliced green onions or chopped cilantro for a fresh touch on top!
Enjoy your delightful, tropical Hawaiian chicken sandwiches—perfect for any casual meal or gathering!
FAQ about Easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just ensure it’s fully cooked before shredding. Cook on high for about 4-5 hours instead of low, as frozen chicken takes longer to cook through.
What Can I Substitute for Hoisin Sauce?
If you don’t have hoisin sauce, try mixing soy sauce with a teaspoon of peanut butter or doubling the barbecue sauce in the recipe. This will help maintain the sweetness and depth of flavor.
How Do I Store Leftover Hawaiian Chicken?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the chicken for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing!
Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
Absolutely! Add some crushed red pepper flakes, sriracha, or even diced jalapeños to the sauce mixture for a nice kick. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference!
