This Easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken is a tasty dish that brings tropical flavors to your dinner table! With juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and a tangy sauce, it’s sure to delight.
Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic—no need to watch over it! I love serving it over rice for a satisfying meal that feels like a mini getaway. 🌺
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: You can use either boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs tend to be juicier. If you prefer a meatless option, try using firm tofu as a substitute; just adjust the cooking time.
Pineapple Juice: This provides a lovely sweetness. If you don’t have it on hand, you can use orange juice or even apple juice for a different flavor twist. Fresh pineapple blended into juice also works well!
Soy Sauce: Low sodium soy sauce is my top recommendation to keep the dish from becoming too salty. If you’re gluten-free, you can use tamari or coconut aminos as a substitute.
Brown Sugar: While brown sugar adds a nice depth of flavor, you can swap it out for honey or maple syrup if you prefer something more natural.
Coleslaw Mix: Coleslaw mix makes it easy, but you can shave your own cabbage and carrots if you have them. For a twist, try adding radishes or bell peppers for extra crunch.
How Do You Ensure the Chicken Stays Moist and Flavorful?
To keep your chicken juicy and flavorful, follow these steps:
- Use the correct cooking time. Cooking on low for 6-7 hours is ideal. If you’re in a hurry, the high setting for 3-4 hours works fine—just avoid overcooking!
- Shred the chicken right in the slow cooker after it’s cooked. This helps the meat soak up more of the sauce, keeping it moist.
- Add the barbecue sauce at the end, if using, for a bit more flavor. Stir it in well and let it heat through for about 10 minutes before serving.
These small tips will help you get juicy, tasty chicken for a delicious meal!
Easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (preferably low sodium)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground ginger or 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger
- 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (optional for extra tang)
For The Sandwiches:
- 6 hamburger buns or slider buns
- 2 cups coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time. Then, you’ll let your slow cooker do the work for about 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Add a few extra minutes to prepare the coleslaw and toast the buns, and you’ll have a total time of around 7 hours for the low setting and about 4 hours and 15 minutes for the high setting.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts or thighs into your slow cooker. No need for any oil—just let them sit there while you mix the sauce!
2. Mixing the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, combine the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, ginger, and crushed pineapple. Stir until well mixed and then pour this flavorful concoction over the chicken in the slow cooker.
3. Slow Cooking:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You want the chicken to be fully cooked and tender enough to shred easily, so be sure to keep an eye on it as it cooks!
4. Shredding the Chicken:
Once your timer goes off, it’s time to shred the chicken! Use two forks to pull apart the meat right in the slow cooker and mix it with the tasty sauce. If you want an extra kick, now is the time to stir in the optional barbecue sauce.
5. Making the Coleslaw:
In another bowl, mix together the coleslaw mix, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss it well to combine everything, and taste to adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Toasting the Buns:
Take your hamburger buns and give them a quick toast in a toaster or skillet. Golden and crispy buns add that perfect texture!
7. Assembling the Sandwiches:
Now it’s time to build your sandwiches! Start with a toasted bun, add a generous scoop of shredded Hawaiian chicken, and top it with a heap of that delicious, creamy coleslaw.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your warm Hawaiian chicken sandwiches and enjoy the tropical flavors! Perfect for dinner or casual gatherings with friends and family.
This recipe is super simple and brings a delightful taste of the tropics to your table—an easy, flavorful dish everyone will love!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just ensure it’s cooked thoroughly; you might need to add an extra hour or two to the cooking time on low. If using frozen chicken, skip the browning step and add the sauce ingredients directly to the slow cooker.
What If I Don’t Have Pineapple Juice?
No worries! If you’re out of pineapple juice, you can substitute it with orange juice or even apple juice for a sweeter flavor. Freshly blended pineapple can also work great as a replacement!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Enjoy them in sandwiches or over rice!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce a day in advance and store it in the slow cooker insert (covered) in the fridge overnight. When you’re ready to cook, simply take it out and set it back in the slow cooker. You’ll be amazed at how convenient it is!
