This Easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken is a fun, sweet dish that brings the taste of the island right to your kitchen! It features juicy chicken with a lovely pineapple and soy sauce mix.
I love how this recipe practically cooks itself! Just toss everything in the slow cooker, set it, and go do something fun. You get a tasty dinner without the hassle! 🏖️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal for this dish. Thighs tend to be juicier, but breasts are leaner. If you want a lighter option, chicken tenders work well too!
Pineapple Juice: Fresh pineapple juice makes this dish taste bright. If fresh isn’t available, opt for 100% juice without added sugars. Canned pineapple works too if you want to keep it simple.
Soy Sauce: Low sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness. If you’re gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos for a similar taste without gluten.
Brown Sugar: It adds sweetness to balance the salty and tangy flavors. You can substitute it with honey or maple syrup, but just reduce the liquid a bit to maintain the right texture.
Coleslaw: While store-bought coleslaw is convenient, making your own gives you control over flavor and crunch. Use a mix of green cabbage, carrots, and a splash of vinegar for freshness.
How Do I Get Juicy Shredded Chicken Every Time?
Getting juicy shredded chicken is all about cooking it right in the slow cooker. The low and slow method keeps the meat tender and moist. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with high-quality chicken; fresh or well-frozen works best.
- Do not overcook! Set a timer and check at 6 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. The chicken should shred easily.
- Remove the chicken and let it rest briefly before shredding to lock in juices.
- Add a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce—this step gives body to the lovely sauce that clings to the chicken.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have flavorful, tender Hawaiian chicken every time! Enjoy your meal! 🌺
Easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup pineapple juice (preferably fresh or 100% juice)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, freshly grated or ground
- 1 small can (about 8 oz) crushed pineapple with juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Hamburger buns or sandwich rolls
- Coleslaw (store-bought or homemade) for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and then requires 6-7 hours to cook on low. If you’re short on time, you can set it on high for 3-4 hours. Just toss the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do all the work while you go about your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Begin by placing the chicken breasts or thighs into the slow cooker. Make sure they are spread out for even cooking.
2. Whisk the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, combine the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk everything together until well mixed. This sweet and tangy sauce will become the star of your dish!
3. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Don’t forget to add the crushed pineapple along with its juice for added flavor.
4. Cook Away:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid. 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 super tender and easy to shred!
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker using tongs or a slotted spoon. Shred the chicken using two forks. It should come apart easily if it’s cooked properly.
6. Thicken the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Pour this mixture into the liquid still in the slow cooker; stir well. Switch the slow cooker to high and cook uncovered for about 15 minutes to thicken the sauce.
7. Combine Shredded Chicken with Sauce:
Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker and toss it to coat well in the thickened glaze. Every bite should be packed with flavor!
8. Assemble Your Sandwiches:
To serve, take your hamburger bun or sandwich roll and pile on a generous portion of the Hawaiian chicken. Top with coleslaw for some crunchy texture—the creamy coleslaw pairs beautifully with the sweet chicken!
9. Enjoy Your Meal!
Dig in while the chicken is warm! It’s also great to serve with a side of extra pineapple or a fresh salad for a refreshing touch. Enjoy this taste of the islands at home!
This recipe delivers tasty, tender slow cooker chicken with a delightful sweet and savory pineapple-soy glaze, perfect for sandwiches topped with refreshing coleslaw. Enjoy every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just be sure to cook it for an additional hour on low or 1-2 hours on high. The key is to ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before shredding.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce?
If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the brown sugar to 1/4 cup or substitute it with honey or a sugar alternative. You can also increase the soy sauce slightly for more savory flavor without adding extra sweetness.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Hawaiian chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if it seems dry.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken in the slow cooker and let it cool before storing it. It’s great for meal prep. Just reheat when ready to serve, and assemble your sandwiches fresh for the best taste!
