This Easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken is a tasty dish that combines sweet pineapple, savory soy sauce, and tender chicken. Just throw everything in and let the magic happen!
You’ll love how simple it is to prepare. I usually serve it over rice, and my family goes wild for it. Who knew dinner could be this easy and delicious? 🍍🍚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: I prefer boneless, skinless chicken breasts for their ease of shredding and low fat. You can substitute with boneless thigh pieces if you want a richer flavor, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Pineapple Juice: Fresh is fantastic if you have it! However, canned works well too. If you need a less sweet option, try low-sugar pineapple juice or even coconut milk for a tropical twist.
Soy Sauce: If you’re avoiding soy, coconut aminos is a great alternative that still brings in that umami flavor. Just keep in mind it’s a bit sweeter, so adjust your sugar accordingly.
Brown Sugar: For a healthier option, you can use coconut sugar, honey, or maple syrup. Just remember that honey is sweeter, so you might want to adjust the amount.
Cabbage Mix: I love the crunch of both green and purple cabbage. If you can’t find pre-shredded mixes, feel free to chop up some lettuce or even use coleslaw mix.
How Do I Get the Chicken Just Right in the Slow Cooker?
The key is not to rush the slow cooking process! For perfectly tender chicken, I recommend layering the chicken breasts at the bottom and making sure they are completely covered in the sauce.
- Keep the heat on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours; choose based on your schedule!
- Check for doneness by seeing if the chicken shreds easily with two forks.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken and let the sauce simmer on the stovetop for a few minutes before mixing it back in.
Enjoy the ease of this slow cooker meal, and happy cooking!
Easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 3 to 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup pineapple juice (fresh or canned)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger or 1-inch fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
- Hamburger buns or sandwich rolls, for serving
For the Quick Coleslaw Topping:
- 2 cups shredded cabbage mix (green and purple cabbage, carrots)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep, and it cooks for 6 to 7 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high in your slow cooker. Once the chicken is cooked, you’ll need just a few minutes to shred it and prepare the coleslaw. Perfect for a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. This will ensure they cook evenly and soak up all the delicious flavors.
2. Make the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, minced garlic, ground ginger, and black pepper until everything is well combined. This will be your flavorful sauce!
3. Combine with Chicken:
Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker. Then, add the drained crushed pineapple on top. This will add an extra burst of sweetness and fruitiness to the dish.
4. Cooking Time:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is super tender and easily shredded with a fork.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once it’s done, take the chicken out and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker and stir it well to coat with all that yummy sauce.
6. Make the Coleslaw:
While the chicken is finishing, prepare the quick coleslaw. In a bowl, mix the shredded cabbage, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, and season with salt and pepper. This will add a fresh, crunchy topping to your sandwiches!
7. Assemble the Sandwiches:
To serve, spoon the Hawaiian chicken generously onto the hamburger buns and top it with the fresh coleslaw. Add the top bun and enjoy!
8. Final Touch:
Enjoy this flavorful Hawaiian chicken sandwich with your family or friends! It’s a delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors that everyone will love.
This recipe yields tender, sweet-savory pulled chicken that pairs perfectly with creamy coleslaw for a delicious, easy slow cooker meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just note that you’ll need to extend the cooking time by 1-2 hours. Ensure that the chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F before serving. If you can, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm in a skillet on low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months; just thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and chicken a day in advance. Just mix everything and place it in the slow cooker the next day. The flavors will have even more time to meld, making it more delicious!
What Can I Substitute for the Soy Sauce?
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try tamari or coconut aminos. For a lower sodium version, you can find low-sodium soy sauce. Keep in mind that the flavor will vary slightly depending on the substitute used.
