This Easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken mixes tender chicken with sweet pineapple and zesty barbecue sauce. It’s like a tropical vacation on your plate!
You just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic. It’s super simple, and I love serving it over rice for the perfect dinner. Who doesn’t love easy meals? 🍚🌺
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal as they cook easily and become tender in the slow cooker. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use thighs instead, which add more flavor.
Pineapple Juice: This gives a sweet and tangy flavor. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with orange juice for a different but tasty twist.
Barbecue Sauce: A smoky or tangy barbecue sauce brings depth to the dish. You can use homemade or your favorite store-brand. For a kick, consider adding some hot sauce or switching to a spicy barbecue sauce.
Coleslaw Mix: Store-bought coleslaw mix saves time, but you can make your own by shredding cabbage and carrots. If you’re short on time, just chop some lettuce with a few diced carrots for a quick salad.
How Do I Make Sure the Chicken Stays Moist and Flavorful?
To keep your chicken moist, follow these tips:
- Cook on low heat; it retains moisture better than high heat.
- Don’t lift the lid too often during cooking—each time you open it, heat escapes!
- For added flavor, make sure to properly coat the chicken with the sauce mixture before cooking.
- Once done, shred the chicken while it’s still warm, allowing it to soak up more of the juices.
By following these steps, you’ll ensure your chicken is deliciously tender and bursting with flavor!
Easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (preferably a smoky or tangy variety)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 sandwich buns or slider buns
- 2 cups coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (for coleslaw)
- 1 tsp sugar (for coleslaw)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time, plus a cooking time of 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the slow cooker. Don’t forget to chill the coleslaw while the chicken cooks, which allows all the flavors to meld beautifully!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in your slow cooker. This will be the base for your tasty dish!
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, mix together the pineapple juice, barbecue sauce, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and a bit of salt and pepper. Use a whisk to combine everything well.
3. Combine & Cook:
Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and easy to shred when it’s done!
4. Prepare the Coleslaw:
While the chicken is cooking, make your coleslaw. In a medium bowl, combine the coleslaw mix with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar. Stir it well until everything is mixed. Put it in the refrigerator to chill.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. It should just fall apart easily!
6. Mix It Back:
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it well to coat with the delicious sauce.
7. Serve:
Grab your sandwich buns, pile on the moist Hawaiian chicken, and top with a generous helping of chilled coleslaw. It’s a delightful mix of sweet and savory!
8. Enjoy!
Your Hawaiian chicken sandwiches are ready to enjoy. Perfect for a family dinner or a fun gathering with friends!
This recipe is fantastic and simple, ensuring a delicious meal with minimal effort. Enjoy the tropical flavors!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to cook it for a longer time; about 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high should suffice. Ensure your slow cooker is set at the right temperature to ensure safe cooking throughout.
Can I Prepare the Coleslaw in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the coleslaw a day ahead of time. Just mix all the ingredients and refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve, which will help the flavors meld beautifully.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the chicken gently on the stove or in the microwave. The chicken may lose some moisture, so consider adding a splash of pineapple juice or water when reheating.
What Are Some Good Substitutions for Ingredients in This Recipe?
If you’re looking for substitutes, try using chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier option, or swap the pineapple juice with orange juice for a different flavor. You can also use store-bought coleslaw for convenience!
