This Easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken is a tasty mix of tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and savory soy sauce. It cooks low and slow, making it super simple to prepare!
Who knew dinner could be this effortless? Just throw everything in the slow cooker and relax! I love serving it over rice for a delightful meal that my family gobbles up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for more flavor and tenderness. If you prefer chicken breasts, they work too but might be a bit drier. You can even use shredded rotisserie chicken for an even faster option!
Pineapple Juice: Fresh pineapple juice adds a bright flavor, but if it’s not available, any 100% juice will work. If you’re in a pinch, canned pineapple juice is fine too!
Soy Sauce: Low sodium soy sauce is a great choice to control the saltiness. You can substitute it with tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a soy-free version.
Brown Sugar: Dark brown sugar enhances the caramel flavor. If you don’t have it, light brown sugar is a fine substitute. You could also use honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness.
Coleslaw: While it’s optional, it adds a nice crunch. You can use store-bought coleslaw mix or make your own with cabbage and carrots. A simple vinegar dressing pairs well too!
How Do I Shred the Chicken Comfortably?
Shredding chicken after it’s cooked can be easy if you follow these simple steps. Here’s how to get perfectly shredded chicken without a fuss:
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, turn the slow cooker to “keep warm.”
- Using two forks, grab one piece of chicken with one fork and use the other fork to pull apart the meat.
- For a quicker method, you can also use hand-held mixers on low speed for shredding, but be careful not to over-shred.
- Mix the shredded chicken with the sauce in the cooker to keep it moist and flavorful before serving!
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 recommended)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (with juice)
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening sauce)
- 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening sauce)
- Slider buns or sandwich rolls, to serve
- Coleslaw (optional), for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken takes about 15 minutes to prep and needs to cook for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Plus, it can simmer away while you focus on other things. Perfect for a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Chicken:
Start by placing your boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs directly into the slow cooker. No need to thaw if they are frozen; they will cook perfectly.
2. Mixing The Sauce:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, crushed pineapple (with juice), ketchup, garlic powder, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of spice. This sweet and tangy sauce will make the chicken so flavorful!
3. Combining Ingredients:
Pour the delicious sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring that each piece is coated well. Close the lid and get ready for some amazing flavors!
4. Cooking The Chicken:
Cover your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded. It’s okay if you’re running late; it’s hard to overcook in a slow cooker!
5. Shredding The Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it right in the slow cooker. Mix it well with the sauce to soak up all that yummy goodness.
6. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
If you’d like a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl to make a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker and cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes until the sauce is thickened to your liking.
7. Serving It Up:
Serve your tasty shredded Hawaiian chicken on slider buns or sandwich rolls. If you want, top with coleslaw for a nice crunch and extra flavor. Enjoy your delightful meal!
This sweet and savory dish is sure to please everyone at your table. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Simply place the frozen chicken directly into the slow cooker without thawing, and it will cook down perfectly. Just keep in mind that it may require a little extra cooking time, so check for doneness after the regular cooking time ends.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this Hawaiian chicken gluten-free, substitute regular soy sauce with gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. Also, check that your ketchup is gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten. This way, you can enjoy the flavors without worry!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and add the chicken to the slow cooker the night before. Keep it in the fridge, and then simply start cooking it in the morning. This is a perfect way to have dinner ready when you come home!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the chicken moist. You can serve it again on sliders, rice, or even in a salad!
