This Easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken is a sweet and savory delight! Juicy chicken is cooked with pineapple juice, soy sauce, and garlic for a tasty dish that’s simple to prepare.
I love how I can just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work. Perfect for busy days when you want a great meal without the fuss!
Serve it over rice, and enjoy the juicy flavors together. It makes weeknight dinners feel like a special treat, and who doesn’t love Hawaiian vibes? 🌺
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness, but breasts work just fine too. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken can be a quick substitute; just shred it and mix it with the sauce.
Pineapple Juice: Unsweetened pineapple juice gives the dish a nice zing. If it’s unavailable, you can use sweetened juice, but you might want to reduce the brown sugar a bit to balance the flavors.
Barbecue Sauce: I prefer a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce to complement the pineapple. If you like it spicier, look for a BBQ sauce with a kick or add a touch of hot sauce to your mixture!
Coleslaw: Store-bought coleslaw saves time, but you can also make your own with cabbage, carrots, and a simple dressing. It adds a nice crunch and balances the sweetness of the chicken.
How Do I Ensure the Chicken is Tender in the Slow Cooker?
Getting tender chicken from your slow cooker is all about time and moisture. Here are some tips:
- Use enough liquid: The pineapple juice and soy sauce create the right environment for tenderizing the chicken, so don’t skip them!
- Cook on low: Low and slow is the way to go! Cooking on low for 6-7 hours often gives the best results compared to high.
- Let it soak: After shredding, letting the chicken sit in the sauce for an extra 10-15 minutes enhances the flavors and keeps it moist.
These steps will help you achieve juicy, well-flavored chicken in your sliders. Enjoy your delicious meal! 🌺
Easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup pineapple juice (preferably unsweetened)
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (preferably sweet and tangy)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For Serving:
- Slider buns or dinner rolls
- Coleslaw (store-bought or homemade), for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 6-7 hours of cooking time on low (or 3-4 hours on high). After the chicken is cooked, it’ll take an extra 10-15 minutes to let it absorb the flavors before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs into your slow cooker. They are the star of this dish, so make sure they have some space!
2. Mix the Flavorful Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, barbecue sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, ground ginger (if using), salt, and pepper until everything is well mixed. This sauce will give your chicken that delicious Hawaiian flavor!
3. Combine and Cook:
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, making sure to coat each piece well. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be super tender and easy to shred.
4. Shred the Chicken:
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Remember, it’ll be hot!
5. Coat the Shredded Chicken:
Return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker and stir it around to soak in all that tasty sauce for about 10-15 minutes.
6. Assemble the Sliders:
Now it’s time to build your sliders! Scoop a generous portion of the Hawaiian chicken onto slider buns or dinner rolls. Top with coleslaw for that perfect crunch and creaminess that balances the sweet flavors.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy your easy slow cooker Hawaiian chicken sliders warm! For an extra kick, feel free to serve with additional barbecue sauce on the side for dipping.
This recipe is a delightful combination of tender chicken infused with sweet Hawaiian flavors, making it perfect for a relaxed weeknight dinner or a fun gathering. Enjoy!
FAQs About Easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Sliders
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! However, make sure to increase the cooking time to about 8-9 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high to ensure it’s fully cooked and tender. Just make sure to check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
What Can I Substitute for Pineapple Juice?
If you don’t have pineapple juice, you can use orange juice or even a mix of apple juice and a splash of vinegar for a similar sweet-tart flavor. Just keep in mind that it may change the overall taste slightly!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can easily reheat the chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop. If you have slider buns, store them separately to keep them fresh longer.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can cook the chicken a day in advance, and just warm it up before serving. This makes for a great meal prep option for busy days or gatherings!
