Irresistible Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken: Your Go-To Sweet & Smoky Crockpot Recipe

Prepare to be delighted by this incredibly easy and flavorful slow cooker Hawaiian chicken! Tender chicken breasts are cooked to perfection for hours in a rich, sweet, and smoky Hawaiian-style barbecue sauce, infused with juicy pineapple. Once fork-tender, the chicken is shredded and tossed back into the vibrant sauce, creating a dish that’s bursting with tropical flavors. It’s an absolute family favorite, whether you pile it high in sandwiches or serve it elegantly over a bed of fluffy rice.

Don’t own a slow cooker? No problem! My popular stovetop Hawaiian chicken recipe captures all the delicious flavors of this dish in a speedy, 30-minute weeknight meal. For another quick and delightful option, you might also love this fast pineapple chicken teriyaki. Both offer fantastic alternatives without compromising on taste!

This effortless slow cooker Hawaiian chicken with pineapple demands minimal effort from you, relying on the magic of your crockpot or slow cooker to do most of the work! With just 7 simple ingredients, you’ll achieve fall-apart tender chicken that’s easily shredded and coated in its phenomenal cooking sauce. The resulting sweet and savory flavors are truly unforgettable, making this a dish you’ll want to add to your regular rotation.

My family absolutely adores transforming this Hawaiian crock pot chicken into delicious pulled chicken sandwiches, especially when served on toasted buns with a crisp coleslaw. Alternatively, I often serve it over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice for a comforting and complete family meal. Its crowd-pleasing appeal makes it the PERFECT dish for summer gatherings, backyard luaus, or even game day parties. It’s incredibly versatile and always a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Chicken Recipe

• Effortless “Dump and Go” Preparation: This recipe is the epitome of convenience. Making this Hawaiian chicken is as simple as adding all your ingredients to the slow cooker, setting it, and walking away! It’s a true “set it and forget it” meal, perfect for busy weekdays or when you want a delicious dinner with minimal hands-on time. Come back in a few hours to a hot, flavorful, and incredibly tender meal that practically cooks itself.
• Excellent for Meal Prep & Leftovers: The shredded chicken stores exceptionally well and freezes even better, making it an ideal candidate for meal prepping. I often double the recipe to ensure we have plenty to enjoy right away, with the rest portioned and frozen for future lunches and dinners. It’s a fantastic way to stock your freezer with quick, wholesome meals and makes entertaining a breeze!
• Incredibly Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a tropical-themed backyard party with tiki torches or looking for a comforting meal on a cozy family night, this Hawaiian chicken fits perfectly. It’s a family favorite that I frequently prepare on busy weeknights, and it’s equally impressive for larger gatherings. Its delightful flavor profile appeals to a wide range of palates, ensuring everyone at your table will love it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Crafting this sweet and savory Hawaiian chicken in your crockpot requires just a handful of readily available ingredients. Here are a few important notes to guide you in selecting the best components for maximum flavor. A complete, printable list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card located below this post.

• Chicken: For this recipe, I primarily use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, as they cook quickly and shred beautifully. However, you can absolutely use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for an even juicier result. If you opt for bone-in chicken, remember that it will require a slightly longer cooking time. Always ensure your chicken is fully thawed before adding it to the slow cooker to ensure safe cooking.
• Canned Pineapple: Crushed pineapple is my go-to choice as it integrates seamlessly into the sauce, but diced pineapple works equally well and adds a bit more texture. The key is to drain the pineapple thoroughly beforehand to avoid an overly watery sauce. If you prefer to use fresh pineapple, simply dice it finely. Keep in mind that fresh pineapple might offer a slightly more tart flavor compared to canned.
• Barbecue Sauce: The quality of your barbecue sauce significantly impacts the final taste. Choose your favorite store-bought brand – whether you prefer a sweet, smoky, tangy, or spicy variety. Experiment with different brands to find your perfect match! In the summer, when I often have a batch on hand, I sometimes make this recipe with my delicious homemade barbecue sauce for an extra special touch.
• Soy Sauce and Worcestershire Sauce: A single tablespoon of each of these pantry staples delivers a powerful punch of umami flavor, adding depth and complexity to the sauce. They balance the sweetness of the pineapple and barbecue sauce beautifully. If you’re out of one, you can often substitute with an equal amount of the other, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.
• Garlic and Onion Powder: I typically use freshly minced garlic for its robust flavor and dried onion powder for convenience and even distribution. This combination ensures a fragrant and savory base. If fresh garlic isn’t available, you can easily replace 2 cloves of fresh garlic with ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder.

Safe Handling of Chicken: Never Cook from Frozen

It’s crucial to address a common question: Can you use frozen chicken in the slow cooker? Unfortunately, the answer is a firm no. You should NEVER add chicken directly from the freezer to a crockpot or slow cooker. Frozen chicken takes a prolonged time to reach a safe internal temperature when cooked at the low and slow heat typical of these appliances. This extended period in the “danger zone” (between 40°F and 140°F) creates an ideal environment for harmful bacteria to multiply, which can lead to foodborne illness. For your safety and the best culinary results, always defrost your chicken breasts thoroughly in the refrigerator overnight before you begin this recipe. Plan ahead to ensure your chicken is completely thawed and ready to cook!

How to Make Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken

One of the greatest joys of slow cooker recipes, especially this easy Hawaiian chicken, is the sheer simplicity of the cooking process. All you truly need to do is gather your ingredients, add them to your crockpot, and let the appliance do the hard work for you!

1. Combine the Sauce: Begin by adding the drained crushed pineapple, your favorite barbecue sauce, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and onion powder to the base of your slow cooker. Give these ingredients a good stir to ensure they are well combined and create a delicious, even sauce.
2. Add and Cook the Chicken: Gently nestle the thawed chicken breasts into the prepared sauce, ensuring they are somewhat submerged. Cover your slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on the LOW setting for 3-4 hours. The precise time may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model and the thickness of your chicken. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is tender enough to shred easily with a fork.
3. Shred and Serve: Once the chicken is fully cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker onto a clean cutting board or shallow dish. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This should be very easy if it’s cooked correctly! Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and mix it thoroughly with the rich, flavorful sauce. Your saucy, tender Hawaiian chicken is now ready to be served and enjoyed!

Recipe Variations & Customization Ideas

One of the best things about this slow cooker Hawaiian chicken recipe is its adaptability. Feel free to get creative and customize it to your taste or what you have on hand!

• Enhance with Veggies: Boost the nutritional value and add more color by incorporating chopped vegetables. Red bell peppers, yellow peppers, or even green bell peppers add a lovely sweetness and crunch. You can also try adding snap peas, sweet corn, or thinly sliced carrots during the last hour of cooking.
• Spice it Up: If you enjoy a little heat, it’s incredibly easy to make your Hawaiian chicken spicy! Add a dash of your favorite hot sauce, like sriracha or tabasco, to the sauce mixture before cooking. For a more intense kick, stir in a pinch of Cajun spice, cayenne pepper, or a generous amount of crushed red pepper flakes. Adjust to your desired level of heat.
• Different Protein Options: While chicken is fantastic, this recipe is incredibly flexible with other proteins. You can easily make Hawaiian pulled pork by substituting the chicken breasts with pork tenderloin or a pork shoulder. The cooking process remains largely the same, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time to 5-6 hours on LOW (or until the pork shreds easily). For more detailed tips on pulled pork, check out my slow cooker barbecue pulled pork recipe. You could also experiment with turkey breast for a leaner option.
• Add Fresh Ginger: For an extra layer of aromatic flavor, finely mince 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger and add it to the sauce mixture. It complements the Hawaiian flavors beautifully.
• Sweetness Adjustment: If your barbecue sauce is less sweet or you prefer a sweeter profile, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of brown sugar or honey to the sauce mixture.

Serving Suggestions for Your Hawaiian Chicken

The versatility of this saucy slow cooker Hawaiian chicken means there are countless delicious ways to enjoy it!

• Classic Pulled Chicken Sandwiches: My family’s absolute favorite way to serve this chicken is piled high between soft, toasted buns, pulled chicken sandwich-style. For the ultimate experience, add a generous scoop of homemade coleslaw, crisp pickle slices, or thinly sliced red onion. It’s the quintessential outdoor meal, especially when paired with a refreshing glass of Hawaiian punch.
• Over Rice or Grains: For a more complete and satisfying dinner, dish up this flavorful chicken over a bowl of fluffy jasmine rice, brown rice, or even quinoa. Garnish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions for added freshness and visual appeal. Serve it alongside a side of vibrant sautéed veggies, such as crisp asparagus or savory pan-seared mojo potatoes.
• Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter, low-carb option, spoon the Hawaiian chicken into crisp lettuce cups (like butter lettuce or romaine) for a refreshing and healthy meal.
• Loaded Baked Potatoes: Transform humble baked potatoes into a hearty meal by topping them with a generous serving of shredded Hawaiian chicken, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of chives.
• Tacos or Quesadillas: Use the shredded chicken as a flavorful filling for tacos or quesadillas. Add some shredded cheese and your favorite taco toppings.
• Pizza Topping: Get creative and use this chicken as a unique topping for homemade pizzas, perhaps with some extra pineapple and red onion.
• Hot Dogs: Believe it or not, I even love shredded Hawaiian chicken as a surprisingly delicious topping for hot dogs for a fun, unexpected twist!

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

This Hawaiian chicken is fantastic for meal prepping and enjoying throughout the week. Proper storage ensures its deliciousness lasts!

• Refrigerate: Once cooled completely, transfer any leftover Hawaiian chicken and its sauce into an airtight container. It can be safely stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. This makes it perfect for quick lunches or dinners during busy weeknights.
• Reheat: To reheat, you have several options. For stovetop reheating, place the chicken in a saucepan over medium-low heat, covered, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the oven (covered with foil to prevent drying) at 300°F (150°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. I often like to add a splash of pineapple juice, chicken broth, or water to the shredded chicken before reheating. This helps to loosen the sauce and keep the chicken juicy as it heats through.
• Freeze: This recipe freezes beautifully! After the chicken has cooled completely, portion it into freezer-safe airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, defrost the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before reheating using one of the methods above. This is an excellent way to prepare meals in advance for ultimate convenience.

More Delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes

If you’ve fallen in love with the ease and flavor of slow cooker chicken, be sure to explore these other fantastic recipes that will make your weeknight dinners a breeze:

• Crockpot Honey Sesame Chicken: A sweet and savory Asian-inspired dish that’s perfect over rice.
• Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks: Fall-off-the-bone tender drumsticks with minimal effort.
• Crock Pot Santa Fe Chicken: A flavorful and zesty chicken dish with Tex-Mex flair.
• Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken: Classic teriyaki flavors made easy in your slow cooker.

5 from 2 votes

Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken

By

Erin Sellin

This juicy slow cooker Hawaiian chicken with pineapple is cooked for hours in the crockpot and then shredded in a sweet-smoky sauce. Serve it in sandwiches or over rice for an effortless, family-friendly meal!

Prep:

5 minutes
mins

Cook:

4 hours
hrs

Total:

4 hours
hrs
5 minutes
mins

Servings:

6
servings

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Ingredients

• 
  ▢
  
  
  2
  pounds
  
  chicken breast
  

• 
  ▢
  
  
  20
  ounce
  can of crushed pineapple,
  drained

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1
  cup
  
  barbecue sauce
  

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1
  Tablespoon
  
  soy sauce
  

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1
  Tablespoon
  
  Worcestershire sauce
  

• 
  ▢
  
  
  2
  cloves
  
  garlic
  ,
  minced

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1
  teaspoon
  
  onion powder
  

Instructions

• Add pineapple, barbecue sauce, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic and onion powder to the base of the crockpot. Stir to combine thoroughly.
  20 ounce can of crushed pineapple,
  1 cup barbecue sauce,
  1 Tablespoon soy sauce,
  1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce,
  2 cloves garlic,
  1 teaspoon onion powder
• Nestle chicken into the sauce mixture. Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and easily shreds with a fork. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  2 pounds chicken breast
• Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the crockpot and use two forks to shred it into desired pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and mix well with the flavorful sauce until evenly coated.
• Serve immediately on buns for delicious sandwiches, or spoon over fluffy rice for a satisfying meal. Garnish as desired.

Nutrition

Serving:
1
serving

|

Calories:
318
kcal

|

Carbohydrates:
35
g

|

Protein:
33
g

|

Fat:
4
g

|

Saturated Fat:
1
g

|

Polyunsaturated Fat:
1
g

|

Monounsaturated Fat:
1
g

|

Trans Fat:
0.02
g

|

Cholesterol:
97
mg

|

Sodium:
872
mg

|

Potassium:
824
mg

|

Fiber:
2
g

|

Sugar:
30
g

|

Vitamin A:
202
IU

|

Vitamin C:
12
mg

|

Calcium:
45
mg

|

Iron:
1
mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author:

Erin Sellin

Prep Time:

5 minutes
minutes

Cook Time:

4 hours
hours

Total Time:

4 hours
hours
5 minutes
minutes

Course:
Dinner Recipes

Cuisine:
American

Servings:

6
servings

Calories:
318

Keyword:
hawaiian chicken recipe, hawaiian crock pot chicken, slow cooker hawaiian chicken, easy chicken recipe, pineapple chicken, pulled chicken

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