These Easy Crock Pot Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches are a dream come true! Juicy chicken simmers in a sweet and tangy pineapple sauce, making each bite taste like a tropical vacation.
You’ll love how easy this dinner is! Just toss everything in the crock pot, let it cook, and serve it on soft buns. It’s perfect for busy days when you need a quick meal without the fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tenderness. If you prefer, chicken thighs can work well and add more flavor and moisture.
Crushed Pineapple: This gives the dish its sweet tropical flavor. If you don’t have crushed pineapple, you can use diced pineapple or even pineapple chunks. Just make sure to include the juice for the sauce!
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite barbecue sauce for a personalized touch. If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider using a sugar-free variety or a homemade version using tomato sauce.
Soy Sauce: For a gluten-free alternative, opt for tamari. You could also use coconut aminos if you want a soy-free option, which has a slightly sweeter flavor.
Coleslaw Mix: If you want to make your coleslaw more colorful, add red cabbage or even some thinly sliced apples for sweetness. You can also replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
How Do You Make Perfect Shredded Chicken?
Shredding the chicken is key to creating delicious sandwiches. After cooking, the chicken becomes tender and easy to break apart. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use two forks to pull apart the chicken in the crock pot, mixing it with the sauce. This ensures it’s well-coated and flavorful.
- If you prefer, you can take the chicken out and shred it on a cutting board before adding it back to the sauce.
- For an even easier option, you can use a hand mixer on low speed to shred the chicken in just a few seconds!
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly shredded chicken for your sandwiches every time! Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Crock Pot Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (with juice)
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite variety)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 sandwich rolls or buns
- 1 cup coleslaw mix (cabbage and carrots)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (for coleslaw dressing)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (for coleslaw dressing)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (for coleslaw dressing)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus about 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the crock pot. Perfect for a busy day when you want to come home to a warm, hearty meal without any fuss!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crock pot. Make sure they are spread out evenly for even cooking.
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed pineapple (with its juice), barbecue sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed.
3. Coat the Chicken:
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken breasts, ensuring that they are coated thoroughly. This will help infuse the chicken with delicious flavors as it cooks.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken will become tender enough to shred with a fork when it’s ready.
5. Prepare the Coleslaw:
While the chicken is cooking, mix the coleslaw ingredients in a bowl. Combine the coleslaw mix with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir well and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. This makes for a refreshing and crunchy topping!
6. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is done cooking, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the crock pot. Mix it into the sauce so every bite is juicy and flavorful.
7. Assemble the Sandwiches:
To build your sandwiches, spoon a generous amount of the shredded Hawaiian chicken onto the bottom half of each bun.
8. Add the Coleslaw:
Top the chicken with a handful of coleslaw for that extra crunch and delicious tang. It adds a nice contrast to the sweet chicken!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Place the top half of the bun over the coleslaw and serve immediately. Pair with chips or your favorite side for a complete meal. Enjoy your Hawaiian chicken sandwiches that bring a taste of the islands right to your table!
FAQ for Easy Crock Pot Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it’s best to thaw them before cooking for even cooking. Thaw them overnight in the fridge or in a sealed bag submerged in cold water before placing them in the crock pot.
What Can I Substitute for Barbecue Sauce?
If you want to change it up, you can substitute with teriyaki sauce, sweet and sour sauce, or a homemade sauce made with ketchup, vinegar, and honey. Just keep in mind that the flavor will vary based on your choice!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the shredded chicken for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge before reheating!
Can I Make the Coleslaw in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the coleslaw up to a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just keep it covered to maintain freshness. This allows the flavors to meld, making it even tastier once it’s time to serve!
