This Easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken is a tropical treat! It’s tender chicken cooked with sweet pineapple, soy sauce, and ginger for a tasty meal that’s super simple to make.
Who knew you could feel like you’re on vacation with just one dish? Serve it with rice and pretend you’re on a beach somewhere. 🌴 I love how this just cooks itself while I relax!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs gives a juicy and tender result. If you prefer chicken breasts for a leaner option, that works too—but they can be a bit dry, so keep an eye on cooking time.
Pineapple Juice: Fresh pineapple juice brings a brighter flavor, but canned pineapple juice is a great shortcut. Just make sure to get the kind without added sugars for a more natural taste.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce works perfectly here, but you can use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake. If you’re gluten-free, look for tamari as a substitute.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a lovely depth of flavor. You can swap it for honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener, just remember to adjust the liquid accordingly.
Coleslaw: To save time, store-bought coleslaw is fine! However, if you want a fresh touch, try making your own with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a simple dressing of mayo, vinegar, and a pinch of sugar.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Stays Juicy and Flavorful?
The key to juicy chicken is to not rush the cooking process. Slow cooking helps the chicken absorb all those delicious flavors from the sauce. Here are some tips:
- Be sure to cover the slow cooker properly to keep moisture in.
- Avoid lifting the lid while it’s cooking as it releases precious steam.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after shredding; this keeps it tender when you mix it back into the sauce.
Ensure the sauce thickens nicely with cornstarch—this step helps coat the chicken and makes the sliders even more delicious!
How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup pineapple juice (preferably from canned pineapple)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
For Thickening the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
For Serving:
- 1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple (drained)
- Slider buns or sandwich rolls
- Coleslaw (store-bought or homemade), for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Hawaiian chicken takes about 10 minutes to prepare. Once it’s in the slow cooker, you’ll need to let it cook for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. After that, the final steps only take about 30 minutes! Altogether, it’s a perfect easy recipe for a busy day.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts) gently in your slow cooker. Make sure they are spread out evenly to cook nicely.
2. Make the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Mix until the brown sugar is fully dissolved.
3. Combine Everything:
Pour the delicious sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Then, add the drained crushed pineapple on top. This adds an extra burst of pineapple goodness!
4. Slow Cook the Chicken:
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook it on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be super tender and easily shredded with a fork.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it to a plate and shred it using two forks. Set aside as you thicken the sauce.
6. Thicken the Sauce:
Now, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the sauce left in the slow cooker. This will help thicken it up nicely!
7. Final Cooking:
Turn the slow cooker setting to high and cook the sauce for another 15-30 minutes until thickened to your liking. Stir occasionally.
8. Combine and Serve:
Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker and mix it well with the sauce, ensuring every piece is deliciously coated.
9. Assemble Your Sliders:
Serve your Hawaiian chicken on slider or sandwich buns, and top it off with a generous scoop of coleslaw for crunch. Enjoy every sweet and tangy bite!
Enjoy your sweet, tangy, and tender Hawaiian chicken sliders that are perfect for an easy meal with tropical flavors!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to increase the cooking time by about an hour. Ideally, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight for the best results, but cooking from frozen is perfectly safe.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce the night before and refrigerate them separately. In the morning, just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it cook while you’re out!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the sauce thickens too much after refrigeration, add a splash of pineapple juice or water to loosen it back up.
Can I Adjust the Level of Sweetness?
Yes, you can! If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of brown sugar to taste. You can also use a sugar substitute if needed, but keep in mind this may slightly alter the flavor of the sauce.
