These Crock Pot Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches are a real treat! Juicy chicken cooked slowly with sweet pineapple and tasty barbecue sauce makes every bite delicious.
This dish is so easy to make! Just toss everything in your slow cooker and let it do the work. Serve it on soft rolls, and you have a perfect meal that everyone will love!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy shredding and great texture. You can substitute with chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat, just keep an eye on cooking times.
Barbecue Sauce: A sweet or Hawaiian-style barbecue sauce enhances the tropical flavor. If you don’t have that, any sweet barbecue sauce works. You can also try a homemade version using ketchup, honey, and a splash of vinegar.
Pineapple Juice: This adds sweetness and tang. If you’re out of it, apple juice can work in a pinch, but it won’t have the same tropical vibe.
Soy Sauce: This gives a salty, umami kick. For a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos. You can reduce the amount for a lower-sodium version.
Ginger: Fresh ginger brings more flavor but costs more time to prepare. If using ground ginger, remember one teaspoon is about equal to a tablespoon of fresh.
How Do You Get the Chicken Perfectly Tender in a Slow Cooker?
Using a slow cooker is key to achieving tender chicken, thanks to low and slow cooking. Here’s how to get the best results:
- Combine the sauce ingredients first, letting them blend together nicely.
- Ensure the chicken is well coated in the sauce to avoid dryness.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Check for doneness by ensuring the chicken shreds easily.
- Shred the chicken right in the sauce for maximum flavor absorption.
Taking your time here makes all the difference for soft and juicy chicken sandwiches!
How to Make Crock Pot Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (preferably sweet or Hawaiian style)
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder (or 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 sandwich rolls (buns)
- 1 cup coleslaw mix (optional, for topping)
- Mayonnaise (optional, for spreading)
- Potato chips (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and then you can let the slow cooker do the work! You’ll need to cook the chicken for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. So, plan for about 6-8 hours if you’re at home or a shorter time if you’re in a hurry!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
Start by grabbing your slow cooker. In it, pour in the barbecue sauce, pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, ginger powder, and black pepper. Mix everything together well using a spoon. This will create a flavorful sauce for the chicken to soak in.
2. Add the Chicken:
Next, take your chicken breasts and place them in the slow cooker. Make sure each piece is coated with that tasty sauce you just made. It’s okay if the chicken is stacked a little, as it will cook down and get tender!
3. Slow Cook the Chicken:
Cover your slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook. Choose low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Check it towards the end; the chicken should be fully cooked and really tender. You’ll know it’s ready when it easily shreds with a fork!
4. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is fully cooked, it’s time to shred it! Use two forks right in the slow cooker to pull the chicken apart and mix it with the sauce, so every bite is packed with flavor.
5. Toast the Rolls:
If you like your sandwich rolls toasted, pop them in the toaster or on a skillet for a minute or two until golden. This step is optional, but it adds a nice crunch!
6. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Now it’s time to build your sandwiches! Take a toasted roll, pile on the shredded chicken, and if you want, add some coleslaw on top for extra crunch. You can also spread a little mayonnaise on the roll for some creaminess.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Plate your delicious Hawaiian chicken sandwiches with a side of potato chips for the perfect meal. Enjoy every bite of these flavorful sandwiches!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just make sure to thaw them completely before adding them to the slow cooker. You can thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or use the quick-thaw method by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and submerging in cold water for about an hour.
What If I Don’t Have Pineapple Juice?
No worries! You can substitute pineapple juice with orange juice or a mixture of apple juice and a little vinegar for a tangy twist. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or in a pot on the stove until heated through.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Absolutely! If you like a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture before cooking. You can adjust the amount to your preferred spice level!
