These Easy Crock Pot Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches are a tasty treat! Tender chicken simmers in a sweet and tangy sauce with hints of pineapple. It’s a delicious twist you’ll love!
Perfect for busy days, I just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic. Serve it on soft buns and add some extra pineapple if you’re feeling fancy! 🍍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe, but you can also use thighs if you prefer a richer flavor. If you need a meatless option, chickpeas or jackfruit could be fun substitutes!
Pineapple Juice: Using juice from canned pineapple is great, but fresh juice adds a fantastic zing! If you’re out, orange juice can also work in a pinch for a fruity substitute.
Barbecue Sauce: I recommend a honey barbecue sauce for sweetness, but any kind you love will do! You can make your own sauce to fit your taste by mixing ketchup, honey, and a little vinegar.
Crushed Pineapple: The crushed pineapple adds a nice texture. You’ll want to drain it well to avoid making the filling too watery. Fresh pineapple works too, just chop it finely!
Coleslaw: This adds freshness and crunch. I love using a sweet slaw, but you can skip it or use a vinegar-based slaw for a tangy kick if you wish!
How Do You Shred Chicken Easily in the Crock Pot?
Shredding chicken can be intimidating, but it’s quite easy! Here’s how to do it perfectly:
- After cooking, leave the chicken in the crock pot to soak in the flavors while you shred it.
- Use two forks: one to hold the chicken in place and the other to pull apart the meat.
- Shred until you reach your desired consistency, mixing it with the sauce for more flavor.
Pro tip: If you find it easier, you can remove the chicken to a big bowl, shred it, and then mix it back into the sauce! This is handy if you’re making a batch for friends or family.
Easy Crock Pot Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup pineapple juice (preferably from canned pineapple)
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (honey or sweet variety works well)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 can (8 ounces) crushed pineapple, drained
- 4–6 sandwich buns or rolls
- Coleslaw (store-bought or homemade) for topping
- Optional: sliced red onion or fresh cilantro for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, and then you can let your crock pot do the work for 6–7 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high. Oh, and you’ll want to serve it right when it’s done for the best flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing your boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of the crock pot. This will be the base of your amazing Hawaiian chicken!
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, combine the pineapple juice, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir everything together until it’s well blended. This sweet and savory sauce is what makes the chicken so irresistible!
3. Add the Sauce and Pineapple:
Pour that delicious sauce mixture over the chicken in the crock pot. Then, sprinkle the drained crushed pineapple on top of the chicken to add a burst of tropical flavor.
4. Cook It Up:
Cover the crock pot with the lid and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is fully cooked and tender enough to shred!
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once it’s done cooking, take two forks and shred the chicken directly in the crock pot, mixing it with the sauce to soak up all that flavor. It should fall apart easily!
6. Prepare the Buns:
If you like your buns a little crispy, lightly toast them before assembling your sandwiches. This adds a nice texture!
7. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Spoon a generous amount of the shredded Hawaiian chicken onto each sandwich bun. The more, the better!
8. Add the Crunch:
Top each sandwich with a scoop of coleslaw for that tasty crunch and extra layer of flavor. It’s the perfect complement to the sweet chicken!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your sandwiches immediately, perhaps with a side of chips or your favorite salad. Enjoy your sweet and savory Hawaiian chicken sandwiches with a tropical twist!
FAQ for Easy Crock Pot Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just be sure to add an extra hour to the cooking time on low, or about 30 minutes on high, as frozen chicken takes longer to cook through. Make sure it’s fully cooked before shredding!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and chicken a day in advance. Just store them in the fridge after cooking, and reheat gently in the crock pot or on the stove before serving. This makes it even more flavorful!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it on the stovetop or microwave until heated through. You might want to add a splash of pineapple juice or barbecue sauce to refresh the flavors!
What Can I Substitute for Coleslaw?
If coleslaw isn’t your thing, you can substitute it with other crunchy toppings! Try using sliced cucumbers, shredded lettuce, or pickled veggies for a bit of crunch and freshness. Enjoy experimenting!
