If you’re dreaming of a tender, flavorful dish that bursts with tropical charm and BBQ goodness, then this Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe is your new go-to. Imagine juicy chicken slow-cooked to perfection in a vibrant sauce packed with tangy pineapple, savory soy, and just the right hint of sweetness—this recipe makes your kitchen smell like paradise. It’s effortless to prepare, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for anyone craving a little island escape on a busy day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are the heart and soul of the Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe, each one playing a key role in crafting the dish’s amazing balance of sweet, savory, and zesty flavors. Plus, they’re easy to find and keep the cooking process simple and enjoyable.
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts: The perfect lean protein that absorbs all the delicious flavors while staying juicy and tender.
- 1 cup BBQ sauce: Adds that smoky richness and a slightly tangy base essential for any BBQ recipe.
- 1 cup pineapple chunks with juice (canned or fresh): Brings natural sweetness and a tropical punch that beautifully complements the smoky BBQ.
- ½ cup soy sauce or coconut aminos: Infuses a salty depth and umami that balances the sweetness of the pineapple and brown sugar.
- ¼ cup brown sugar: Enhances caramelized flavor and sweetness without overpowering the dish.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds savory warmth and complexity that rounds out the overall flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger: Offers a gentle spiciness and aromatic zing, perfect with the tropical and BBQ elements.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Lends just enough heat and sharpness to keep things exciting.
- Optional sliced green onions for garnish: Provides a fresh, crisp contrast to the rich, tender chicken.
How to Make Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Chicken
Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts right in the bottom of your crockpot. This simple base allows the chicken to soak up all the incredible flavors from the sauce as it slowly cooks to perfection.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, pineapple chunks with juice, soy sauce (or coconut aminos), brown sugar, minced garlic, ground ginger, and black pepper. This mixture combines sweet, salty, and tangy notes that make the dish unforgettable.
Step 3: Combine and Cook
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken breasts, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover your crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The slow cooking transforms the chicken into juicy, tender perfection.
Step 4: Shred and Finish
Once the chicken is cooked and tender, use two forks to shred it directly in the crockpot. Stir the shredded chicken back into the sauce to soak up every bit of that irresistible flavor. Let it cook for an additional 15 minutes, giving the sauce a chance to thicken and cling deliciously to every bite.
How to Serve Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of sliced green onions adds a crisp, fresh finish that contrasts perfectly with the rich, saucy chicken. For a bit of extra flair, you might also add toasted sesame seeds or a wedge of lime to bring out the tropical vibes.
Side Dishes
This Hawaiian BBQ chicken shines when paired with fluffy white rice or coconut rice, soaking up all those wonderful juices. It also works beautifully with simple steamed vegetables or even a crisp coleslaw to add crunch and brightness alongside the tender meat.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform this dish into a fun, casual meal by serving it in soft slider buns with a little extra pineapple on top. Alternatively, wrap the shredded chicken in crunchy lettuce leaves to create delicious, low-carb wraps. Taco lovers can also enjoy it as a tasty filling with some fresh salsa and avocado.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making the next-day meal just as delightful as the first.
Freezing
This Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion the shredded chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for convenience and no loss of flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally to ensure the sauce is evenly heated and the chicken stays nice and tender without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even more forgiving and remain juicy during long cooking times. They will add a slightly richer flavor and are great for this recipe.
Is it necessary to shred the chicken?
Shredding helps the chicken absorb more of the delicious sauce and makes it easier to serve and eat, especially when using it for sandwiches or wraps. However, you can also serve the chicken breasts whole if preferred.
Can I make this recipe without pineapple?
While pineapple adds a signature sweet and tangy flavor, you can omit it or substitute with mango for a different tropical twist. Just keep in mind the flavor profile will change slightly.
Is this dish dairy-free?
Yes! The Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe is naturally dairy-free, making it suitable for those avoiding dairy products.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Definitely. Just make sure your crockpot is large enough to hold the ingredients comfortably and adjust the cooking time slightly if needed to ensure the chicken cooks through evenly.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe is a total game-changer for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Its effortless preparation and rich, comforting flavor make it an instant favorite that’s sure to impress friends and family. Give it a try, and get ready to fall in love with a new classic that brings a taste of the islands straight to your dinner table.
Print
Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken is a flavorful and easy slow cooker recipe featuring tender shredded chicken simmered in a sweet and tangy sauce made with BBQ sauce, pineapple, soy sauce, and spices. Perfect for a hands-off dinner, it can be served over rice, in sandwiches, or lettuce wraps for a versatile meal bursting with island-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
Sauce
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup pineapple chunks with juice (canned or fresh)
- ½ cup soy sauce or coconut aminos
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish (Optional)
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot, spreading them out evenly to ensure even cooking.
- Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, pineapple chunks with juice, soy sauce or coconut aminos, brown sugar, minced garlic, ground ginger, and black pepper until well combined.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken breasts in the crockpot, coating them thoroughly with the sauce.
- Cook the chicken: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Shred the chicken: Use two forks to shred the cooked chicken directly in the crockpot, mixing the shredded meat well with the sauce for full flavor absorption.
- Final simmer: Let the shredded chicken cook for an additional 15 minutes in the sauce to meld the flavors together.
- Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions if desired. Serve the Hawaiian BBQ chicken over rice, inside sandwiches, or as a filling for lettuce wraps.
Notes
- For extra sweetness and texture, add additional pineapple chunks toward the end of cooking.
- This shredded chicken also works perfectly as a filling for tacos or sliders for a fun twist.
- Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
