Name: Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken – Easy Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 15 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 onion, chopped; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons flour; 1 cup pineapple juice; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup ketchup; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; Salt, pepper, onion powder, and ground ginger to taste

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Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that blends savory and sweet flavors to perfection. Ideal for game days, parties, or a delicious weeknight dinner, this dish combines tender chicken with a rich, tangy pineapple sauce. It’s a versatile recipe that can be served in multiple ways—on sandwiches, over rice, or as a topping for salads. Whether you’re hosting a luau-themed event or just looking for a new family favorite, this Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken recipe will become a go-to in your meal rotation.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken

This Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken is all about convenience and flavor. The recipe makes use of a slow cooker to ensure the chicken turns out juicy and tender every time. The combination of pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic creates a perfectly balanced savory-sweet sauce that infuses every bite. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and requires minimal hands-on time, making it a great option for busy weeknights or large gatherings.

Ingredients

To make this dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best, but you can also substitute with chicken thighs for a richer flavor.

• Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish.

• Butter & Flour: Used to thicken the sauce, creating a rich and smooth texture.

• Pineapple Juice: The base of the sauce, bringing a natural sweetness and tropical flavor.

• Brown Sugar: Enhances the sweet flavor of the dish.

• Ketchup: Provides a barbecue-like flavor that complements the pineapple and soy sauce.

• Soy Sauce: Adds a savory depth to balance the sweetness of the other ingredients.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic enhances the overall savory profile of the dish.

• Worcestershire Sauce: Contributes a complex, savory flavor to the sauce.

• Spices: Salt, pepper, onion powder, and ground ginger for seasoning.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

• Chicken Thighs: For a juicier, more flavorful option, chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts.
• Cornstarch: If you prefer a gluten-free version, swap the flour for cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
• Fresh Pineapple: For an extra tropical twist, add chunks of fresh pineapple in place of or alongside the pineapple juice.
• Bell Peppers: Add sliced bell peppers for added crunch and color in the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and the spices. Set aside.
Cook the Onions: In a skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they start to turn golden.
Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the flour and let it cook for a minute. Then, pour in the pineapple juice mixture and bring it to a boil. Let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until it thickens.
Slow Cook the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over them. Cook on low for 8 hours.
Shred the Chicken: After cooking, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
Serve: Return the shredded chicken to the sauce, stir well, and serve over rice, in sandwiches, or on top of salads.

Tips & Tricks

• Make the Sauce Thicker: If the sauce is too thin after cooking, leave the lid of the slow cooker open for a bit to allow excess liquid to evaporate, or transfer the sauce to a saucepan and simmer until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Flavor Adjustments: For more spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika.
• Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken is incredibly versatile. Here are some ways you can enjoy it:

• Over Rice: Serve the chicken with white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a healthier twist.
• Sandwiches: Layer the shredded chicken on sandwich rolls for a delicious and easy meal.
• Salads: Top your favorite salad greens with the chicken for a refreshing yet filling meal.
• Make-Ahead: This dish is perfect for meal prep. Make a large batch and store it in the fridge for quick lunches throughout the week.
• Gluten-Free: Swap the flour for cornstarch and serve over gluten-free rice for a completely gluten-free option.

Seasonal and Health Benefits

This recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious. Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, while pineapple adds a boost of vitamin C. The tropical flavors are perfect for a summer cookout or luau-themed gathering, but the dish is versatile enough for year-round enjoyment. Additionally, using a slow cooker makes the recipe a healthy, hands-off meal option that allows you to focus on other tasks while the flavors develop slowly.

Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy, and it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Whether you serve it over rice, in a sandwich, or as a topping for your salad, this dish is easy to make, versatile, and incredibly flavorful. Enjoy!

Conclusion

In summary, Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken is an easy-to-make, flavor-packed dish that brings together the savory and sweet tastes of the tropics in one delicious bite. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a quick weeknight dinner, or meal prepping for the week, this dish offers versatility and ease without sacrificing flavor. With minimal effort and maximum payoff, it’s no wonder this recipe has become a crowd-pleaser. Serve it in sandwiches, over rice, or as a topping for salads—the possibilities are endless. Don’t miss out on this simple yet satisfying recipe that everyone will love!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken?

Yes, you can easily substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier, richer flavor. The cooking process remains the same, and chicken thighs will still shred beautifully once cooked.

How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?

If your sauce isn’t thick enough, you can leave the slow cooker lid slightly open to let excess liquid evaporate. Alternatively, transfer the sauce to a saucepan and simmer on the stove until it reaches the desired thickness.

Can I make Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely! Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken is perfect for meal prepping. After cooking, simply store the shredded chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the microwave, stovetop, or slow cooker.

What can I serve with Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken?

This dish is incredibly versatile. You can serve it over rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice), in sandwiches, or on top of a fresh salad. Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or jalapeños for an extra touch.