This Hawaiian chicken recipe is a breeze! Just toss chicken, pineapple, and teriyaki sauce into your slow cooker, and let it work its magic while you relax.
What I love most is how tender the chicken gets. It’s perfect over rice, and trust me, the sweet sauce is amazing! Your kitchen will smell like a tropical getaway! 🌴
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken is great for this recipe, but you can also use thighs for extra juiciness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try turkey breasts!
Pineapple Juice: Using juice from canned pineapple adds a nice flavor. You can substitute with fresh pineapple juice if you have it on hand, or even orange juice for a different twist.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce will give the best flavor, but if you’re avoiding gluten, try using tamari or coconut aminos as a gluten-free alternative.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness, but you could swap it with honey or maple syrup. Just be careful with the amounts, as honey is sweeter—start with a bit less and taste!
Coleslaw: For a fresh crunch on your sandwich, any slaw works! You can use packaged coleslaw mix or make your own with cabbage and carrots. For a healthier option, a broccoli slaw is a fun choice.
What’s the Best Way to Shred Chicken?
Shredding chicken easily is key for this dish! Here’s a simple method:
- After cooking, use two forks—hold one fork steady and use the other to pull the chicken apart. It should shred easily when cooked well.
- If you have a stand mixer, you can place the chicken inside and mix on low speed for 20-30 seconds for quick shredding!
To keep it tasty, make sure to mix the shredded chicken back in the sauce after shredding. It adds moisture and flavor back into the chicken!
Easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup pineapple juice (preferably from canned pineapple)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained
- 6 hamburger buns or brioche buns, toasted
- 1 cup coleslaw (store-bought or homemade) for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare. If you cook on low, it will need about 6-7 hours, and on high, about 3-4 hours. So, overall, allow for around 7-8 hours from start to finish, making it perfect for a day when you’re busy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In your slow cooker, combine the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, ground ginger, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Give it a good stir to mix all the ingredients well.
2. Add the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker, ensuring they are well submerged in the sauce. Top it off with the undrained crushed pineapple for an extra layer of flavor.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is super tender and easily shreds with a fork.
4. Shred the Chicken:
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks. It should pull apart easily!
5. Mix it Back In:
Return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce. Let it simmer together for an extra 15-30 minutes to soak in all those delicious flavors.
6. Assemble the Sandwiches:
For serving, take the toasted burger buns and spoon a generous amount of the Hawaiian chicken mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. Don’t be shy with this tasty filling!
7. Add Coleslaw:
Top each sandwich with a scoop of coleslaw. This adds a wonderful crunch and creaminess that complements the sweet chicken perfectly.
8. Serve & Enjoy:
Put the top half of the bun on to complete the sandwich, and serve warm. Enjoy these flavorful Hawaiian chicken sandwiches—they’re sure to be a hit at any meal!
Enjoy your sweet, tangy, and succulent Hawaiian chicken sandwiches, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or casual gathering!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to add an extra hour to the cooking time on low (about 7-8 hours) or 1-2 hours on high. Always check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the chicken mixture for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Absolutely! To make it milder, simply omit the crushed red pepper flakes. For a spicier kick, consider adding more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when you serve the sandwiches.
What’s the Best Way to Serve This Dish?
These Hawaiian chicken sandwiches are best served warm, with the coleslaw topping adding a nice crunch. Consider pairing them with sweet potato fries or a side salad for a complete meal!
