pin it
This slow cooker Hawaiian chicken transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a sweet and savory island-inspired meal with minimal effort. The combination of tangy barbecue sauce, salty bacon, and sweet pineapple creates a perfectly balanced dish that works beautifully over rice or as a sandwich filling.
I first made this Hawaiian chicken when looking for something different to break our dinner rut, and it's become one of our most requested meals. My family particularly loves how the house fills with a mouthwatering aroma as it cooks all day.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Provides the protein foundation while staying tender and juicy in the slow cooker
- Bacon: Adds a smoky saltiness that balances the sweet elements
- Green bell pepper: Brings fresh crunch and color to brighten the dish
- Barbecue sauce: Creates the base for our sauce with built-in thickness and flavor
- Soy sauce: Contributes umami depth and saltiness
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds complexity with its tangy fermented notes
- Garlic powder: Infuses subtle garlic flavor without the harshness of fresh garlic
- Black pepper: Provides gentle heat that enhances all other flavors
- Crushed pineapple: Delivers sweetness and tropical flavor essential for Hawaiian style
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place Chicken:
- Add the chicken breasts to the bottom of your slow cooker in a single layer to ensure even cooking throughout.
- Add Remaining Ingredients:
- Layer the cooked bacon pieces, diced green pepper, barbecue sauce, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and well drained crushed pineapple over the chicken. The draining step is crucial as excess pineapple juice will make your sauce too thin.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Gently stir the ingredients on top of the chicken to create an even mixture, making sure some of the sauce coats the chicken pieces.
- Slow Cook:
- Cover with the lid and cook on low heat for 6 hours without opening the lid during cooking. Opening the lid releases accumulated heat and moisture, extending cooking time and potentially drying out the chicken.
- Shred and Serve:
- Once cooking is complete, use two forks to shred the chicken if desired, or leave whole. The meat should be tender enough to pull apart easily. Serve over white or brown rice for a complete meal, or pile onto hamburger buns for delicious Hawaiian chicken sandwiches.
pin it
The crushed pineapple is truly the star ingredient that makes this dish special. I discovered its magic after trying chunks first and finding the distribution uneven. The crushed variety permeates every bite with tropical sweetness that reminds me of vacation dinners on Maui where I first fell in love with Hawaiian chicken.
Storage and Reheating
Hawaiian chicken keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen and improve overnight as the sauce has more time to permeate the chicken. When reheating, add a splash of water or pineapple juice if the sauce seems too thick, then warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Ingredient Substitutions
For a healthier twist, you can substitute turkey bacon for regular bacon, though you will lose some of the richness. If barbecue sauce isn't available, combine 1/2 cup ketchup with 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, and 1 teaspoon liquid smoke. Chicken thighs make an excellent alternative to breasts if you prefer darker meat with more moisture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Beyond the classic rice or sandwich options, this Hawaiian chicken makes fantastic sliders for parties when served on Hawaiian rolls with a slice of provolone cheese. For a lower carb option, serve in lettuce cups with sliced avocado. It also works beautifully as a pizza topping with a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese, or stuffed into baked sweet potatoes for a complete meal.
pin it
This Hawaiian chicken recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite with its unbeatable combination of flavors and ease of preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use frozen chicken for this Hawaiian chicken?
For food safety reasons, it's best to thaw chicken completely before adding to the slow cooker. Using frozen chicken may result in uneven cooking and food safety concerns as it can remain in the temperature danger zone too long.
- → How do I prevent the dish from becoming too watery?
The key is thoroughly draining the crushed pineapple before adding it to the slow cooker. You can even pat it dry with paper towels. Also, avoid opening the lid during cooking as this releases steam that condenses into liquid.
- → Can I make this Hawaiian chicken spicy?
Absolutely! Add 1-2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes, a diced jalapeño, or substitute your favorite spicy barbecue sauce for a kick of heat that complements the sweet pineapple beautifully.
- → What sides pair well with Hawaiian chicken?
Beyond the suggested rice or buns, consider serving with coconut rice, steamed vegetables, coleslaw, macaroni salad, or roasted sweet potatoes for a complete meal with tropical flair.
- → Can I prepare this as a freezer meal?
Yes! Combine all ingredients except the barbecue sauce in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then add to your slow cooker with the barbecue sauce and cook as directed.
- → How long will leftovers keep?
Leftover Hawaiian chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.