If you’re dreaming of a dish that effortlessly blends sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors with juicy, tender chicken, look no further than this Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe. This recipe brings together the tropical charm of pineapple, the bold punch of barbecue sauce, and the convenience of slow cooking to create a meal that feels like a mini vacation on your plate. Whether you’re craving an easy weeknight dinner or preparing ahead for a gathering, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your table with vibrant, comforting flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures, making this Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe both easy and exciting. From the sweetness of pineapple to the savory undertones of garlic and soy, each component plays a crucial role in building a well-balanced dish.
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose thighs for extra juiciness or breasts for a leaner option.
- 1 cup barbecue sauce: Pick your favorite variety to set the tone—sweet or smoky, it’s your call.
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (reserve 1/4 cup juice): Fresh or canned, pineapple adds that vibrant tropical sweetness.
- 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper: Adds a pop of color and subtle crunch.
- 1/2 small red onion, sliced: Brings mild sharpness that perfectly complements the sweet elements.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari: Enhances umami flavor and balances the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds warm, aromatic depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Gives a gentle zing reminiscent of tropical cuisine.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Provides mild heat and livens up the dish.
- Cooked rice or Hawaiian rolls for serving: Essential for soaking up that luscious sauce.
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional): For a fresh pop of color and subtle nuttiness.
How to Make Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Base
Start by placing your boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of your slow cooker. This lays the foundation for all the flavors to meld beautifully as the chicken slowly cooks and absorbs every delicious bite of the sauce.
Step 2: Mix the Flavorful Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine your barbecue sauce, pineapple chunks along with 1/4 cup of the reserved pineapple juice, chopped red bell pepper, sliced red onion, soy sauce or tamari, garlic powder, ground ginger, and black pepper. Stir well until everything is beautifully blended, creating the perfect tangy-sweet marinade that will elevate this dish.
Step 3: Layer and Cook
Pour the prepared sauce mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker. Make sure the chicken is fully coated with that vibrant, tropical sauce so that every bite will be packed with flavor. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is fall-apart tender.
Step 4: Shred and Stir
Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the crockpot. This is the moment the magic happens as the tender chicken soaks up the juices and sauce, turning into a luscious, flavorful feast. Give everything a good stir to combine, making sure the sauce is well distributed.
Step 5: Get Ready to Serve
Your Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it piping hot over a bed of fluffy rice or tuck it into Hawaiian rolls for a satisfying sandwich with that perfect sweet-savory balance.
How to Serve Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your dish with freshly chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds. They not only add a lovely visual contrast but also bring freshness and a subtle nuttiness that complements the richness of the BBQ sauce and pineapple.
Side Dishes
Because this chicken is the star, you’ll want side dishes that complement without overpowering. Consider a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, roasted vegetables, or even a light coleslaw for that perfect textural play. And of course, a fluffy mound of jasmine or basmati rice is ideal for soaking up every last drop of that incredible sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve the shredded chicken in mini Hawaiian rolls for a fun slider experience. Or pile it onto crisp lettuce leaves for a lower-carb taco-style twist. The rich sauce also pairs beautifully with grilled pineapple slices and pickled red onions for an extra burst of tropical flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making every bite even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the chicken in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Be sure to leave some space in the container for expansion, and cool the chicken completely before freezing to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
For quick reheating, microwave the chicken in a covered dish until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or extra pineapple juice to keep it moist and saucy. Avoid drying it out by heating gently.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic choice for this Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe because they stay juicy and tender throughout the slow cooking process. They also absorb the rich sauce flavors beautifully.
Is it necessary to shred the chicken after cooking?
While not mandatory, shredding the chicken helps it soak up the sauce more effectively and creates that classic pulled texture that makes this dish so comforting and delicious.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just make sure to use a gluten-free barbecue sauce and substitute regular soy sauce with tamari to keep the dish gluten-free without sacrificing any flavor.
What are some good substitutes if I don’t have red bell pepper?
You can swap red bell pepper with green or yellow bell peppers, or even diced pineapple pepperoncini for an extra tangy twist. Just keep in mind how it will influence the overall flavor balance.
Is the Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! This recipe is excellent for meal prep because it stores well, freezes beautifully, and tastes just as amazing reheated, making your weeknights a breeze.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the ease and flavor punch of the Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tropical notes that come together with minimal effort but maximum satisfaction. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe soon—it’s bound to become a fast favorite in your rotation, bringing ease and sunshine to your table any day of the week.
Print
Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken recipe offers a deliciously tender and flavorful dish combining sweet pineapple, tangy barbecue sauce, and savory spices. Perfect for a slow cooker meal, it’s easy to prepare and ideal for serving over rice or in Hawaiian rolls for sandwiches. With a delightful balance of sweetness and zest, this dish brings a tropical twist to your dinner table, making it a crowd-pleaser that freezes well for meal prep.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite variety)
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (with 1/4 cup juice reserved)
- 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1/2 small red onion, sliced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Serving
- Cooked rice or Hawaiian rolls
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker, ensuring an even layer to allow for thorough cooking.
- Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, pineapple chunks along with their reserved juice, chopped red bell pepper, sliced red onion, soy sauce or tamari, garlic powder, ground ginger, and black pepper. Stir well to blend all flavors.
- Add Sauce to Chicken: Pour the prepared sauce mixture evenly over the chicken in the crockpot, making sure every piece is well coated for maximum flavor absorption during cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken should become tender and easy to shred at the end of this time.
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks. Stir the shredded meat well to combine with the flavorful sauce.
- Serve: Serve the shredded Hawaiian BBQ chicken over cooked rice or on Hawaiian rolls. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use a sweeter BBQ sauce for a more classic Hawaiian flavor, or choose a smoky BBQ sauce for a savory twist.
- This recipe is excellent for meal prep and freezes well for convenient future meals.
- Ensure to use gluten-free BBQ sauce and tamari to keep the dish gluten-free.
