If you're looking for an effortless dinner that's packed with flavor, you've got to try this Slow Cooker Hawaiian Barbecue Chicken. It's got a quick homemade BBQ sauce and all that sweet, sweet pineapple. The main part? It takes less than 10 minutes to get everything in the slow cooker. Then, you can set it and forget it while the slow cooker works its magic. When dinner time rolls around, you'll have tender, juicy chicken that you can enjoy whole with the side of your choice, or slice it up for a sandwich.
Serve over your chicken Coconut rice For an extra delicious meal.
Why our recipe?
- Homemade barbecue sauce that lets you control the flavor, yet is easy to throw together.
- Set it up and forget dinner with 10 minutes of prep.
- Serve the chicken whole or sliced to serve over rice or on sandwiches.
This recipe is a lifesaver for busy days when you want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and a hint of liquid smoke creates a delicious barbecue sauce that cooks right along with your chicken, whether you serve the chicken whole or not. steamed rice with vegetables, or hoagie rolls, this Hawaiian barbecue chicken is sure to become a family favorite. Trust me, once you try it, you will repeat it!
Material notes
- Chicken breast meat: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe or you can use boneless skinless chicken thighs. Just be aware that there will be a little more jerky and fat with the thighs.
- Pineapple: You are looking for canned pineapple and you can use slices or chunks. Don't forget to include juice for extra flavor!
- Butter: Chicken is pretty lean, so adding butter helps keep it moist.
- Ketchup: Base for our homemade BBQ sauce.
- Brown Sugar: Can be substituted with pure maple syrup.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds so much flavor.
- Liquid smoke: Hickory or mesquite both work well.
- Hoagie Rolls (optional): Hoagie rolls are a great choice if you want to serve shredded chicken as a sandwich.
serving options
You can enjoy the chicken breast wholeDelicious homemade BBQ sauce and sweet pineapple chunks that are both beautiful and delicious.
You can also cut the chicken into pieces. Use a fork or tongs to pull the tender chicken apart in the slow cooker, mix it with the sauce and pineapple for a flavorful, juicy mixture. Shredded chicken offers more serving options.
Over Steamed Rice: Serve whole or shredded chicken over a bed steamed rice For a simple yet delicious meal. There is plenty of sauce to go over the rice.
Sandwiches: A pile of shredded chicken on a hoagie roll for a mouth-watering sandwich. If you feel a little extra, add a slice of cheese there.
Make it a freezer meal
After the chicken is cooked and drained, let it cool completely. Divide the shredded chicken mixture into portions that fit your needs—whether it's individual servings or enough for an entire meal. Place each portion in a freezer-safe bag or container. If using bags, flatten them to save freezer space and allow to thaw quickly later.
When you're ready to enjoy, transfer the bag from the freezer to the freezer the night before thawing. Once melted, reheat the chicken mixture in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Storage and reheating instructions
Keep in fridge Any leftover chicken for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
Reheat in microwave Cook in 30-second increments until heated through, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Reheat in a saucepan Over medium heat, stir occasionally until it is warm.
