Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken is a sweet and savory dish that brings the tropical flavors of pineapple and tangy barbecue sauce together with tender, juicy chicken. With minimal prep and a few simple ingredients, this meal is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. As the chicken slowly simmers in the flavorful sauce, it becomes incredibly tender and absorbs the bright, fruity notes from the pineapple. Serve it over rice or with a side of veggies for a delicious, easy-to-make meal that will transport your taste buds straight to the islands.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, with juice
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped (optional)
- 1 onion, chopped (optional)
- Green onions or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and place them in the slow cooker.
- Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the pineapple chunks with juice, soy sauce, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and ginger (if using). Stir until well mixed.
- Add the Vegetables (Optional): If using bell pepper and onion, scatter them around the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Cook the Chicken: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, making sure the chicken is well coated. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Shred or Serve Whole: Once the chicken is cooked, you can serve the breasts whole or shred them using two forks, allowing the chicken to soak up more of the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the Hawaiian chicken over rice, garnished with fresh green onions or cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.
Enjoy your flavorful and easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken, a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory that’s sure to become a family favorite!
