If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with tropical flavor yet incredibly easy to prepare, let me introduce you to the magic of the Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe. This dish brings together tender, juicy chicken breasts slow-cooked to perfection with the sweet tang of crushed pineapple and the smoky richness of Hawaiian-style BBQ sauce. Every bite offers a vibrant mix of savory, sweet, and slightly tangy notes, making it a perfect centerpiece for a laid-back weeknight meal or a festive weekend feast. Whether you’re a seasoned slow cooker fan or just looking to add something new and exciting to your dinner rotation, this recipe is sure to become one of your all-time favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and harmony of flavors. Each ingredient is carefully chosen not just for flavor but also to create a wonderful balance of texture and color that invites you to dig in with enthusiasm.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, providing lean protein that becomes fall-apart tender in the crockpot.
- 1 cup Hawaiian-style BBQ sauce: Adds the signature smoky-sweet depth that makes this dish truly Hawaiian-inspired.
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (with juice): Injects juicy sweetness and tropical flair while keeping the chicken moist.
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced): Offers a crisp texture and vibrant red color to brighten the plate.
- 1 yellow onion (sliced): Brings sweetness and aromatic warmth as it cooks down.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Essential for adding savory depth and a little zing.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Enhances umami and balances out the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon ginger (grated): Delivers a subtle spicy warmth that elevates the tropical flavors.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple but vital seasonings to bring all the flavors together.
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional): Adds freshness and a touch of nuttiness as a finishing flourish.
How to Make Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Vegetables
Start by placing your boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. This foundation allows the meat to soak up all the wonderful flavors from the sauce and vegetables as it cooks slowly and evenly.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce and Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the Hawaiian-style BBQ sauce, crushed pineapple with juice, sliced red bell pepper, sliced onion, minced garlic, soy sauce, grated ginger, and season with salt and pepper. This mixture is the heart of your dish, blending sweet, savory, and tangy elements that will infuse each piece of chicken.
Step 3: Pour and Cook
Pour the prepared sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Cover with the lid and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The slow-cooking process ensures the chicken becomes tender and infused with the rich flavors of the sauce.
Step 4: Shred and Combine
Once the chicken reaches the perfect tenderness, shred it directly in the crockpot using two forks. Stir the shredded chicken into the sauce, allowing it to soak up all the delicious juices before serving.
How to Serve Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
For an added pop of color and subtle flavor, sprinkle chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the top of the finished dish. These garnishes lend a lovely freshness and a bit of nuttiness that complement the sweet-savory sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed white or coconut rice to soak up every bit of the vibrant sauce. For a veggie-packed meal, serve alongside sautéed greens like spinach or kale, or even roasted sweet potatoes for a burst of earthiness.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests or switch things up? Serve the shredded chicken over a bed of fluffy quinoa or use it as a filling for tacos with a crisp slaw. You can also pile it high on slider buns for a fun, tropical-inspired sandwich perfect for casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more as it rests, making it just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
The shredded chicken freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, making it easy to defrost for quick meals on busy days.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent drying out. You can also microwave it with a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce to keep the chicken juicy and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs add extra richness and tenderness, making the Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe even more succulent and delicious.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free BBQ sauce and soy sauce, this dish is perfect for a gluten-free diet without sacrificing any flavor.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Definitely. Add a dash of hot sauce or some sliced jalapeños into the crockpot along with the other ingredients to give the dish a tropical kick.
How long does it take to cook on high vs. low?
Cooking on low heat usually takes about 6 to 7 hours and yields very tender chicken, while high heat cooks it faster in around 3 to 4 hours. The flavors develop best with slow cooking, but both methods work wonderfully.
What can I serve instead of rice?
Quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even a fresh green salad are excellent alternatives to pair with this Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe for a lighter or grain-free option.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe is like a little tropical vacation in your kitchen. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it turns simple ingredients into a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. I highly encourage you to give it a try—you might just find your new favorite slow cooker meal that brings sunshine to your dinner table any day of the week!
Print
Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian, American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken is a flavorful and easy slow cooker recipe featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a sweet and tangy Hawaiian-style BBQ sauce with pineapple, bell peppers, and onions. Perfectly shredded and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, this dish brings a tropical twist to your dinner table and pairs wonderfully with steamed or coconut rice.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Sauce & Vegetables
- 1 cup Hawaiian-style BBQ sauce
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (with juice)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish (optional)
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot to create the base for the dish.
- Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the Hawaiian-style BBQ sauce, crushed pineapple with juice, sliced red bell pepper, sliced onion, minced garlic, soy sauce, grated ginger, salt, and pepper. Stir well to blend all the flavors.
- Combine and Cook: Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the chicken breasts in the crockpot, ensuring the chicken is well-covered. Cover with the lid and cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks. Stir the shredded chicken so it fully absorbs the sauce and flavors.
- Serve: Serve the Hawaiian BBQ chicken hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired, alongside steamed white or coconut rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice or coconut rice.
- You can substitute boneless chicken thighs for extra tenderness and richer flavor.
- For a spicier version, add a dash of hot sauce or sliced jalapeños to the sauce mixture before cooking.
