Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches: Easy Recipe with a Tropical Twist
Craving a taste of the tropics? These Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches are the perfect solution! This easy slow cooker recipe delivers a sweet and savory flavor explosion with minimal effort. Just a few pantry staples and your slow cooker are all you need to create a fun and delicious meal that the whole family will love.
For the perfect pairing, consider serving these sandwiches with a light and refreshing dessert. My 3-ingredient no-bake dessert recipes are always a hit! Personally, I can’t resist the Hershey’s chocolate pie or the Ice cream sandwich cake, especially during the warmer months.
🔍 Quick Look: Slow Cooker Hawaiian Barbecue Chicken Sandwiches
- ⏰ Ready In: 5 hours
- 🛒 Recipe Ingredients: Chicken thigh, pineapple juice, and other pantry staples
- 🍽️ Servings: 6-8
- 👩🍳 Difficulty: Easy
- 🧊 Make-Ahead Friendly: Freezer-friendly for up to 2 months; stores in the fridge for 4 days
- 📍 Before You Make This: Pineapple juice is the key ingredient, so make sure you have some on hand!
If you love the tropical flavors of this recipe, be sure to try my sheet pan Hawaiian chicken, slow cooker Hawaiian pork, and one-pot Hawaiian chicken and coconut rice! They’re all incredibly delicious and easy to make.
Why you’ll love this recipe…
These Hawaiian chicken sandwiches are a fantastic and flavorful recipe that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Here’s why you’ll keep coming back for more:
- The burst of fresh tropical flavor is simply irresistible.
- Cooking the chicken with pineapple juice guarantees juicy and tender results every time. Say goodbye to dry chicken!
- Enjoy a delicious homemade sauce that elevates these BBQ sandwiches to a whole new level.
- These sandwiches are incredibly versatile. Serve them over rice, or alongside ham fried rice for a complete meal.
- Forget store-bought barbecue sauce! This recipe doesn’t need it.
Complete your tropical-themed feast by serving these scrumptious chicken sandwiches with a simple side salad, and perhaps even a pineapple upside-down cake for a truly delightful experience.
Made With Love,
Ingredient Substitutions:
While pineapple juice is preferred for the most authentic flavor, you can substitute it with crushed pineapple if necessary. Keep in mind that the texture will be slightly different due to the added thickness of the crushed pineapple.
Feel free to use your favorite type of buns for these chicken sandwiches. I personally recommend King’s Hawaiian rolls for an extra touch of sweetness!
Key Ingredients:
- Pineapple: Without a doubt, pineapple takes center stage in this recipe! It infuses the chicken with those signature Hawaiian flavors and ensures a wonderfully juicy result. The enzymes in the pineapple also helps to tenderize the chicken, making it incredibly flavorful.
- Ketchup: Believe it or not, ketchup is an essential ingredient! When combined with brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce, it creates a rich and tangy base that perfectly complements the pineapple and eliminates the need for pre-made BBQ sauce. It creates a unique and memorable taste profile.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
How to Make Slow Cooker Hawaiian Barbecue Chicken Sandwiches:
Let’s walk through the easy steps to create these delicious Hawaiian chicken sandwiches. The slow cooker does most of the work, so you can relax and enjoy the delicious aroma filling your kitchen!
Trim the Chicken Thighs:
Preparing the chicken properly ensures the best flavor and texture. Use a sharp knife and a clean cutting board to follow these steps:
- Remove any large, visible pieces of fat from the edges of each chicken thigh. This helps to prevent the sauce from becoming overly greasy.
- Check for any connective tissues or small bone fragments and carefully trim them off. This ensures a smoother and more enjoyable eating experience.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. This helps the chicken absorb the delicious sauce more effectively.
My Pro Tip
Recipe Tip
Add a splash of pineapple juice right before serving to intensify the tropical flavor. This simple step makes a world of difference!
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, combine the following ingredients:
- ½ diced yellow onion
- 6 oz pineapple juice
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup ketchup
- ½ tsp salt
- Dash of black pepper
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp paprika
- Whisk all the ingredients together until they are well combined, creating a smooth and flavorful sauce.
Assemble in the Slow Cooker:
- Place the trimmed chicken thighs in a single layer at the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Pour the prepared sauce mixture evenly over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is well coated.
Cook:
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on Low for 5 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and easily shreds with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for optimal safety.
Shred the Chicken:
- Carefully remove the cooked chicken thighs from the slow cooker and place them on a cutting board.
- Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This is easy to do when the chicken is cooked perfectly.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, and stir it into the sauce to ensure every piece is coated in that delicious Hawaiian flavor.
Serve:
- Spoon the shredded Hawaiian chicken onto hamburger buns or sweet Hawaiian rolls to create satisfying sandwiches.
Optional: Top with fresh pineapple slices or a scoop of my classic coleslaw for added texture and flavor. - Alternative Serving Suggestion: For a lighter and gluten-free option, serve the chicken over steamed rice.
Storage Instructions:
Fridge: Store leftover shredded chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezer: For longer storage, transfer the cooled chicken to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Recipe FAQs
I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken thighs in this recipe for their rich flavor and ability to stay moist during slow cooking. However, you can substitute them with boneless chicken breasts if you prefer.
The cooking time depends on the thickness of the chicken and the heat setting of your slow cooker. Generally, chicken can be cooked on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. Always check for doneness before serving.
The chicken is done when it’s tender and can be easily pulled apart with a fork. For extra assurance, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should be at least 165°F (74°C).
More Delicious Chicken Recipes:
Chicken
BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks
Chicken
Fiesta Chicken Casserole
Chicken
Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
Casserole
Chicken and Rice Casserole with Broccoli
If you enjoyed this Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches recipe, be sure to share it with your friends! Tag me on Instagram @julia.pacheco.cooking and let me know what you think!
