Tropical Hawaiian Slow Cooker Chicken
This Tropical Hawaiian Slow Cooker Chicken recipe brings the flavors of the islands right to your dinner table! The succulent chicken breasts are slow-cooked to perfection in a sweet and tangy blend of crushed pineapple and a rich Hawaiian-style barbecue sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish requires minimal prep but delivers maximum flavor. Serve over rice or alongside your favorite tropical salad for a complete meal that will transport you to paradise with every bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
4-6 (Trim and pat dry)
Crushed Pineapple
1 (16 1/2 ounce) can (Do not drain)
Hawaiian Style Barbecue Sauce
1 (16 1/2 ounce) bottle (Use Archer Farms or your preferred brand)
Instructions
1
Begin by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. Make sure they are evenly distributed.
2
Open the can of crushed pineapple and pour it, along with the juice, over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well covered.
3
Next, take the bottle of Archer Farms Hawaiian-style barbecue sauce and pour it generously over the pineapple and chicken mixture.
4
Cover the crockpot with the lid and set it to cook on the low setting for 6 hours. The chicken will become tender and flavorful as it cooks slowly.
5
After 6 hours, gently shred the chicken using two forks while it remains in the crockpot to soak up even more of the delicious sauce.
6
Serve warm over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside fresh salad for a delightful tropical meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tropical Hawaiian Slow Cooker Chicken?
It is a sweet and tangy chicken dish made by slow-cooking chicken breasts with crushed pineapple and Hawaiian-style barbecue sauce.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
This recipe requires only three main ingredients: chicken breasts, crushed pineapple, and Hawaiian-style barbecue sauce.
What type of chicken is best for this dish?
The recipe calls for 4 to 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but it is recommended to thaw the chicken first to ensure even cooking and food safety in the slow cooker.
Should I drain the pineapple?
No, do not drain the pineapple. Use the entire 16.5-ounce can including the juice for the best flavor and moisture.
What BBQ sauce is recommended?
The recipe suggests using Archer Farms Hawaiian-style barbecue sauce, but you can use your preferred brand.
Can I use standard BBQ sauce?
You can use regular BBQ sauce, but Hawaiian-style sauce is preferred for its specific sweet and tropical flavor profile.
How long does it take to cook?
The chicken should be cooked on the low setting for 6 hours.
Can I cook this on the high setting?
Yes, you can cook it on high for about 3 to 4 hours, though cooking on low usually results in more tender chicken.
How do I shred the chicken?
Once the cooking time is up, use two forks to gently pull the chicken apart while it is still in the crockpot.
What are the best side dishes for this chicken?
It is delicious when served over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside a fresh tropical salad.
Can I substitute chicken breasts with thighs?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used and will remain very juicy during the slow-cooking process.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It depends on the barbecue sauce you choose; check the label of your Hawaiian BBQ sauce to ensure it is gluten-free.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Yes, adding bell peppers or onions to the slow cooker would complement the tropical flavors well.
How many servings does this recipe make?
Based on 4-6 chicken breasts, it typically serves 4 to 6 people.
Can I make this in a pressure cooker?
Yes, you can cook it on high pressure for about 10-15 minutes with a natural release for a similar result.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I freeze the cooked chicken?
Yes, the shredded chicken and sauce can be frozen in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
Is the sauce spicy?
No, the sauce is generally sweet and tangy. If you want heat, you can add crushed red pepper flakes.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
You can use fresh pineapple, but you may need to add a half cup of pineapple juice to ensure there is enough liquid.
How do I cook this in the oven?
Place ingredients in a covered baking dish and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30-45 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes, as long as your slow cooker is large enough, you can double all the ingredients.
Do I need to add any water or broth?
No, the liquid from the pineapple can and the barbecue sauce provides all the moisture needed.
What if the sauce is too runny?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can stir in a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Should I brown the chicken first?
Browning is not necessary for this recipe, though it can add an extra layer of flavor if you have the time.
Is this dish suitable for children?
Yes, the sweet pineapple flavor makes this a very kid-friendly meal.
What kind of rice should I serve?
Jasmine, basmati, or even coconut rice are excellent choices to pair with these tropical flavors.
Can I add aromatics like ginger or garlic?
Absolutely, adding a teaspoon of minced garlic or fresh ginger can enhance the depth of the sauce.
Is Archer Farms the only brand I can use?
No, any brand of Hawaiian-style barbecue sauce will work for this recipe.
Can I use pineapple tidbits?
Yes, you can use tidbits or chunks, but crushed pineapple provides a more even distribution of flavor in the sauce.