These Crock Pot Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches are a fun and easy meal! Juicy chicken cooks slowly in a sweet and tangy sauce made with pineapple and soy sauce.
You can just throw in the ingredients and relax while it cooks. I love to serve it on soft buns, and it’s so tasty that even my picky eaters ask for seconds! 🍍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs keep the dish juicy and flavorful. You can swap them for chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner cut, but they might not be as tender. Tofu works too for a vegetarian option!
Barbecue Sauce: Hawaiian-style barbecue sauce adds a sweet, tropical note. If you can’t find it, any sweet barbecue sauce will work. Try teriyaki sauce for a different twist!
Pineapple Juice: It’s key for that tropical flavor. If you’re out, you can use orange juice or even coconut water for a unique flavor profile.
Coleslaw Mix: Store-bought coleslaw mix saves time, but you can make your own from shredded cabbage and carrots. Instead of mayo, you could use Greek yogurt for a healthier creamy option.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Tender and Shreddable?
Cooking the chicken slowly is essential for making it tender. The Crock Pot does the hard work for you, but there are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Always use enough liquid – in this case, the sauce will keep the chicken moist.
- Cook on low for the best texture. If you’re short on time, high heat is fine, just keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
- When shredding, let the chicken cool slightly first to avoid burns. Use two forks to shred easily.
How to Make Crock Pot Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (preferably Hawaiian-style)
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For The Sandwiches:
- 4 hamburger buns
- 2 cups coleslaw mix (prepackaged or homemade)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (optional, for creamy slaw)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (optional, for tangy slaw)
- Chips (for serving on the side)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take around 10 minutes to prep and will need 6-8 hours to cook in the Crock Pot if on low, or 3-4 hours if on high. So, you can set it up in the morning and enjoy a delicious meal by dinner time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Sauce Mixture:
Start by gathering your Crock Pot. In it, combine the barbecue sauce, pineapple juice, soy sauce, minced garlic, ground ginger, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use a spoon to stir everything together until it’s well mixed.
2. Adding the Chicken:
Next, take your chicken thighs or breasts and place them in the sauce mixture. Make sure each piece of chicken is well coated with the sauce, so it can soak up all that delicious flavor while cooking.
3. Cooking the Chicken:
Cover the Crock Pot with its lid and set it to cook. You can choose to set it on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is fully cooked and tender enough to shred easily.
4. Shredding the Chicken:
Once the chicken is ready, carefully remove it from the Crock Pot. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Then, return the shredded chicken to the Crock Pot and mix it into the sauce. This allows the chicken to absorb even more flavor!
5. Making the Coleslaw (Optional):
If you want to add coleslaw to your sandwiches, grab a bowl and combine the coleslaw mix, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Toss everything together until the coleslaw is well mixed and let it sit for a few minutes to blend the flavors.
6. Assembling the Sandwiches:
It’s time to put your sandwiches together! Take the bottom half of each hamburger bun and load it up with a generous portion of the Hawaiian chicken. Top it off with the coleslaw mixture and place the top half of the bun on.
7. Serving Up:
Finally, serve your delicious sandwiches with some chips on the side for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy your tasty Crock Pot Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen chicken, just make sure it’s fully thawed before adding it to the Crock Pot. You can safely thaw chicken overnight in the fridge or quickly in a sealed bag submerged in cold water. Cooking times may vary slightly if using thawed chicken, so keep an eye on it to ensure it’s fully cooked.
What Can I Substitute for Pineapple Juice?
If you don’t have pineapple juice on hand, feel free to use orange juice or a blend of apple juice and a splash of vinegar for tanginess. This will still give a nice fruity flavor to your chicken without straying too far from the original recipe!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Hawaiian chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stove when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Can I Make The Slaw Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the coleslaw a day in advance! Just mix the coleslaw ingredients and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, give it a quick toss to refresh the flavors. This helps save time on meal day!
