🍍 Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pineapple BBQ Chicken
This Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pineapple BBQ Chicken is a sweet, smoky, and tender meal made with juicy chicken, tangy barbecue sauce, and tropical pineapple flavors. The slow cooker creates fall-apart chicken that’s perfect over rice, in sandwiches, or as a simple family dinner.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5–6 hours (Low) or 3–4 hours (High)
- Total Time: About 6 hours
- Servings: 6
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Hawaiian BBQ Sauce
- 1½ cups barbecue sauce (honey BBQ or smoky BBQ works well)
- 1 can (20 ounces) pineapple chunks with juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger (optional)
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- ½ cup chopped turkey bacon
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Garnish
- Green onions, sliced
- Fresh cilantro
- Extra pineapple chunks
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Place chicken in the slow cooker.
2. Add the Hawaiian BBQ Sauce
In a bowl, mix:
- BBQ sauce
- Pineapple juice and chunks
- Soy sauce
- Brown sugar
- Apple cider vinegar
- Garlic
- Ginger
Pour over the chicken.
3. Slow Cook
Cook until tender:
- LOW: 5–6 hours
- HIGH: 3–4 hours
The chicken should shred easily with a fork.
4. Shred and Finish
- Remove chicken and shred.
- Return it to the slow cooker and stir into the sauce.
- Add bell peppers during the last 30–45 minutes if you like them slightly crisp.
5. Serve
Top with green onions and sesame seeds.
Serving Ideas
Serve over:
- 🍚 Jasmine rice
- 🍍 Coconut rice
- 🥗 Hawaiian-style salad
- 🌮 Tacos or wraps
- 🥪 BBQ chicken sandwiches
- 🥔 Baked potatoes
Tips for Success
- Chicken thighs give the juiciest texture, while breasts work well for a leaner version.
- For a thicker sauce, remove the lid for the last 20–30 minutes of cooking.
- Add a splash of sriracha or chili flakes for a sweet-and-spicy Hawaiian BBQ flavor.
- Use fresh pineapple for a brighter tropical taste.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- Freezer: Freeze shredded chicken with sauce for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave with a little extra BBQ sauce.
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 390
- Protein: 38 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 24 g
Easy Variations
🌶️ Spicy Hawaiian BBQ Chicken: Add jalapeños and extra chili flakes.
🥓 Loaded Version: Add crispy turkey bacon and melted cheddar before serving.
🥥 Island Style: Add coconut milk and serve with coconut rice.
This slow cooker favorite delivers the perfect balance of sweet pineapple, smoky BBQ flavor, and tender shredded chicken—a simple tropical-inspired dinner everyone loves. 🍍🍗