With just 5 essential ingredients, this Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken is incredibly tasty and simple to prepare, ideal for a busy weeknight. It includes chicken breasts, crushed pineapple, barbecue sauce, white onion, and pineapple chunks.

To make Hawaiian Chicken in your Slow Cooker or Crockpot, just place the chicken and pineapple in the cooker, cover with barbecue sauce, and set it to cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. It’s that easy to prepare a great meal.

When you’re not up for a long stint at the stove and want a meal that’s both flavorful and simple, this 5 Ingredient Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken is the perfect solution. It’s proof that easy meals can still be exciting!

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Can I Use Frozen Chicken for this Recipe?

Absolutely, you can use frozen chicken, but here’s the deal: Thaw it first to ensure even cooking. You don’t want to mess with uneven textures and flavors, do you?

5 Ingredient Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Ingredients

• 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 (8 oz. or 227g) can crushed pineapple
• 1 (18 oz. or 510g) bottle of sweet barbecue sauce
• 1 white onion, chopped (optional)
• Pineapple chunks for added texture (optional)

To Serve:

• Cooked white rice

How To Make 5 Ingredient Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken

1. Prepare Your Chicken: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. This will allow them to absorb flavors evenly.
2. Layer the Ingredients: Spoon the crushed pineapple over the chicken. Ensure it spreads across all the pieces. Next, pour the barbecue sauce over the chicken and pineapple to cover them completely.
3. Add Optional Ingredients: If you’re using onions and pineapple chunks, add them now. They will add sweetness and a more complex flavor profile.
4. Set the Slow Cooker: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set the device to cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. The long cooking time helps the chicken become very tender.
5. Finish and Serve: When the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker for a few minutes to absorb the sauce. Serve the saucy chicken over freshly cooked white rice.

Can I Add Other Fruits Besides Pineapple?

Yes, you can mix things up! Mango or peaches can work well, adding a nice twist to the classic pineapple vibe. Just make sure they complement the barbecue sauce.

Recipe Tips

• Boost the Sweetness: If you love a sweeter taste, consider adding a bit of brown sugar or honey into your barbecue sauce mix before cooking; it enhances the rich, caramelized flavor.
• Adjust the Heat: For a bit of spice, a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes will do the trick; it’s a simple tweak that adds a punch.
• Low and Slow is the Way to Go: Cooking on low for a longer period allows the flavors to mingle and deepen, making the chicken even more tender and flavorful; patience pays off here!

Recipe Variations

• Go Tropical: Swap out traditional barbecue sauce for a teriyaki sauce to give your dish a more Hawaiian flair; it’s like a mini vacation in your slow cooker.
• Veggie Delight: Add bell peppers, onions, and even some zucchini about an hour before the dish is done; they soak up the sauce and add a fantastic texture.
• Wrap it Up: Use the shredded chicken in wraps with some fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream for a lunch that breaks the office lunch monotony.
• Thighs Instead of Breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer meat that’s a bit juicier and more forgiving when cooked for long hours; they’re just as simple but offer a richer flavor.

What To Serve With Hawaiian Chicken

Serve your 5 Ingredient Hawaiian Chicken with mango avocado salsa, jasmine rice with lemongrass, Greek Green Beans, roasted cauliflower with curry spices, and chilled soba noodle salad.

You can also pair it with crispy seaweed salad and pickled radishes for a delightful twist.

How To Store Leftover Hawaiian Chicken

In The Fridge:

Pack the leftover Hawaiian Chicken in airtight containers and refrigerate promptly. Ensure it cools to room temperature before sealing. This method keeps the chicken tasty and safe for up to three days.

In The Freezer:

Freezing this dish is not recommended as the pineapple and sauce may become watery and lose texture upon thawing. Best enjoyed fresh or from the fridge.

How To Reheat Leftover Hawaiian Chicken

Reheat your leftover Hawaiian Chicken in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently until heated through, which typically takes about 10 minutes.

Alternatively, microwave it on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

Check out More Slow Cooker Recipes:

• Slow Cooker Chicken Heaven
• Slow Cooker Coronation Chicken Curry
• Slow Cooker Tarragon Chicken