This Easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken is a tropical treat! Juicy chicken cooked in a sweet and tangy sauce made with pineapple, soy sauce, and ginger makes every bite delightful.
Throw everything in the slow cooker in the morning and let it do its magic. When you come home, you’ll be greeted by a yummy smell that will make your mouth water!
I love serving this delightful dish over rice. It’s so simple to make that you can enjoy a little island escape right in your kitchen. Aloha vibes for dinner! 🌺
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juicy texture. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can swap them for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but they may dry out faster. Just keep an eye on the cooking time!
Pineapple Juice: Fresh pineapple juice adds a bright flavor, but if you don’t have it, store-bought juice works just fine. You can also substitute with orange juice for a twist, giving it a different citrusy vibe.
Soy Sauce: For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce. You can also try coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter and less salty flavor if you’re avoiding soy.
Brown Sugar: If you’re out of brown sugar, you can use white sugar in a pinch. Just add a bit of molasses (1 tbsp per cup of sugar) to mimic the flavor of brown sugar. Honey or maple syrup can work as substitutes too, but adjust the quantity since they are sweeter.
Coleslaw: Store-bought coleslaw is super convenient, but making your own is easy and allows you to customize it! Shredded cabbage, carrots, and a simple dressing of mayo, vinegar, and sugar is a great base.
How Can I Make the Chicken Tender and Flavorful?
The key to tender, flavor-packed chicken lies in the slow cooking process. Here’s how to ensure your chicken turns out perfectly:
- Cook on low heat for a longer time (6-7 hours) to make the chicken super tender. If short on time, you can cook on high for 3-4 hours.
- Pineapple juice not only adds flavor but also helps to tenderize the chicken. The natural enzymes in pineapple work wonders!
- Always let the chicken rest a few minutes after shredding so it can soak up all the delicious sauce again. Don’t skip this step!
- For a thicker sauce, add the cornstarch slurry at the end to create a nice glaze that clings to the chicken.
Easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Sliders
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup pineapple juice (preferably fresh)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, drained (reserve juice for sauce)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening sauce)
- Slider buns or small sandwich rolls, toasted
- Coleslaw (for topping; store-bought or homemade)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 6-7 hours of cooking on low (or 3-4 hours on high). After cooking, allow an additional 15-20 minutes to thicken the sauce. Your delicious Hawaiian chicken sliders will be ready for a tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken thighs directly into your slow cooker. No need for any oil or seasoning just yet, as the sauce will add plenty of flavor.
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, combine the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you like some heat). Whisk everything together until the brown sugar is mostly dissolved.
3. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker. Make sure the chicken is well coated. Then, add the drained crushed pineapple on top of the chicken. This will add a wonderful fruitiness to the dish!
4. Slow Cook the Chicken:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is very tender and shreds easily with a fork.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker to mix with the sauce.
6. Thicken the Sauce:
To thicken the sauce, stir the cornstarch mixed with water into the slow cooker. Cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your liking.
7. Serve the Sliders:
To put together your sliders, take the toasted slider buns and pile generous portions of the Hawaiian chicken onto each bun. Top with coleslaw for an added crunch and freshness.
8. Enjoy!
Dig in and savor your tropical-flavored Hawaiian chicken sliders! They’re perfect for a casual dinner or gathering with friends.
This recipe creates juicy, tender pulled chicken with a sweet and savory pineapple-soy glaze, all piled high inside soft buns, making it a delightful and easy meal!
FAQ About Easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Sliders
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can replace the chicken thighs with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just be aware that they may cook faster and can dry out more easily, so check for doneness at the earlier end of the cooking time.
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce the night before and store them in the fridge. Just cook it in the slow cooker the next day. Leftovers can also be refrigerated for up to 3 days for easy reheating!
What Should I Do if the Sauce is Too Thin?
If the sauce isn’t thickening to your liking, you can add more cornstarch mixed with cold water to the slow cooker. Stir well and cook on high for another 10-15 minutes until it thickens. Adjust as necessary!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Hawaiian chicken sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stove, adding a touch of water or extra sauce if needed to keep it moist.
