Description
Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a flavorful and easy slow cooker recipe featuring tender bone-in chicken breasts simmered in a tangy barbecue sauce combined with sweet pineapple chunks. This comforting dish infuses Hawaiian-inspired flavors into a simple crockpot meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Serve with rice, roasted potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)
Sauce
- 1 bottle (16 oz) barbecue sauce
- 1 can (8 oz) pineapple chunks, drained (reserve juice)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pineapple: Drain the pineapple chunks, reserving the juice for later use or another recipe. If using pineapple slices instead, dice them into smaller pieces.
- Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the barbecue sauce with the diced pineapple chunks, mixing well to incorporate the sweetness evenly.
- Layer Sauce in Slow Cooker: Pour a small amount of the barbecue pineapple mixture into the bottom of a 5-6 quart slow cooker to create a flavorful base.
- Add Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on top of the sauce layer. Then, pour the remaining barbecue and pineapple sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on High for 3-4 hours or on Low for 6-8 hours. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is tender enough to shred easily.
- Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken breasts and shred or slice them as preferred. Serve the chicken topped with the remaining sauce from the slow cooker for extra flavor.
- Suggested Serving: Pair the sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken with side dishes such as rice, roasted potatoes, or a fresh salad to create a complete and balanced meal.
Notes
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts provide more flavor and moisture, but you can substitute boneless, skinless breasts if preferred; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Reserving the pineapple juice allows for use in smoothies or marinades.
- For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the barbecue mixture.
- Ensure the slow cooker is preheated or monitor early cooking to prevent undercooking the chicken.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours on High or 6-8 hours on Low
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
