Savor the bright, comforting flavors of Island-style cooking with this Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken served with a refreshing pineapple slaw. The combination of sweet, tangy sauce and tender shredded chicken is perfect piled on a bun or spooned over white or brown rice.
If you love a sweet-and-savory meal that requires minimal hands-on time, this slow cooker Hawaiian chicken is a great choice. The chicken becomes juicy and fork-tender as it cooks slowly in a pineapple-based sauce. Serve it on burger buns with pineapple slaw or over rice for a quick family-friendly dinner.
On busy days, easy slow-cooker dinners are lifesavers. This Hawaiian chicken shines because you can combine the ingredients, set the crock pot, and let it do the work while you take care of everything else. The result is an impressive, flavorful meal that doesn’t demand lots of effort or time in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken
This recipe stands out for several reasons:
- Juicy – The slow cooking process keeps the chicken moist and tender so it easily shreds with a fork.
- Balanced sweetness – Pineapple juice and brown sugar add sweetness that complements the savory elements without overpowering them.
- Simple – Toss ingredients in the slow cooker and let it cook for several hours. Minimal prep and maximum flavor.
Crock Pot Hawaiian Chicken Ingredients
These simple pantry and fridge ingredients come together to create a vibrant sauce and slaw.
- Chicken breasts
- Pineapple juice
- Brown sugar
- Ketchup
- BBQ sauce
- Low-sodium soy sauce
- Pineapple tidbits
- Minced garlic
- Salt, pepper, onion powder, ground ginger
- Coleslaw mix
- Mayonnaise
- Sugar
- Apple cider vinegar
How To Make Pineapple Slaw
To prepare the pineapple slaw, whisk together mayonnaise, sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Toss in the coleslaw mix and pineapple tidbits, then refrigerate briefly to let the flavors meld. The slaw adds a cool, tangy contrast to the warm, sweet chicken.
Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Variations
- Spicy: Add red pepper flakes, cayenne, or chopped jalapeño to the sauce for heat.
- Protein swap: Use pork (such as pork shoulder or chops) instead of chicken; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Extra vegetables: Stir in chopped bell peppers, diced carrots, or small broccoli florets for added color and nutrients.
Hawaiian Chicken Tips
- Serve over steamed white or brown rice for a classic pairing, or pile the chicken onto soft hamburger buns with pineapple slaw.
- For deeper flavor, let the meat marinate in the sauce for 30–60 minutes before adding to the slow cooker.
- If you don’t have diced pineapple, crushed pineapple works as an alternative.
Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken FAQs
Can I make this dish with chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes. Chicken thighs work well and tend to stay even more tender and flavorful. Adjust the cooking time as needed based on thickness.
What should I serve with it?
This chicken pairs beautifully with rice and simple steamed vegetables like broccoli. It’s also excellent on sandwich buns topped with pineapple slaw.
Can I make this meal with pork chops?
Yes. Pork chops or pork shoulder are good alternatives. Monitor cooking times and adjust so the meat reaches a safe internal temperature and becomes tender.
Is it safe to use liquid aminos as a soy sauce alternative?
Yes—liquid aminos can replace soy sauce if you prefer that flavor or a different sodium profile.
Make this Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken with Pineapple Slaw to impress family and friends with an easy, flavorful meal that’s sweet, savory, and satisfying.
More delicious slow cooker recipes
- Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork
- Slow Cooker Crack Chicken
- Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas
- Crock Pot Fiesta Chicken
- Easy Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie With Biscuits
Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken With Pineapple Slaw
April King
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 large chicken breasts, thawed
- 2 cups pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 Tbsp. low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tsp. minced garlic
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. pepper
- 1/2 tsp. onion powder
- 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
- 1 cup pineapple tidbits
Pineapple Coleslaw
- 1 pkg. coleslaw mix
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp. sugar
- 2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/2 cup pineapple tidbits
Instructions
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Spray the inside of a slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, salt, pepper, onion powder, and ground ginger until combined.
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Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker, pour the sauce over the chicken, and top with pineapple tidbits.
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Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
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Shred the chicken with two forks and stir to coat in the sauce.
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Serve on hamburger buns topped with pineapple coleslaw or over a bed of white or brown rice. Enjoy!
Pineapple Coleslaw
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In a medium-large bowl, whisk mayonnaise, sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
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Add the coleslaw mix and pineapple tidbits, tossing until everything is evenly coated. Chill briefly before serving.
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