Get ready to bring a taste of the islands straight to your kitchen with Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken! This dish is the perfect mash-up of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, all wrapped up in a juicy, tender chicken. Every bite captures sunshine in a bowl, thanks to the harmony of crushed pineapple, vibrant peppers, and that irresistible Hawaiian BBQ kick. Plus, it’s a total breeze—just toss your ingredients in the slow cooker and let time work its magic. Whether you’re feeding the family on a busy weeknight or wowing friends at a laid-back gathering, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken lies in its lineup of everyday ingredients, each carefully chosen for a reason. Expect pops of color, layers of flavor, and cozy island aromas—all from pantry staples and a quick trip to the produce aisle.
- Chicken Breasts: Go for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a lean, protein-packed base that tenderizes beautifully in the crockpot.
- Hawaiian-Style BBQ Sauce: This is the star of the show, delivering smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors that define the whole dish.
- Crushed Pineapple (with juice): Pineapple brings natural sweetness and tropical flair while the juice keeps everything moist and saucy.
- Red Bell Pepper (sliced): Adds a splash of vibrant color and a gentle crunch, not to mention extra nutrition.
- Yellow Onion (sliced): Melts into the sauce, providing savory depth and a subtle sweetness.
- Garlic (minced): Just two cloves boost the aromatics, infusing every bite with garlicky goodness.
- Soy Sauce: Helps round out the flavors with a hint of saltiness and umami.
- Ginger (grated): Fresh ginger brightens the sauce and adds a gentle warmth that’s classic in Hawaiian-inspired dishes.
- Salt and Pepper to Taste: These simple seasonings let you tailor the dish perfectly to your preference.
- Chopped Green Onions & Sesame Seeds (optional garnish): Sprinkle these on top for an eye-catching, flavorful finish.
How to Make Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
Step 1: Layer the Chicken
Start by placing your boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of your crockpot. Laying them flat ensures every inch of chicken soaks up the saucy goodness from the start—no more bland bites!
Step 2: Mix Up the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together your Hawaiian-style BBQ sauce, crushed pineapple (juice and all), sliced red bell pepper, sliced yellow onion, minced garlic, soy sauce, freshly grated ginger, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. This colorful mixture comes together in minutes and sets the stage for all that mouthwatering flavor.
Step 3: Pour & Cook
Pour your vibrant sauce mixture over the chicken in the crockpot. Make sure every piece gets hugged by those flavorful juices! Pop on the lid and set your crockpot to low for 6 to 7 hours, or high for 3 to 4 hours. The slow simmer means the chicken absorbs every ounce of flavor while staying juicy and fork-tender.
Step 4: Shred & Stir
Once the chicken is irresistibly tender, use two forks to shred it right in the crockpot. Stir everything together so every bite is coated in that glossy, saucy goodness. Let it all mingle for a few extra minutes on warm if you want the flavors to marry even more.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Spoon the Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken onto plates or into bowls, then shower with freshly chopped green onions and sesame seeds if you like a little extra flair. Now you’re truly serving up island vibes with a sprinkle of freshness!
How to Serve Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
Garnishes
There’s something magical about the finishing touches! Try scattered green onions for a pop of color and crunch, or toasted sesame seeds for a bit of nutty aroma. A few rings of fresh red chili or a lime wedge can also add zing, if you’re in the mood.
Side Dishes
This dish loves company! Pair your Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken with fluffy steamed white rice or fragrant coconut rice to catch all that lovely sauce. For something extra, a side of grilled vegetables or an Asian-style slaw will make your dinner feel like a true luau.
Creative Ways to Present
Go beyond the basics and serve the chicken slider-style on Hawaiian sweet rolls, or pile it into warm tortillas for a tropical taco night. Scooping the chicken over leafy greens instantly turns it into a protein-packed salad, or spoon into lettuce cups for a lighter summer bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken keeps beautifully! Spoon any extras (along with the sauce) into an airtight container as soon as possible and store in the refrigerator. It will stay flavorful and moist for up to three days—making it perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches.
Freezing
Yes, this recipe freezes like a dream. Let the chicken cool completely, then pack portions into freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out the air, label, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready for another tropical meal.
Reheating
The best way to reheat is gently on the stovetop or in a covered dish in the microwave, with a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce to keep things juicy. Stir occasionally and heat until piping hot—don’t forget a fresh sprinkle of green onions to liven things up!
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a fantastic substitute. They get even more tender during slow cooking and have a richer flavor—just follow the same prep and cook times for delicious results.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! To make your Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken gluten-free, be sure to use certified gluten-free BBQ sauce and soy sauce. Always double-check the labels to avoid any sneaky gluten surprises.
Can I make it spicy?
Of course! For a kick of heat, add a dash of your favorite hot sauce, some crushed red pepper flakes, or a chopped jalapeño to the sauce before cooking. You control the spice level, so make it mild or fiery as you like.
What kind of BBQ sauce should I use?
Look for a Hawaiian-style BBQ sauce if possible—it’s typically sweeter and has a hint of tropical fruit. If you can’t find one, any sweet and tangy BBQ sauce works great, possibly with a splash of pineapple juice mixed in.
Can I prep this the night before and cook it in the morning?
Definitely! Combine all your sauce ingredients (except the chicken) in advance and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, add everything to your crockpot, top with chicken, and start cooking—that’s ultimate make-ahead convenience!
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken is pure dinnertime joy: big flavors, cheerful colors, and barely any effort. It’s one of those recipes you’ll want to make again and again, for laid-back weeknights or whenever you’re craving a dash of tropical comfort. Gather your ingredients, grab your slow cooker, and let this easy favorite work its sunny magic in your kitchen!
Print
Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Hawaiian, American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the taste of the tropics with this delicious and easy Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken recipe. Tender chicken cooked in a flavorful blend of Hawaiian-style BBQ sauce, sweet pineapple, and savory spices. Perfect for a hassle-free weeknight dinner or entertaining guests with a taste of paradise.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Sauce:
- 1 cup Hawaiian-style BBQ sauce
Mix:
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (with juice)
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 yellow onion (sliced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon ginger (grated)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish:
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Place chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- Mix Ingredients: Combine BBQ sauce, crushed pineapple, bell pepper, onion, garlic, soy sauce, ginger, salt, and pepper. Pour over chicken.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until tender.
- Shred and Serve: Shred chicken, mix with sauce, and serve hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with steamed or coconut rice.
- For extra tenderness, use boneless chicken thighs.
- For a spicier kick, add hot sauce or jalapeños to the mix.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
