If you have been searching for a laid-back, utterly delicious dinner idea that bursts with tropical flavors and melts in your mouth, you have found it with this Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe. This dish brings together tender chicken, tangy barbecue sauce, and the natural sweetness of pineapple, creating a perfect harmony of savory and sweet that will have you savoring every bite. Whether you’re a slow cooker veteran or just looking to try something new, this recipe makes entertaining or feeding a crowd effortless without sacrificing any of that mouthwatering taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients blend together to create a tantalizing mix of flavors and textures. Each one plays a crucial role: from the juicy chicken thighs that soak up the sauce, to the bell peppers that add fresh crunch and vibrant color to this dish.
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Thighs offer more juiciness, but breasts work well too and absorb flavors beautifully.
- 1 (18 oz) bottle barbecue sauce: Choose your favorite variety to personalize the flavor profile, whether smoky, tangy, or spicy.
- 1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks, drained: Adds that essential sweet and tropical kick to the dish.
- ½ cup pineapple juice (reserved from the can): Intensifies the fruity, tangy notes.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Brings a subtle umami depth and brightens the overall taste.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances savory richness without overwhelming the dish.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Adds a gentle sweetness and mild aroma.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Gives a slight peppery kick to balance sweetness.
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped: Adds freshness, color, and a mild crunch.
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped: Complements the red pepper with brightness and texture.
- Cooked rice, for serving: A perfect base to soak up all the flavorful sauce.
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh, nutty finishing touch.
How to Make Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of your crockpot. This creates the perfect foundation to build your flavorful sauce and mix of ingredients on top.
Step 2: Whisk the Sauce
In a separate bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, reserved pineapple juice, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. This combination infuses the chicken with a rich blend of tangy, sweet, and savory tones.
Step 3: Combine Everything in the Crockpot
Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken inside the crockpot, then add the drained pineapple chunks and both chopped bell peppers. These vibrant ingredients will cook down slightly to create a luscious, fragrant dish.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. You’ll want the chicken to be so tender that it shreds easily at the touch of a fork.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken and Stir
Once the chicken is tender, shred it directly in the crockpot using two forks. Mix well so every bite is coated with that irresistible sauce and pineapple-pepper goodness.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken hot over a bed of fluffy cooked rice and sprinkle with optional green onions and sesame seeds for that extra pop of flavor and color.
How to Serve Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Green onions add a fresh, mild bite, while sesame seeds lend a subtle nuttiness and beautiful look. These garnishes bring a delightful textural contrast and balance the rich, sweet flavors that define this dish.
Side Dishes
A light cucumber salad or grilled vegetables make excellent sides, cutting through the richness of the chicken. You can also serve steamed rice or cauliflower rice to soak up all the luscious BBQ pineapple sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform leftovers into wraps using soft tortillas or stuff the chicken into slider buns for a fun party bite. Another great idea is to serve the saucy chicken over a bed of greens or alongside roasted sweet potatoes for a colorful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen overnight, making your next meal just as enjoyable.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Portion the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Add a splash of water or extra pineapple juice to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well in this recipe and will absorb the flavors nicely. Keep in mind that thighs tend to stay juicier during slow cooking.
What type of barbecue sauce is best?
Choose a fruity or smoky BBQ sauce to complement the pineapple. If you like a little heat, a spicy BBQ sauce can also elevate the dish wonderfully.
Can this be made in an instant pot instead of a crockpot?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot by cooking on high pressure for about 15 minutes, then using the quick release before shredding the chicken.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To keep it gluten-free, use gluten-free barbecue sauce and soy sauce. Always double-check labels to ensure all ingredients meet your dietary needs.
What are good alternatives for serving besides rice?
Cilantro lime quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even steamed noodles would be excellent alternatives that soak up the delicious sauce and add different textures.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe enough for those nights when you crave something easy yet completely satisfying. It’s full of vibrant flavors, super simple to throw together, and perfect for sharing with family or friends. Once you taste that tender chicken mingling with sweet pineapple and tangy BBQ sauce, you’ll wonder why you hadn’t made this sooner!
Print
Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (on low)
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken is a flavorful and easy slow cooker recipe featuring tender chicken breasts or thighs simmered in a tangy barbecue and pineapple sauce with colorful bell peppers. Perfect for a hassle-free weeknight dinner, it’s served over rice and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for an extra pop of flavor.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 (18 oz) bottle barbecue sauce (use your favorite)
- ½ cup pineapple juice (from the can)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Fruits and Vegetables
- 1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks, drained (juice reserved)
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
To Serve
- Cooked rice
- Chopped green onions (optional)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of your crockpot in an even layer to ensure even cooking.
- Mix the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, reserved pineapple juice from the can, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until fully combined to create a flavorful marinade.
- Add sauce and veggies: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken in the crockpot. Next, add the drained pineapple chunks along with the chopped red and green bell peppers on top.
- Cook the chicken: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 5 to 6 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
- Shred the chicken: Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot, carefully mixing it into the sauce and vegetables to combine all the flavors.
- Serve: Spoon the hot Hawaiian BBQ chicken mixture over cooked rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired, then serve immediately for a delicious meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, opt for a smoky or spicy BBQ sauce to add depth and heat to the dish.
- You can customize by adding chopped onions or jalapeños to the slow cooker for a little spicy kick.
- Leftovers are excellent for sandwiches or wraps, making a great make-ahead meal.
