Irresistible Slow Cooker Hawaiian BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches: Your Easiest Tropical Escape!
Discover the ultimate weeknight convenience with these juicy Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches, effortlessly crafted in your crockpot! This recipe for pulled BBQ chicken is bursting with vibrant, tropical flavors, creating its own sweet and savory sauce right in the slow cooker. Serve this tender, flavorful chicken warm on soft Hawaiian burger buns or slider rolls, generously topped with bright pineapple slices and fresh green onions. It’s a true family favorite that you’ll want to make again and again, bringing a taste of the islands straight to your dinner table with minimal effort.
Doesn’t this image of our Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches make your mouth water? What if we told you that this incredible meal comes together with minimal fuss, taking only about 5-6 hours in the crockpot? It’s the perfect solution for a busy weeknight when you crave something extraordinary without the extra effort. Beyond its simplicity, this dish also shines as a delightful centerpiece for any party or gathering, offering a crowd-pleasing flavor that transports everyone to a tropical paradise.
The secret to such succulent results lies in the slow cooking process. The chicken is cooked low and slow, allowing it to tenderize beautifully while deeply absorbing the rich, complex flavors of the homemade BBQ sauce. Once perfectly cooked, the meat is easily shredded, and then a few extra ingredients are added to the sauce for an even richer taste and ideal thickness. Everything is then mixed back together, ensuring every strand of chicken is coated in that irresistible sauce, ready to be served warm and delicious whenever you are!
Easy Hawaiian BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches: The Ultimate Crockpot Comfort Food
Our Crockpot BBQ pulled chicken with pineapple is a truly exceptional recipe, offering unbelievably tender chicken infused with sweet and savory notes. This simple yet sophisticated dish is crafted from everyday ingredients that come together to form an unforgettable sticky BBQ sauce. Imagine the delightful blend of tangy tomato paste and rich ketchup, brightened by sweet pineapple juice, balanced with golden honey and deep molasses. Savory accents from onion powder and garlic powder complete the profile, creating a barbecue sauce that is both robust and beautifully balanced. This Hawaiian BBQ chicken sandwich recipe isn’t just good; it’s the best, making it an ideal choice for outdoor parties, potlucks, or any casual get-together.
There’s something truly magical about the interplay of sweet and savory elements, especially when slow-cooked into a thick, glistening BBQ sauce that generously coats juicy chicken. With prominent notes of fresh pineapple and the umami depth of tomato, this pulled chicken recipe offers a delightful alternative to traditional pulled pork. It’s not only incredibly flavorful but often juicier and a healthier option for those looking to enjoy a classic comfort food with a tropical twist. The blend of ingredients ensures a depth of flavor that is genuinely satisfying.
This incredibly easy recipe for Hawaiian chicken sandwiches makes preparing a delicious lunch or dinner an absolute breeze. Perfect for those days when you need a flavorful meal without investing hours in the kitchen, it simplifies your cooking routine without compromising on taste. Each bite of this slow cooker Hawaiian BBQ chicken delivers the perfect harmony of sweet and savory – a flavor profile so perfectly balanced, it tastes just like your favorite artisanal homemade BBQ sauce, but with the added convenience of the crockpot doing all the hard work.
We find that pairing this slow cooker pulled chicken with sweet Hawaiian buns creates the ultimate sandwich experience. Their inherent sweetness and fluffy texture perfectly complement the tangy and savory chicken, making them the ideal vessel for this easy BBQ chicken. In just a few simple steps, you’ll have moist and delicious Crockpot Hawaiian chicken with pineapple ready to impress. BBQ sandwiches are wonderfully versatile, perfect for enjoying during special holidays, game days, backyard barbecues, or any casual occasion that calls for really good food. They’re sure to be a hit with everyone!
Served with sweet, soft pineapple rings and a sprinkle of fresh green onions, this easy pulled chicken recipe truly embodies the essence of summer in a dish. Picture yourself enjoying this tender BBQ chicken by the poolside, perhaps with your favorite refreshing cocktails or a tall glass of iced tea. Every step in this recipe is worth it, culminating in a meal that’s not just food, but an experience. It’s a vacation for your taste buds, accessible right from your own kitchen.
WHY THIS CROCKPOT HAWAIIAN CHICKEN IS YOUR NEW FAVORITE RECIPE
- Effortlessly Easy & Quick: This easy BBQ pulled chicken is designed for maximum convenience. With minimal prep, simply combine ingredients in your slow cooker, let the magic happen, shred the tender chicken, and then return it to the Crockpot for a final coating. The result is a juicy, flavor-packed dish that exceeds all expectations for BBQ sandwiches.
- A Symphony of Sweet and Savory Flavors: Prepare your taste buds for an exquisite balance. The sauce boasts a delightful sweetness from molasses, ginger, and honey, perfectly complemented by robust savory notes from rich tomatoes, pungent garlic, and aromatic onion. This harmonious blend creates a truly unforgettable flavor profile.
- Versatile for Any Celebration: Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, a festive holiday gathering, or a casual get-together, these slow cooker Hawaiian BBQ sandwiches are a surefire hit. They’re perfect for Easter brunches, Memorial Day cookouts, Fourth of July celebrations, birthday parties, Labor Day picnics, and countless other occasions.
- Guaranteed Kid-Friendly: Looking for a meal that even the pickiest eaters will adore? You’ve found it! Kids can’t resist these flavorful sandwiches and will gobble them up in seconds. It’s a truly kid-approved recipe that makes mealtime a joy for the whole family.
ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS FOR UNFORGETTABLE PINEAPPLE CHICKEN SANDWICHES
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: These are the foundation for our juicy, tender pulled chicken, making them perfect for these easy BBQ Crockpot sandwiches. For an even richer and more succulent result, consider using boneless, skinless chicken thighs, which offer deeper flavor and moisture.
- Ketchup: Your preferred tomato-based ketchup is key to building the sweet and savory depth of our homemade BBQ sauce, providing that classic, comforting barbecue flavor for these incredible sandwiches!
- Pineapple Juice: This is the secret ingredient that truly sets these Hawaiian chicken sandwiches apart. Sweet and tangy pineapple juice infuses the sauce with a bright, bold, and distinctly tropical flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Soy Sauce: Savory soy sauce serves as an excellent umami-rich base for the sauce, adding depth and a touch of saltiness. For a gluten-free alternative, coco aminos can be substituted effectively without sacrificing flavor.
- Honey: Sticky local honey provides a wonderful natural sweetness to the barbecue sauce, creating a delightful contrast with the other savory components. It pairs beautifully with the deeper sweetness of molasses.
- Molasses: Dark molasses is essential for adding a rich, complex sweetness and a beautiful, caramelized hue to the homemade barbecue sauce for these slow cooker chicken sandwiches. If molasses isn’t available, pure maple syrup can be used as a delicious substitute.
- Coconut Extract: A hint of nutty coconut extract is an optional but highly recommended addition, adding an extra layer of bold, tropical aroma and flavor to this easy pineapple chicken recipe. It really enhances the Hawaiian theme!
- Ginger: Ground ginger contributes a delicate hint of warmth and tanginess to the recipe, brilliantly accentuating the sweeter flavors within the sauce and adding an exotic twist.
- Onion Powder: Robust onion powder is a fantastic and convenient seasoning that infuses the BBQ chicken with a foundational savory flavor, ensuring every bite is rich and satisfying.
- Garlic Powder: My go-to savory garlic powder is indispensable for almost all meat and sauce recipes. Its pungent, aromatic notes are crucial for creating a truly flavorful dish; without it, the recipes simply aren’t the same!
- Black Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper adds an essential layer of subtle spice and complexity, enhancing all the other flavors and blending seamlessly into the sauce.
- Cornstarch: When mixed with a little cold water to create a slurry, cornstarch acts as a thickening agent, ensuring your BBQ sauce achieves that desirable glossy, rich consistency that clings perfectly to the pulled chicken.
- Tomato Paste: Smooth, concentrated tomato paste is utilized as a natural thickener and a powerful flavor enhancer for the barbecue sauce, deepening its savory notes and adding body.
- Hawaiian Rolls or Buns: Sweet, fluffy Hawaiian rolls or hamburger buns are the absolute perfect pairing for this easy barbecue chicken. Their signature sweetness beautifully complements the tangy and savory chicken, creating a harmonious bite every time.
- Pineapple Rings and Green Onions: These garnishes are optional but *highly* recommended! Fresh, juicy pineapple rings and thinly sliced green onions not only add a burst of color but also elevate this recipe with their refreshing taste and aromatic crunch.
HOW TO MAKE THE BEST CROCKPOT HAWAIIAN CHICKEN
Begin by placing your boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly at the bottom of your Crockpot. While the chicken awaits its flavorful bath, grab a small mixing bowl. Into this bowl, whisk together the ketchup, pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, molasses, a touch of coconut extract, ground ginger, onion powder, garlic powder, and a generous crack of black pepper. Continue whisking until all these ingredients are thoroughly combined and the sauce is smooth and aromatic.
Next, pour this vibrant, homemade Hawaiian BBQ sauce directly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Ensure that each piece of chicken is thoroughly coated, submerged in this delicious marinade. Once covered, place the lid securely on your slow cooker and let the chicken cook on low heat for approximately five to six hours. This low-and-slow method is key to achieving incredibly tender and flavor-infused chicken.
Once the chicken has cooked to tender perfection, carefully remove it from the slow cooker. Transfer it to a plate or a bowl and use two forks to easily shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, a hand mixer can quickly shred the chicken. Set the shredded chicken aside while you prepare the sauce. To thicken the remaining sauce, whisk cold water with cornstarch in a small saucepan to create a smooth slurry. Then, pour the luscious sauce from the slow cooker into this saucepan and stir in the tomato paste. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until the sauce reaches a beautiful, thick consistency.
Now, return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Pour the freshly thickened, flavorful Hawaiian BBQ sauce over the pulled chicken. Gently toss the chicken with the sauce until every piece is evenly coated and glistening with that irresistible tropical flavor.
Finally, serve this incredible BBQ chicken warm, nestled in sweet Hawaiian rolls or hamburger buns. For an authentic experience, top each sandwich with a juicy pineapple ring and a sprinkle of fresh green onions. Enjoy this taste of the tropics!
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Don’t let this delightful Hawaiian pulled chicken recipe get lost in your bookmarks! Pin it to your favorite recipe board on Pinterest now so you can easily find it whenever those tropical cravings strike!
HELPFUL NOTES & SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Storage: Store any leftover Hawaiian BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. It makes for fantastic meal prep!
- Faster Cooking: If you’re in a pinch for time, you can cook these Hawaiian chicken sandwiches on high heat for approximately four hours to speed up the process.
- Serving Ideas: These sandwiches pair wonderfully with a variety of classic side dishes. Consider serving them with your favorite creamy coleslaw, crispy homemade french fries, comforting potato salad, hearty baked beans, flaky croissants, or even a fresh green salad for a lighter option.
- Soy Sauce Alternative: For a different flavor profile or if you prefer an alternative, Worcestershire sauce can be used instead of soy sauce.
- Add Some Heat: If you enjoy a bit of a kick, try stirring in a teaspoon or two of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture for a spicy Hawaiian BBQ experience.
- Make it a Bowl: For a lower-carb option, serve the pulled Hawaiian BBQ chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice, garnished with pineapple, green onions, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.
OTHER DELICIOUS RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE
- Hawaiian Ham Balls with Pineapple Sauce (pictured above)
- Dr. Pepper BBQ Pork Sandwiches
- Homemade BBQ Sauce
- BBQ Pork Ribs
- Hawaiian Pork Sliders
- Slow Cooker Buffalo Pulled Pork with Celery Slaw
- BBQ Little Smokies
- Instant Pot Dr. Pepper Ribs
- Pulled Pork with Dorothy Lynch Cole Slaw
Now that you’re an expert, let’s make some Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches!
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Print Recipe
Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches {in the crock pot}
Equipment
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12-Piece Black Sharp Knife Set with Covers, Cutting Board and Sharpener
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Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Nonstick 1-Quart Saucepan with Lid
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Pulled Pork Shredder Claws
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Crock-Pot Cook & Carry 6-Quart Oval Portable Manual Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast halves
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tsp molasses
- 1/2 tsp coconut extract
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 Tbsp cold water
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- 6 Hawaiian hamburger buns
- 6 Pineapple Rings and sliced Green Onions for serving
Instructions
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Place chicken in a crockpot.
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In a mixing bowl, whisk together ketchup, pineapple juice, low sodium soy sauce, honey, molasses, coconut extract, ginger, onion powder, garlic powder and black pepper.
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Pour sauce over chicken in the slow cooker, cover with the lid and cook on low heat for 5 – 6 hours.
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Remove chicken from slow cooker, shred and set aside.
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In a medium saucepan, whisk together cold water and cornstarch, pour in the sauce from the slow cooker, and add tomato paste. Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, then reduce heat and simmer 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until thickened.
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Return chicken to slow cooker and pour sauce over chicken. Toss to coat evenly.
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Serve warm on Hawaiian Roll hamburger buns and top with pineapple rings and green onions.
Notes
Nutrition
This recipe was originally posted on July 13, 2014. It has been updated to improve user experience and re-shared on March 9, 2022.
original recipe from Cheese Curd in Paradise