Easy Juicy Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches
A simple and flavorful slow cooker recipe combining chicken breasts and pineapple chunks with a tangy-sweet sauce, perfect for quick summer meals and casual get-togethers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 7 hours (low) or 3 to 4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes to 7 hours 10 minutes (low) or 3 hours 10 minutes to 4 hours 10 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 to 8 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup canned pineapple chunks with juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 6 to 8 slider or sandwich buns (soft brioche buns recommended)
- Optional toppings: sliced red onions, fresh cilantro, coleslaw
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine pineapple chunks with juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir until sugar dissolves and mixture is well combined (about 5 minutes).
- Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot. Pour the prepared pineapple sauce evenly over the chicken, spreading pineapple chunks on top to prevent sinking.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until chicken is fork-tender and easily shreddable. Avoid opening the lid frequently.
- Remove chicken breasts and shred with two forks or shredding claws. Return shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir into the juices and pineapple pieces to lock in flavor and moisture (about 5 minutes).
- Lightly toast slider or sandwich buns. Prepare any desired toppings such as sliced red onions or fresh cilantro.
- Assemble sandwiches by piling shredded chicken onto buns and adding toppings as desired. Optionally add coleslaw for a crunchy contrast.
Notes
If the sauce is too thin after shredding, leave the crockpot uncovered on high for 15-20 minutes to thicken or stir in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water for a quick glaze. Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free soy sauce substitute. Chicken thighs can be used for extra juiciness. Toast buns lightly to prevent sogginess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 350400
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 1.5
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 30
Keywords: crockpot chicken, Hawaiian chicken, slow cooker recipe, pineapple chicken, easy summer meals, juicy chicken sandwiches, sweet and savory chicken