Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken is a sweet and smoky slow cooker favorite that’s bursting with tropical flavor. Tender shredded chicken, tangy BBQ sauce, and juicy pineapple make every bite comforting and satisfying. With only a few minutes of prep, this family-friendly dinner cooks itself while you go about your day. It’s ready in about 8 hours, serves six, and comes in at around 280 calories per serving.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This slow cooker Hawaiian BBQ chicken is as easy as it is delicious. It takes just a few simple steps, and the cleanup is a breeze. The chicken turns out tender, juicy, and full of flavor, while the pineapple adds a bright sweetness that balances the smoky BBQ sauce. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something homemade but don’t have time to stand over the stove. You can serve it over rice, on slider buns, or even on top of a salad for a lighter option. This recipe also works great for meal prep or potlucks since it reheats beautifully. If you love easy crockpot dinners, this one will quickly become a regular in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients
Chicken breasts make the base, staying tender as they soak up the sauce.
BBQ sauce gives the dish that smoky-sweet flavor everyone loves.
Soy sauce adds a hint of salty depth that ties everything together.
Minced garlic brings a warm, savory note to balance the sweetness.
Pineapple chunks add juicy bursts of tropical flavor with every bite.
Optional Add-Ons & Serving Suggestions
Serve over rice for a complete meal or spoon it onto toasted buns for quick sandwiches.
Top with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for extra texture.
Add a little crushed red pepper if you want a mild spicy kick.
How to Make Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
Prep the Chicken and Sauce
Season the chicken with salt and pepper and place it in your slow cooker. In a small bowl, mix the BBQ sauce, soy sauce, and garlic until combined. This mixture becomes the flavorful base for the chicken.
Layer in the Slow Cooker
Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken. Add pineapple chunks on top so the juices soak into everything while cooking. The layers will blend into a thick, tangy sauce as the chicken cooks.
Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 6 hours. The chicken becomes fork-tender, and the sauce turns rich and sticky. Your kitchen will smell amazing by this point.
Shred and Serve
Shred the chicken right in the slow cooker, then stir it into the sauce until coated. Serve over rice or greens and garnish with green onions or extra pineapple.
Store leftovers in airtight containers for quick lunches during the week. Reheat in the microwave until warm and serve as wraps, sliders, or rice bowls.
Recipe Tips and Variations
Use your favorite BBQ sauce — honey BBQ adds a nice sweetness, while smoky chipotle gives a spicy twist. If you prefer dark meat, use chicken thighs for even more juiciness. For extra depth, add a dash of Worcestershire or a splash of pineapple juice. You can double this recipe easily if you’re feeding a crowd or doing meal prep. Try serving it as sliders for parties or wrap it in tortillas with slaw for an easy lunch. It’s one of those family-friendly crockpot dinners that taste great any way you serve it. For a bit of crunch, sprinkle sesame seeds or toasted coconut on top before serving.
Storage and Leftovers
Keep leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days. To freeze, place portions in freezer-safe bags and label them. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The chicken stays flavorful and moist even after reheating. Use leftovers to make BBQ chicken sandwiches, tacos, or simple rice bowls. It’s a great make-ahead slow cooker chicken that makes busy weeknights easier.
Other Recipes You May Enjoy
- Tender and juicy Slow Cooker Pot Roast
- Hearty and flavorful Slow Cooker Chili
- Classic Crock-Pot Bourbon Chicken
- Comforting Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff Stew
- Authentic and smoky Slow Cooker Texas Pulled Pork
- Zesty and comforting Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken Soup
Conclusion or Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken is an easy, flavor-packed dinner your family will love. It’s sweet, tangy, and full of tender chicken that melts in your mouth. Whether you serve it with rice or pile it on soft rolls, it’s always a hit. Try it once and you’ll keep it in your weekly rotation. Don’t forget to share your results or explore more slow cooker favorites on Pinterest.
Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
Equipment
- Slow cooker 6-quart recommended
- Mixing bowl for BBQ sauce mixture
- Forks for shredding chicken
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds chicken breasts
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1.5 cups BBQ sauce (honey BBQ recommended)
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 can pineapple chunks, drained
- cooked rice, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place them in the slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, mix BBQ sauce, soy sauce, and garlic. Pour this mixture over the chicken.
- Add one can of pineapple chunks on top. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 4–6 hours.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken in the slow cooker and stir to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Serve over rice with extra pineapple or green onions, if desired.
