If you’re craving a dish that bursts with tropical flavor and melts effortlessly in your mouth, this Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Recipe is your new best friend. The tender chicken, perfectly coated and browned before slow cooking in a tangy pineapple and BBQ sauce blend, creates a harmony of sweet and smoky that will make your taste buds dance. It’s comfort food elevated with a sunny island twist, and it’s so easy to make that it quickly becomes a weeknight favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients come together beautifully in this dish. Each one plays a crucial role in delivering taste, texture, and that vibrant Hawaiian vibe that makes this recipe shine.
- Chicken tenderloins (1-1 1/2 pounds): Bite-sized pieces ensure quick and even cooking with tender results.
- Cornstarch (1/3 cup): This creates a light, crispy coating that holds the sauce wonderfully.
- Eggs (3): Help the cornstarch adhere perfectly to each chicken piece.
- Vegetable oil (1 cup for frying): Provides the right amount of heat for quick browning without overcooking.
- BBQ sauce (18 ounces): Choose your favorite brand to bring that smoky, savory base flavor.
- Pineapple juice (1 cup): Adds the signature sweetness and tartness essential to the Hawaiian flair.
- Brown sugar (1/3 cup): Balances the acidity while deepening the sauce’s flavor.
- Green onions or scallions (optional): Fresh garnish that adds a pop of color and subtle sharpness.
How to Make Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Coating
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and cornstarch until smooth. This mixture is the secret to that beautifully crispy coating that will soak up all the sauce’s incredible flavor.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Drop your bite-sized chicken tenderloins into the cornstarch and egg mixture, tossing gently to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated. This step helps lock in moisture during cooking.
Step 3: Brown the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Quickly brown the coated chicken on each side just until golden; do not cook through, as they will finish cooking in the slow cooker. This adds a lovely texture and extra flavor.
Step 4: Combine Sauce Ingredients
In a separate bowl, stir together the BBQ sauce, pineapple juice, and brown sugar. This magic elixir is the backbone of the Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Recipe, infusing the meat with sweet and tangy goodness.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Place the browned chicken into your slow cooker, then pour the sauce mixture over it. Stir everything together gently to coat the chicken evenly. Cover and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours, remembering to stir halfway through to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye to avoid burning, as slow cookers can vary.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once cooked to tender perfection, garnish with freshly sliced green onions or scallions to add a fresh burst of color and flavor, making the dish even more inviting.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped green onions or scallions not only adds eye-catching color but also gives a subtle sharpness that perfectly balances the sweetness of the sauce. For a little extra flare, consider toasted sesame seeds or a few fresh pineapple chunks.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed white or jasmine rice, which soaks up the luscious sauce, making every bite a delight. For a vibrant plate, serve alongside sautéed green beans, roasted vegetables, or a crisp Asian-style slaw that complements the tropical flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Recipe in pineapple bowls for a fun and festive touch that elevates any dinner table. Alternatively, pile the saucy chicken on top of a fluffy bed of coconut rice or even inside warm pita pockets for a casual and unique meal option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld nicely overnight, so leftovers can taste even better the next day.
Freezing
This Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Recipe freezes wonderfully. Store portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
The best way to reheat leftovers is gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to warm the sauce evenly. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, to avoid drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
Absolutely! Just cut the chicken breasts into evenly sized bite pieces and follow the same coating and cooking instructions for a deliciously tender result.
What if I don’t have pineapple juice?
You can substitute with a combination of orange juice and a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to achieve some tanginess, but pineapple juice is key for authentic flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just use gluten-free BBQ sauce and ensure your cornstarch is pure and uncontaminated. This makes the dish friendly for gluten-sensitive diets while keeping the flavor intact.
Is it necessary to brown the chicken before slow cooking?
Browning adds wonderful texture and depth of flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step. Just be aware the chicken will be softer and less caramelized.
How thick is the sauce at the end of cooking?
The sauce is delightfully thick and coats the chicken well without being sticky or overly heavy. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the lid in the last 30 minutes of cooking to reduce excess liquid.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Recipe is a fantastic way to bring tropical, comforting flavors to your table with minimal effort and maximum joy. It’s perfect for busy days when you want something hearty yet bright and full of character. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite!
Print
Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Description
This Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken recipe features tender chicken pieces lightly browned before being slow-cooked in a sweet and tangy sauce made from BBQ sauce, pineapple juice, and brown sugar. Garnished with green onions, this dish offers a delicious balance of flavors and is perfect served over rice for an easy, comforting meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 to 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenderloins, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
Sauce
- 18 ounces BBQ sauce (bottle of your favorite)
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
Garnish
- Green onions or scallions (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Coating: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and cornstarch until smooth to create a thick batter for coating the chicken pieces.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip and evenly coat each chicken piece in the egg and cornstarch mixture, making sure all sides are covered to help achieve a slightly crispy exterior after frying.
- Heat the Oil: Pour the vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat it over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking, ready for quick frying.
- Braise Chicken Lightly: Quickly brown the coated chicken pieces in the hot oil, turning them to get a golden color on each side. The goal is to add color and seal the chicken, not to cook through at this stage.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Place the browned chicken pieces into the slow cooker evenly in a single layer to prepare for slow cooking.
- Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, pineapple juice, and brown sugar. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved and the sauce is uniform.
- Add Sauce to Chicken: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker and gently stir to coat all pieces evenly with the sauce.
- Cook Slowly: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on LOW heat for 3 to 4 hours. About halfway through cooking, check and stir the chicken to prevent burning and to ensure even cooking and sauce coating.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, garnish the Hawaiian Chicken with chopped green onions or scallions if desired, and serve hot over rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Do not overcook the chicken during frying; just a quick browning is needed to seal in juices.
- Slow cooker temperatures vary; stir occasionally and check to prevent sauce from burning at the bottom.
- You can substitute chicken breasts or thighs if tenderloins are unavailable, adjusting cooking times as needed.
- For a thicker sauce, remove the lid in the last 30 minutes of cooking to reduce liquid slightly.
- Serve with steamed rice or cauliflower rice for different dietary preferences.
