If you are craving a tropical twist on a classic comfort meal, this Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need to brighten up your dinner table. Juicy chicken tenderloins get a crispy coat before slowly simmering in a luscious sauce made with barbecue, pineapple juice, and a hint of brown sugar. The result is a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors that meld together beautifully without any hassle. Whether you’re feeding family or impressing guests, this dish brings a vibrant island vibe with very little effort, making it a new favorite you’ll turn to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Recipe plays a vital role in creating that irresistibly delicious flavor and delightful texture. From the tender chicken to the rich sweetness of pineapple juice and brown sugar, everything comes together in harmony.
- Chicken tenderloins (1-1 1/2 pounds): Tender and quick-cooking, perfect for bite-sized pieces.
- Cornstarch (1/3 cup): Creates a light, crispy coating when combined with eggs.
- Eggs (3): Helps the cornstarch stick to the chicken, giving it a golden finish.
- Vegetable oil (1 cup): Used for frying the chicken to a quick sear without cooking through.
- BBQ sauce (18 ounces): Choose your favorite bottle to add smoky, tangy depth.
- Pineapple juice (1 cup): Sweetens the sauce naturally and infuses tropical flavor.
- Brown sugar (1/3 cup): Adds caramelized sweetness that balances the tanginess.
- Green onions or scallions (for garnish): Fresh optional garnish that adds a crisp bite and color.
How to Make Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Coating
Start by whisking together the eggs and cornstarch in a large mixing bowl. This simple mixture is the secret to achieving a crispy exterior on your chicken pieces when fried quickly. It’s a lovely base that brings a delightful texture contrast to the tender meat inside.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Toss the bite-sized chicken tenderloins in the egg and cornstarch batter, making sure each piece is fully covered. This step ensures that as the chicken browns, it gets a gorgeous golden hue that adds both flavor and an inviting crunch.
Step 3: Brown the Chicken
Heat your vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken pieces and brown them briefly. Don’t worry about cooking the chicken through here—just a quick sear to develop some color and flavor before the slow cooker finishes the job.
Step 4: Transfer to Slow Cooker
After browning, place all the chicken pieces into your slow cooker. This is the start of the gentle, slow simmer that will tenderize the chicken and meld the flavors deeply.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
In a separate bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, pineapple juice, and brown sugar. This vibrant sauce is the star of the Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Recipe, offering a wonderful blend of sweet, tangy, and smoky notes that complete the dish.
Step 6: Add Sauce and Cook
Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker, stirring everything so the chicken is evenly coated. Cover and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours, stirring halfway through to prevent the sauce from sticking or burning. Slow cookers vary, so keep an eye on the temperature to get the best results.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly sliced green onions or scallions on top of the finished dish to add brightness and a subtle crunch. Their mild onion flavor pairs beautifully with the sweet sauce, making each bite more vibrant and inviting.
Side Dishes
This dish shines when served over a bed of fluffy white or jasmine rice, which soaks up the luscious sauce perfectly. For a heartier meal, try pairing with coconut rice or roasted vegetables like bell peppers and snap peas for an island-inspired feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun, tropical presentation, serve the Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Recipe in pineapple bowls or alongside grilled pineapple rings. Adding a side of pickled red onions or a fresh mango salsa can also elevate the dish and impress your dinner guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Hawaiian chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days to maintain its fresh flavor and tender texture.
Freezing
If you want to keep the Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Recipe longer, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve moisture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave until warm. Adding a splash of water or extra pineapple juice can help keep the chicken moist and the sauce saucy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well, just cut them into similar bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and use the same coating and slow cooking process.
What if I don’t have pineapple juice? Can I substitute it?
You can substitute pineapple juice with orange juice or a mixture of apple juice and a splash of vinegar to mimic the sweetness and acidity, though pineapple juice gives the best authentic flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe in a regular pot instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, you can simmer everything on low heat in a covered pot on the stove for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, although the slow cooker provides more even, tender results.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Definitely! Add a pinch of red chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the BBQ and pineapple sauce mixture for a nice kick without overpowering the tropical flavors.
What sides pair best with this dish?
Steamed rice, coconut rice, or even cauliflower rice are all excellent options. You can also serve it with grilled vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the chicken and sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Recipe has quickly become a go-to for anyone wanting an easy yet spectacular meal bursting with tropical sweetness and comforting warmth. It requires minimal prep but delivers hearty, satisfying flavors that instantly transport you to paradise. Give it a try, and you might just find yourself making it every week—it’s that good!
Print
Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours (180 minutes)
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken pieces lightly browned and then slow-cooked in a flavorful mixture of BBQ sauce, pineapple juice, and brown sugar. This recipe combines the tangy sweetness of pineapple with savory BBQ flavors, perfect for a comforting meal served over rice. Garnished with fresh green onions, it’s both visually appealing and packed with taste.
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 (optional)
Instructions
- Mix Eggs and Cornstarch: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and cornstarch until fully combined and smooth.
- Coat Chicken: Dip and coat each piece of chicken tenderloin thoroughly in the egg and cornstarch mixture to ensure an even coating.
- Heat Oil: Heat 1 cup of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot enough for browning the chicken.
- Brown Chicken: Quickly brown the coated chicken pieces in the hot oil. Aim to get a light golden color on all sides without cooking the chicken fully through.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Place the browned chicken pieces in the slow cooker, spreading them out evenly.
- Prepare Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, pineapple juice, and brown sugar. Stir until the brown sugar dissolves and the sauce is well mixed.
- Add Sauce to Chicken: Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker and stir gently to coat all pieces evenly.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours. Stir halfway through cooking to prevent burning and ensure even cooking. Adjust heat as necessary since slow cookers vary.
- Garnish and Serve: Once fully cooked and tender, garnish the Hawaiian chicken with chopped green onions or scallions if desired. Serve hot over steamed rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Make sure to brown the chicken just until lightly golden; the slow cooker will finish cooking it through.
- Stir the sauce occasionally during cooking to prevent it from burning at the edges, especially if your slow cooker runs hot.
- Serving suggestion: serve over white or brown rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- For a healthier option, use low-sugar BBQ sauce or reduce the brown sugar quantity.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
