This Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken is sweet and smoky and slow cooked to perfection. It makes a great sandwich, and is perfect for family dinners, parties, game day, or anytime you’re looking for something super easy & incredibly delicious!
Anyone who has spent any time with our family knows that, when it comes to sister relationships, the one between Greta and Nora has always been a bit of a challenge. I’m not sure if it’s because they’re both middle children, or because Greta tends to be sensitive, or because Nora really can be difficult to deal with….but whatever the reason, their relationship is definitely on the rocky side.
I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve talked to them about being nice to one another or worried about their feelings toward one another long term….and for the most part, it feels a little like talking to a wall. Because for the most part, nothing ever changes. But then, every so often, they do a 180 and everything is completely different. At least momentarily.
This past weekend was one of those times. Ellia was gone on a Friday night sleepover, and since Myla goes to bed early, Greta and Nora only had each other. Of course, that can go one of two ways….but this time, at least, they decided to make the most of it. All weekend long they were playing together, coloring together, dressing as twins, eating the same foods, and referring to one another as “BFF” and “bestie”. To the point where I actually had to remind them not to leave Ellia out. And you know what? It made ALL the difference. Life felt so much more peaceful, so much more relaxed. And even though I’m sure it won’t last, I loved it while it did.
And I’m sure it sounds silly, but one of the things I loved most about it (aside from the peace and quiet) was how easy it felt to get Nora to eat. Because she wanted whatever Greta was having….and Greta was loving this Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken. In fact, she was eating it by the bowlful all weekend long….which meant that Nora was, too. And I totally can’t blame them! Because this Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken is AWESOME! It’s sweet and sticky and slow cooked to perfection. Undoubtedly the best pulled chicken sandwich I’ve had (and I love me some pulled chicken)! Of course, I’d be willing to share it ALL if it meant a more harmonious household. But…..I’m not holding my breath for that.
But what we CAN hold our breath for is a week of slow cooker recipes! Because I’ve joined together with a few of my favorite bloggers to bring you the BEST slow cooker recipes you can enjoy all year round!
Be sure to check them out:
- 3 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 c. chopped onion
- 2 Tbsp. butter
- ¼ c. flour
- 2 c. pineapple juice
- 1 c. brown sugar
- ¾ c. ketchup
- 1 Tbsp. soy sauce
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1½ tsp. worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp. salt
- ½ tsp. pepper
- ½ tsp. onion powder
- ½ tsp. ginger
- Combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, garlic, worcestershire sauce, and spices in a large measuring cup or mixing bowl. Mix until all ingredients are incorporated, then set aside.
- Heat 2 Tbsp. butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chopped onion and saute until onion begins to brown.
- Stir in ¼ c. flour.
- Pour pineapple juice mixture into skillet and cook, stirring, over medium-high heat 5 minutes. Sauce will begin to thicken.
- Place chicken in slow cooker and cover with sauce.
- Cook on low heat 6-8 hours.
Jess says
I’m always looking for easy dinners these days and hate using the oven. This looks like a win-win! Oh and siblings are tough! My 2 can play joyfully and also fight like crazy. Lots of “reminders” and hiding to let them work it out. Sisters!!!!
Kacey @ The Cookie Writer says
I am a vegetarian, but Cathy, you have made some wicked looking sandwiches! Don’t worry, my sister and I had our issues growing up but we are best of friends and I do not know what I would do without her (I almost feel sad my daughter will never have a sister but then I realize she will always have MY sister!)
Jenny | Honey and Birch says
Oh my gosh, Cathy, I NEED one of these sandwiches. It looks so good!!
Cookin Canuck says
What a cute story about your girls! And who can blame them for wanting to eat this chicken all day long? It looks fantastic!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Absolutely scrumptious! My family would devour this!
Jennifer Reyes says
OMG! You are making me hungry!
Love Bakes Good Cakes says
This is my kind of sandwich! I love BBQ topped with coleslaw – totally my jam!!
Melanie | Melanie Makes says
Slow cooker FTW – love the looks of theses amazing sandwiches!
Anita says
About how many servings does this make.
Angela says
Is the chicken frozen or thawed when you put it in the crockpot?
Diane Baranik says
Always when possible used fresh chicken breasts, slow cooker will break down the meat during cooking process and it will be fall apart tender!
Dawn Arredondo says
Sounds amazing! We are having a sort of Hawaiian themed bday party next weekend and I am looking for food ideas. My mother in law is making sweet and sour chicken thighs so I was wondering if your recipe will work with a pork shoulder for pulled pork sandwiches instead because I want a variety? Im sure it will but wanted to ask if you’ve done that before? And the cooking time would probably be same right? I appreciate your input
Thanks!
Dawn Arredondo
Jessica says
I think I’m going to try this with a pork roast and not a loin roast, I want some dark flavor meat!
Loren says
Hi, how many servings does this recipe make?
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Ap says
How to make this without the crockpot?
Brandy says
Hello, I am a Chef for a Sorority, there aren’t Crock Pots big enough for feeding that many girls…LOL…Follow all normal instructions, put your meat of choice into an oven safe pan and set your oven to Around 200F. Make sure it is wrapped tightly, throw into the oven and walk away for 6 hours and forget it (good Luck, the smell will make you crazy!) If it can be easily pulled apart at 6 hours, you’re done, if not…re-wrap tightly and continue cooking an additional 1-2 hours. HAVE FUN! GOOD LUCK!
Claire says
How many portions does this make?
Kathy Sisler says
We are RVers and this is going with us next week to Hilton Head. Easy to make ahead and put in the fridge till you want to heat it! Looks amazing!
Cathy Trochelman says
Thank you! Hope you enjoy it!
Laura says
The initial sauce that you make is that to put on top of the chicken or does that go in the crockpot with the other sauce? I couldn’t find in instructions for that part
Laura says
Ok. I apologize. Just got it. More coffee…….
Eva says
I was wondering the same thing and I still haven’t figured it out. And I don’t drink coffee. Help.
Cathy Trochelman says
You mix together all the sauce ingredients, then cook it briefly to thicken before adding it to the crock pot with the raw chicken. I hope this answers your question!
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Brandy says
I am also interested in the # of portions this makes, as I need to feed anywhere from 60-120 at a time
Marilyn Z says
This recipe says it serves 12 so you have to extrapolate from there. If you want to serve 60, multiply by 5, for 120 by 10.
I would think this would be a great recipe for a very large group.
I just need to feed 3, but the leftovers will never be wasted at this house.
Thanks for this recipe, Cathy….my men will love it, I’m sure and we will find out tomorrow.
Bethany says
Do you pull the chicken apart after its cooked?
Cathy Trochelman says
Yes! You shred it just before serving.
Rebekah Cox says
This is amazing! So good! Thank you for the recipe!
Chelly says
Has anyone tried this recipe? I have a party this weekend for around 20 people and want to try this, but afraid until I hear some reviews. Lots of comments but not from anyone that tried this recipe.
Thanks
Cindeelou says
Making this tonight. In the crock now.
Christine @ myblissfulmess says
This is going on my menu for next week IMMEDIATELY! Can’t wait to try this!
Christina Bova says
Cathy I was curious have you ever made the sauce the night before and then thrown everything in the crockpot the next morning? We are in the middle of travel soccer season so our weekend mornings are crazy and sometimes we leave the house as early as 4am. The less I have to do those mornings to ensure a hot meal when we get home the better. lol thanks and I’ve already made this once as instructed and with the slaw, absolutely amazing!!!
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Christine @ myblissfulmess says
I have this in my slow cooker right now, and let me tell you, the prep was a breeze (even before coffee), and my kitchen smells A-MAZ-ING! I can not WAIT until dinner tonight!
Emma says
Hi,
I’m a bit pressed for time and wondering if I could cook for less time on high? What would you recommend? Thanks.
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Kelly says
The ginger that is called for in this recipe is it fresh ginger or ground ginger?
Vanessa says
If i want to cook it on High how long would i have to put it for?
Rebecca says
Do you think this would work okay with regular cooked shredded chicken (done previously in the slow cooker) and just add the sauce to it and heat it through?
Maria says
I quadrupled this recipe and made it for a large graduation party. It was a big hit! We served it with Kings Hawaiian rolls.
Crystal says
I made this as written, and I’m pretty handy in the kitchen. However, when chicken was finished in the crock (after 8 hours on low), the sauce was extremely thin (prolly from the chicken juices?). I am adding thickener and reducing it on the stove now to get that desirable stickiness, and will add it to the shredded chicken before throwing it under the broiler to crisp up a bit.
Is the sauce always so thin?
I’m contemplating just making a new batch of sauce, thickening it up and adding that to my chicken to get the best flavor.
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Carolyn says
Just made this and my husband is eating it. Flavor is good and it is certainly easy. One thing I will note is that in order to get the sauce (which is tasty!) to stick to the chicken after you’ve shredded it, you REALLY need to reduce it to thicken it. Otherwise, it is runny and certainly wouldn’t stick to the chicken the way it shows in the picture. That might be a helpful instruction to include, along with the fact that you need to shred the chicken with 2 forks or whatever, since the recipe doesn’t specify that and some people may think you should cook it long enough until it falls apart, which I’m pretty sure it won’t do or if you cook it that long, it will be flavorless.
I just bought one of those new Cuisinart slow cookers that has the added feature of being able to use it to saute. I was hesitant to buy it because of the cost compared to other slow cookers but so glad I did. I sauteed the onions right in the pot and then added the sauce ingredients and thickened them per the instructions. Then added the chicken and went swimming in our pool. After 6 hours, I took the chicken out, shredded it and put it in a serving dish. I turned the slow cooker back onto saute and let the sauce reduce by more than half until it was thick and sticky. Then I poured it over the shredded chicken and viola! It sticks to it. And I had no extra pots to wash, which is even better.
Made the slaw, too. Nice accompaniment — think it needs a bit more flavor profile. Was a bit bland but might be my fault because I used Greek yogurt instead of mayo because this is not a house that is fond of mayo. Maybe it will taste better tomorrow after the flavors marry.
Thanks for the recipe.
Tricia says
My main dis for my mele kaliikimaka Christmas party this year! You did not mention the type of rolls you used.