The first time I made this Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken, it was a sticky summer night, and I needed dinner to cook itself. I tossed everything in the slow cooker before heading out to the park with the kids. Hours later, we walked into a house that smelled like sweet pineapple and smoky barbecue. Dinner was done. And it was so good, we ate it straight from the pot.
This slow cooker recipe is the perfect weeknight win. You get that sweet-and-tangy BBQ flavor without turning on the oven. It’s great for family dinners, backyard cookouts, or days when you just want a meal that’s easy and satisfying. With only 5 minutes of prep, this dish truly delivers on flavor and simplicity.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Minimal Effort, Big Flavor
This Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken recipe is mostly hands-off. Just mix, pour, and let your slow cooker work its magic. The sweet pineapple and smoky BBQ sauce blend into a deliciously bold flavor. Garlic adds a savory kick, while soy sauce brings balance.
Family-Friendly & Crowd-Pleaser
Kids love the sweetness. Grown-ups appreciate the tenderness. It’s one of those meals that makes everyone happy—without a single complaint at the table. You can keep it mild or spice it up a bit with sriracha or jalapeños.
Versatile Serving Ideas
Serve it over fluffy rice, stuff it in sandwiches, roll it into tortillas, or pile it on salads. You can even repurpose leftovers in quesadillas. It’s a flexible recipe that fits whatever you have on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce (I love using Sweet Baby Ray’s Honey BBQ)
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 can pineapple chunks, drained
Optional Add-Ins & Toppings
- Extra can of pineapple chunks for topping
- Sliced green onions
- Cooked rice
- Heat-lovers can toss in jalapeños or a splash of sriracha
How to Make Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Lay chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, stir together the BBQ sauce, soy sauce, and minced garlic.
- Pour that sauce over the chicken.
- Add the drained can of pineapple chunks on top.
- Cover the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours
- Or high for 4 to 6 hours
- Once cooked, shred the chicken right in the pot using two forks.
- Serve warm over rice, and top with extra pineapple and green onions if you like.
Cooking Time & Settings
Low and slow (6–8 hours) gives you that ultra-tender texture. High works too if you’re short on time (4–6 hours). The chicken should shred easily when it’s ready.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
I love scooping this over jasmine rice, but you’ve got options. Tuck it into sandwich rolls for BBQ sliders. Toss it on a salad with avocado and cilantro. Make tacos out of it. You could even serve it with coconut rice for a tropical twist.
Leftovers are just as good. You can serve them cold on a salad or reheat for quick lunches. They’re also great in quesadillas with a little melty cheese.
Tips for Best Results
- Drain the pineapple before adding it to avoid a watery sauce.
- Want thicker sauce? Let the lid stay off the slow cooker for the last 30 minutes.
- Prefer more heat? Add a pinch of chili flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce before cooking.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can freeze portions in airtight containers too.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken in the crockpot?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just note that it may take a little longer to cook. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too watery?
Remove the lid for the last 30–45 minutes of cooking. You can also mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with water and stir it in for a thicker sauce.
Can I prep this ahead of time for meal planning?
Absolutely. Add everything (except rice) to a freezer bag and freeze. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge and dump it into the crockpot the next morning.
Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Recipe Card
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Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken – Easy, Delicious Slow Cooker
- Total Time: 8 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6
Description
Easy crockpot meal with sweet and tangy BBQ flavor, ideal for family dinners or summer meals.
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts
Salt and pepper to taste
1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce (recommended: Honey BBQ, e.g., Sweet Baby Ray’s)
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1–2 cans pineapple chunks (1 can in crockpot, optional 1 can for serving)
Optional: Cooked rice for serving
Instructions
1. Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker; season with salt and pepper.
2. In a small bowl, mix BBQ sauce, soy sauce, and garlic.
3. Pour sauce over the chicken, followed by 1 can of pineapple chunks (drained).
4. Cover and cook:
5. – Low for 6–8 hours
6. – High for 4–6 hours
7. Once cooked, shred the chicken and serve over rice.
8. Top with additional pineapple chunks and green onions if desired.
Notes
Versatile serving options: over rice, on salads, in quesadillas, sandwiches, or with coconut rice.
Can be customized with added heat (e.g., sriracha, jalapeños).
Leftovers are great chilled or reheated.
Drain pineapple before adding unless you want extra juice.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours on low or 4–6 hours on high
- Category: Slow Cooker Recipes
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280 kcal
More Such Recipes
Looking for more easy crockpot wins? Try my creamy and savory crockpot cheesy chicken spaghetti next. Or dig into some sweet and spicy Korean fried chicken. For something hearty, the comforting and hearty crockpot pepper steak is another reader favorite. And don’t miss this easy crockpot bourbon chicken for busy weeknights.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken checks every box. It’s fast to prep, full of flavor, and perfect for busy days. Leftovers heat up beautifully, and you can serve them in so many ways. If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Drop a comment or a rating—and don’t forget to follow along on Pinterest or Facebook for more cozy, real-life recipes.