These Crock Pot Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches bring a tropical twist to your dinner table! Tender chicken simmers with sweet pineapple and tasty BBQ sauce, making each bite deliciously juicy.
Who knew making a tasty sandwich could be so easy? Just toss everything in the crockpot and wait for that amazing aroma to fill your home. It’s like a little slice of paradise on a bun! 🥪🌺
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Opt for boneless and skinless chicken breasts for easy shredding. If you’re looking for a shortcut, shredded rotisserie chicken works great too!
Pineapple Juice: This is the base of the sauce, providing sweetness and tang. If you prefer, you can swap it for orange juice or a mix of both for a different flavor profile!
Soy Sauce: It adds savory depth. For a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos. If you need a lower-sodium version, look for low-sodium soy sauce.
Coleslaw Mix: This mix saves time and adds crunch. You can make your own with cabbage and carrots. Or, try adding other veggies like red cabbage for color!
Mayonnaise: It’s key for creaminess in the coleslaw. Greek yogurt is a healthy substitute if you’re looking to cut fat or calories.
How Do I Get the Chicken to be Extra Tender and Flavorful?
The most important step for tender chicken is slow cooking. Cooking it low and slow allows the flavors to soak in and break down the meat fibers. Here’s how to do it right:
- Keep the chicken in a single layer in the slow cooker for even cooking.
- Mix the sauce thoroughly and ensure it covers the chicken completely.
- After cooking, shred the chicken in the slow cooker. This helps integrate all those wonderful flavors from the sauce back into the meat.
Remember, the longer you cook on low, the more tender the chicken will be!
How to Make Crock Pot Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
For Assembly:
- 4 hamburger rolls or sandwich buns
- 1 cup coleslaw mix
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chips or fries for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and then 6-8 hours to cook on low (or 3-4 hours on high) in the slow cooker. After the cooking time, you’ll need a few more minutes to shred the chicken and assemble your sandwiches. It’s pretty hands-off and perfect for a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
First, place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in your slow cooker. This will be the base of your flavorful sandwich filling.
2. Make the Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, combine the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, and if you like a little heat, add the crushed red pepper flakes. Whisk everything together until it’s well mixed.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Now, pour that delicious sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker, making sure the chicken is nicely coated. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook. Choose low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and tender by the time it’s done.
4. Shred the Chicken:
When the cooking time is up, take two forks and shred the chicken right in the slow cooker. Mix it well with the sauce so every bit is flavorful and juicy.
5. Prepare the Coleslaw:
In another bowl, mix together the coleslaw mix, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until everything is nicely combined. This will add a crunchy and creamy texture to your sandwich!
6. Assemble the Sandwiches:
To put it all together, take the bottom half of each bun and pile a generous amount of the shredded Hawaiian chicken on top. Then, scoop on some of the coleslaw mixture for that perfect crunch and flavor. Finally, place the top half of the bun over everything.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Crock Pot Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches are now ready to enjoy! Serve them with a side of chips or fries if you’d like. Dig in and savor the delicious flavors!
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but keep in mind that it will take longer to cook. Bone-in chicken breasts typically need about 7-9 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high. Just be sure to shred the chicken off the bone once it’s cooked!
What Can I Substitute for Pineapple Juice?
If you don’t have pineapple juice, you can use orange juice or a mix of apple juice and a splash of vinegar to mimic the sweet and tangy flavor. Keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly, but it will still be delicious!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover sandwiches or shredded chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it moist.
Can I Make the Coleslaw in Advance?
Absolutely! You can make the coleslaw a day ahead. Just mix all ingredients together, cover, and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just give it a quick stir before serving!
