Description
These Crock Pot Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches are a deliciously sweet and tangy meal perfect for easy weeknight dinners. Tender shredded chicken slow-cooked with pineapple chunks and a flavorful barbecue-soy sauce blend is piled onto buttery toasted hamburger buns for a mouthwatering sandwich bursting with Hawaiian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Place Chicken: Place the 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
- Add Pineapple: Add 1 cup of pineapple chunks directly on top of the chicken breasts for a sweet and juicy flavor.
- Prepare Sauce Mixture: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup barbecue sauce, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, and 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes.
- Mix Sauce Well: Stir the sauce ingredients thoroughly until the brown sugar dissolves and the mixture is well combined.
- Pour Sauce over Chicken: Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken breasts and pineapple chunks in the crockpot to ensure full coverage.
- Cook in Crockpot: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred Chicken: Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot, mixing it well with the sauce and pineapple chunks for even flavor.
- Butter Buns: While the chicken cooks, lightly butter the tops of each hamburger bun with 1 tablespoon of butter to prepare for toasting.
- Toast Buns: Toast the buttered buns in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Spoon the shredded Hawaiian chicken mixture generously onto the toasted buns, ensuring each sandwich is well-filled.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the sandwiches immediately while warm for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- For a spicier sandwich, increase crushed red pepper flakes.
- Leftover chicken makes great tacos or rice bowls.
- Use gluten-free buns to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Feel free to add sliced jalapeños or extra pineapple for added flavor.
