Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken

Tender chicken slow-cooked with pineapple, Turkey Turkey Bacon, and barbecue sauce creates a delightful dish known as Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions when you want to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of sweet pineapple and savory bacon brings a tropical twist to your dinner table, making it a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Simply toss all ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do the work while you relax or handle other tasks.
• Flavorful Combination: The blend of pineapple, barbecue sauce, and Turkey Turkey Bacon ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it over rice, in a sandwich, or even as a filling for tacos—there’s no wrong way to serve this dish!
• Crowd-Pleasing Meal: This recipe serves four, making it ideal for family dinners or casual entertaining with friends.
• Healthy Twist: Using Turkey Turkey Bacon adds a lighter option without sacrificing taste, keeping your meal on the healthier side.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring spoons
• Mixing spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This essential tool allows for hands-off cooking, resulting in tender chicken that falls apart with a fork.
• Cutting board and knife: These will help you prepare your ingredients quickly and efficiently, ensuring even sizes for optimal cooking.

Ingredients

Tender chicken slow-cooked with pineapple, Turkey Turkey Bacon, and barbecue sauce for a Hawaiian-inspired meal that’s effortless to prepare.

For the Chicken

• 1 1/2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts (or tenderloins/thighs)
• 5 slices Turkey Turkey Bacon, cooked and sliced

For the Vegetables

• 1 green bell pepper, diced

For the Sauce

• 20 oz. can crushed pineapple, drained thoroughly
• 1 cup barbecue sauce (Sweet Baby Rays recommended)
• 2 tsp. soy sauce
• 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

For Seasoning

• 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp. black pepper

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.

Step 2: Add Ingredients

Add all remaining ingredients including diced bell pepper, crushed pineapple, barbecue sauce, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir to ensure everything is combined evenly over the chicken.

Step 3: Cook

Cover and cook on low heat for 6 hours without opening the lid during cooking time.

Step 4: Serve

If desired, shred the chicken with two forks. Serve over white or brown rice or on hamburger buns for a tasty meal.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken

Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken is a delightful dish that brings tropical flavors to your table. It’s versatile and easy to serve in various ways, ensuring everyone can enjoy this tasty meal.

Over Rice

• White Rice: Serve the chicken over fluffy white rice for a classic pairing that absorbs all the delicious sauce.
• Brown Rice: For a healthier option, brown rice adds a nutty flavor and complements the sweetness of the pineapple.

On Buns

• Chicken Sandwiches: Shred the chicken and pile it high on hamburger buns for a hearty sandwich that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
• Sliders: Use mini buns to create sliders, ideal for parties or casual gatherings.

With Salad

• Tropical Salad: Toss mixed greens with mango, avocado, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing side that balances the richness of the chicken.
• Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds texture and a tangy contrast to the sweet and savory flavors of the chicken.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken

To achieve the best results with your Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh bell peppers and pineapple enhance flavor and texture in your dish.
• Adjust seasoning: Feel free to tweak the soy sauce or barbecue sauce based on your taste preferences—more sweetness or saltiness can elevate your meal.
• Don’t lift the lid: Keep the slow cooker covered while cooking. Lifting the lid releases steam and can affect cooking time.
• Let it rest before serving: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps retain moisture when shredding or serving.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken

Pairing side dishes with Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Steamed Vegetables: Lightly seasoned broccoli, carrots, and snap peas complement the main dish without overpowering it.
2. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn pairs well with barbecue flavors, adding a juicy crunch to your plate.
3. Quinoa Salad: This protein-packed salad can be made with cucumber, tomatoes, and a lemon dressing for brightness.
4. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce from the chicken.
5. Potato Wedges: Seasoned baked potato wedges provide a hearty addition that everyone will love.
6. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits can help cleanse your palate between bites of savory chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken is a simple dish, but there are common pitfalls that can affect your results.

• Using frozen chicken: Always use fresh or thawed chicken for best results. Frozen chicken may not cook evenly in the slow cooker.

• Not draining the pineapple: Failing to drain crushed pineapple can make your dish overly watery. Be sure to drain it well before adding it to the slow cooker.

• Overloading the slow cooker: Avoid filling your slow cooker too full. Leave some space at the top to allow for steam and proper cooking.

• Opening the lid too often: Each time you open the lid, heat escapes. Keep it closed during cooking to maintain the right temperature and moisture.

• Ignoring cooking times: Cooking times can vary based on your slow cooker model. Use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken has reached 165°F for safety.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken in an airtight container.
• It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Make sure to cool it down to room temperature before sealing and refrigerating.

Freezing Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken

• Portion out servings in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months without losing quality.
• Label containers with the date and contents for easy identification later.

Reheating Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.

• Microwave: Place chicken in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or broth. Heat chicken while stirring until it reaches your desired temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I serve with Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken?

You can serve this dish over rice, on hamburger buns, or with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Can I use other types of meat?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with pork or tofu for a different flavor profile while still keeping it deliciously Hawaiian.

How spicy is Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken?

This recipe is mild but you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for extra heat if desired.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day ahead and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. Just remember not to add sauces until cooking starts if you want fresh flavors!

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken is an effortless yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings. Its versatility allows you to customize by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting spice levels. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a taste of Hawaii right at home!