3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken
Put pineapple rings on top of juicy chicken, smother it in BBQ sauce, and let your slow cooker do the work. The result? A sweet-and-savory Hawaiian chicken dinner that tastes like a tropical vacation using just 3 simple ingredients.
This slow cooker Hawaiian chicken with pineapple is the ultimate easy crockpot chicken recipe for busy weeknights. Inspired by the popular sweet-and-savory flavor combinations found in American-style Hawaiian cooking, this dish pairs tender chicken with tangy barbecue sauce and juicy pineapple rings for a meal the whole family will love. Minimal prep, bold flavor, and effortless cooking make this a true set-it-and-forget-it favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Only 3 ingredients no chopping, no stress
Slow cooker friendly perfect for busy days
Sweet & savory flavor kids and adults both love
Juicy, tender chicken that shreds effortlessly
Versatile serve over rice, in sliders, tacos, or bowls
Great for meal prep and leftovers
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 4–5 hours (LOW) or 2½–3 hours (HIGH)
Ingredients:
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 (20-ounce) can pineapple rings in juice (do not drain)
1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
Instructions:
Pour the pineapple rings and juice into the bottom of the slow cooker, spreading them evenly. This creates a flavorful base that keeps the chicken moist.
Place the chicken directly on top of the pineapple rings in a single layer.
Cover the chicken evenly with barbecue sauce. As it cooks, the sauce blends with the pineapple juice to form a sweet, tangy glaze.
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2½–3 hours, until the chicken is fork-tender.
Remove the chicken, shred with two forks, then return it to the slow cooker. Gently stir to coat in the sauce and pineapple.
Serve hot with pineapple rings on top for a bright, tropical finish.
Serving Ideas:
Serve over steamed jasmine rice, basmati rice, or coconut rice
Spoon over cauliflower rice for a lighter option
Pile onto Hawaiian rolls for easy sliders
Use as a filling for tacos, rice bowls, or meal-prep lunches
Variations & Pro Tips:
Use chicken thighs for extra juicy, rich flavor
Add savory balance with a splash of soy sauce or lime juice
Spicy twist: use spicy BBQ sauce or add red pepper flakes
Less sweet: replace half the pineapple juice with chicken broth
Meal prep friendly: stores well for up to 4 days or freezes up to 2 months
