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Flavorful Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pulled Chicken Recipe with Pineapple Made Easy

slow cooker Hawaiian pulled chicken - featured image

A sweet and savory slow cooker pulled chicken recipe featuring juicy pineapple chunks and a tangy glaze, perfect for easy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)
  • 1/3 cup pineapple juice
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
  • Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, ground ginger, red pepper flakes (if using), and apple cider vinegar. Whisk until sugar dissolves.
  2. Place chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken, coating well.
  3. Scatter pineapple chunks over the chicken.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and easily shredded.
  5. Shred the chicken using two forks or meat shredder claws directly in the slow cooker. Mix well with sauce and pineapple chunks.
  6. Cook uncovered on low for another 15-20 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly.
  7. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. To thicken the sauce if too thin, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons cold water) and cook uncovered for a few minutes. Using chicken thighs instead of breasts will yield juicier, more flavorful meat. Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid during cooking to maintain heat. Fresh pineapple adds brightness but canned works well if drained. Optional: add a few drops of liquid smoke for a smoky flavor or sriracha for heat.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, Hawaiian, pulled chicken, pineapple, easy dinner, tropical, sweet and savory, weeknight meal