Hawaiian Shredded Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Hawaiian Shredded Chicken is a sweet and savory dish perfect for easy weeknight dinners or meal prep. Slow-cooked with pineapple and a blend of flavorful sauces, this tender chicken pairs wonderfully with rice or sandwiches.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained
- ½ yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ginger
Instructions
- Step 1: Arrange the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Step 2: Add the crushed pineapple (drained), sliced onion, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and ginger to the slow cooker. Stir gently to coat the chicken evenly.
- Step 3: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 4 hours without removing the lid during cooking.
- Step 4: Check the sauce; if it’s still too thin, remove the lid and let it cook for a little longer to reduce the liquid.
- Step 5: Use two large forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
- Try using chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier, more flavorful result.
- Serve over steamed white rice, in slider buns, or with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Storage
Store leftover Hawaiian shredded chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed to moisten. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, you can. Use the meat/stew setting and cook on high pressure for about 15 minutes, then allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes before shredding the chicken.
Do I need to drain the pineapple juice?
Yes, draining the pineapple prevents the dish from becoming too watery, keeping the sauce thick and flavorful.
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Hawaiian Shredded Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A sweet and tangy Hawaiian Shredded Chicken recipe that combines tender slow-cooked chicken breasts with pineapple, BBQ sauce, and a blend of flavorful spices. Perfect for a comforting meal served on sandwiches, tacos, or rice bowls.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Sauce & Seasonings
- 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained
- ½ yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Arrange the 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker, ensuring they are in an even layer for uniform cooking.
- Add Sauce and Seasonings: Pour the drained 20 oz crushed pineapple over the chicken, add the thinly sliced half yellow onion, 1 cup BBQ sauce, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and ½ teaspoon ground ginger. Mix gently to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce and spices.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 4 hours. Avoid removing the lid during cooking to retain moisture and heat.
- Reduce the Sauce if Needed: Once the chicken is cooked and tender, if the sauce is still too thin, remove the lid and let it cook uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate and thicken.
- Shred the Chicken: Use two large forks to shred the cooked chicken directly in the slow cooker, allowing it to soak up the flavorful sauce before serving.
Notes
- If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of pineapple or BBQ sauce slightly.
- Serve shredded chicken on hamburger buns, over rice, or in tacos for versatility.
- Leftover shredded chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To enhance flavor, you can add a splash of fresh lime juice or chopped cilantro before serving.
- For a spicier version, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the mix before cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Keywords: Hawaiian shredded chicken, slow cooker chicken, pineapple chicken recipe, BBQ chicken, shredded chicken, easy chicken recipe
