Crock Pot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken – Only 3 Ingredients
This Crock Pot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken is the ultimate combination of sweet, tangy, and savory. With tender chicken, smoky BBQ sauce, and juicy pineapple, it’s a tropical dinner that practically makes itself. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a family-friendly dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (with juice)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crock Pot
Place the chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of the crockpot.
Step 2: Add the Sauce
Pour 1 cup of BBQ sauce evenly over the chicken.
Step 3: Add Pineapple
Top with pineapple chunks, including the juice, for that tropical sweetness.
Step 4: Cook
- Low heat: 6 hours
- High heat: 3–4 hours
The chicken should be tender and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C).
Step 5: Serve
Serve with the sweet pineapple and BBQ sauce over rice, mashed potatoes, or inside sandwiches. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired.
Tips for Perfect Hawaiian BBQ Chicken
- Choose the Right Cut: Chicken thighs remain juicier than breasts, but breasts work for a leaner option.
- Enhance Flavor: Add sliced onions, bell peppers, or a dash of soy sauce for extra depth.
- Make it Spicy: Mix in a teaspoon of sriracha or hot sauce for a sweet-heat combo.
- Don’t Overcook: Chicken can dry out if cooked too long on high; check tenderness before the full time is up.
Serving Suggestions
- Over steamed white rice, brown rice, or quinoa
- With mashed or roasted potatoes
- Inside sandwich buns or wraps for a Hawaiian BBQ chicken sandwich
- Alongside roasted or sautéed vegetables
- Garnished with green onions or sesame seeds for extra presentation
Storage
- Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving – 4 Servings)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Sugars: 12g
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes! Just increase cooking time slightly and ensure the chicken reaches 165°F internally.
Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Use a larger crock pot or cook in batches.
Q: Can I make it without pineapple?
A: Yes, but pineapple adds sweetness and moisture. You could use mango or canned peaches as alternatives.
Q: Can I add vegetables?
A: Definitely! Bell peppers, onions, or zucchini can be added in the last 2 hours of cooking to avoid over-softening.
Final Thoughts
This 3-ingredient Crock Pot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. It’s juicy, sweet, tangy, and effortless—making it perfect for anyone looking for a quick, family-friendly, tropical-inspired dinner.
Serve it over rice, in sandwiches, or as a meal prep favorite, and enjoy a taste of the islands right from your slow cooker.