Hawaiian Chicken Sliders are effortless to prepare: combine chicken, pineapple and Hawaiian-style BBQ sauce in a slow cooker for a few hours, then serve the shredded chicken on soft Hawaiian rolls.
This recipe highlights a sweet pineapple BBQ sauce that pairs beautifully with tender slow-cooked chicken.
Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Sliders
These Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Sliders are a great weeknight dinner, party food or game-day bite. The method is simple: toss boneless chicken breasts with a sweet pineapple BBQ sauce and fresh pineapple, let the slow cooker do the work, then shred and serve on soft Hawaiian rolls. The combination of sweet, tangy and savory flavors is irresistible, and the sliders are easy to customize with toppings like pepper jack, avocado or fresh jalapeño slices.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 bottle (15 oz) Original Pineapple BBQ Sauce
- 2 cups fresh pineapple, diced
- 24 Hawaiian rolls (or 2 packages of 12-count rolls)
- Optional toppings: shredded pepper jack cheese, sliced avocado, fresh sliced jalapeños
Instructions
- Add the chicken breasts, BBQ sauce and diced pineapple to the slow cooker in an even layer.
- Cook on low for 6–8 hours, or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Remove the lid, transfer the chicken to a cutting board or bowl, and shred with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and toss it well with the sauce and pineapple so the flavors combine.
- Serve the Hawaiian chicken on Hawaiian rolls, topping each slider with your preferred garnish such as pepper jack, avocado or jalapeño slices.
Serving Suggestions
These sliders are perfect for gatherings and can be plated on a large tray for guests to grab and go. For a complete meal, serve with sides like coleslaw, sweet potato fries or a crisp green salad. If you want to melt cheese on the sliders, arrange assembled sliders on a sheet pan, top with cheese and broil briefly until the cheese is bubbly.
Tips & Variations
- Flavor boost: Stir in a splash of soy sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika to deepen the savory notes without overwhelming the pineapple sweetness.
- Spicy option: Add sliced fresh jalapeños into the slow cooker or top sliders with pickled jalapeños for a tangy heat that contrasts the sweet sauce.
- Make it with thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and stay extra juicy; adjust cooking time if pieces are very large.
- Grill finish: For a charred flavor, spoon shredded chicken onto rolls and briefly grill the assembled slider on a hot pan or grill for 1–2 minutes per side.
Storage and Make-Ahead
Make the shredded Hawaiian chicken ahead of time and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce if the mixture seems dry. For longer storage, freeze shredded chicken in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Notes
Nutritional information provided does not include optional toppings like cheese or avocado. Adjust servings and ingredient quantities to scale the recipe up or down depending on crowd size.
Nutrition Facts (per slider)
- Calories: 169 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Fat: 3 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
- Sugar: 11 g
These Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Sliders are an easy, crowd-pleasing option that balances sweet pineapple with tangy BBQ and tender shredded chicken. Customize them with toppings to suit your taste, and enjoy a simple recipe that’s ideal for busy days and casual entertaining.