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Slow Cooker Honey BBQ Hawaiian Chicken Bowls

Slow Cooker Honey BBQ Hawaiian Chicken Bowls - featured image

These Slow Cooker Honey BBQ Hawaiian Chicken Bowls combine juicy shredded chicken with sweet pineapple, smoky BBQ sauce, and a hint of honey for a tropical-inspired, family-friendly dinner. The slow cooker does all the work, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup pineapple juice
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground ginger (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt & black pepper to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup sliced green onions
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
  • 3 cups cooked white or brown rice (or cauliflower rice)
  • Toasted sesame seeds (optional)
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, ground ginger, smoked paprika, and salt & pepper until smooth.
  2. Place chicken breasts or thighs in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the chicken, turning pieces to coat evenly.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until chicken is fork-tender.
  4. About 30 minutes before serving, add pineapple chunks and diced red bell pepper to the slow cooker. Stir gently.
  5. Remove chicken and shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir into the sauce and pineapple mixture. Let sit with the lid off for 10-15 minutes to thicken the sauce.
  6. While chicken finishes, cook rice according to package instructions (or sauté cauliflower rice in a pan with a little olive oil for 5-6 minutes).
  7. To assemble, spoon rice into serving bowls. Top with honey BBQ Hawaiian chicken, pineapple, and bell pepper.
  8. Garnish with sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, toasted sesame seeds, and a squeeze of lime. Serve hot.

Notes

For extra juiciness, use chicken thighs. Add pineapple and bell pepper near the end for best texture. To make gluten-free, use gluten-free BBQ sauce and tamari or coconut aminos. For a spicier version, add sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce. Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days and are great for meal prep.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, honey BBQ chicken, Hawaiian chicken, family dinner, easy chicken recipe, pineapple chicken, crockpot, meal prep, gluten-free option, dairy-free