Ultimate Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sliders: Your Go-To Easy Weeknight Dinner & Party Appetizer

These Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect as a vibrant party appetizer or a straightforward, flavorful weeknight dinner. This incredibly easy Hawaiian chicken recipe comes together effortlessly in your slow cooker and offers fantastic versatility for delicious leftovers!

As holiday seasons approach or busy weeknights call for a simple yet satisfying meal, these Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sliders consistently deliver. This recipe embodies convenience without compromising on flavor, making it a stellar choice for effortless entertaining or a quick family dinner. Imagine succulent chicken infused with a sweet and tangy Hawaiian BBQ sauce, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker with minimal fuss. It’s a true set-it-and-forget-it meal that yields tender, shreddable chicken every time.

The beauty of this Hawaiian BBQ chicken lies in its simplicity. With practically no hands-on prep required, you can combine your ingredients, let the crockpot work its magic, and return to perfectly cooked, ready-to-shred chicken. This slow cooker recipe is ideal for gatherings, as the finished chicken can stay warm in the crockpot throughout the evening, allowing guests to serve themselves. This means less stress and cleanup for you, giving you more time to enjoy your event or relax after a long day. Beyond sliders, the flavorful BBQ chicken makes incredible, versatile leftovers that can be transformed into a variety of other delicious dishes.

Ingredients for Perfect Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sliders

Crafting these delectable Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sliders requires a handful of simple, readily available ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavor profile that makes this recipe so irresistible.

• Chicken: For the best results, we recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Breasts will yield leaner meat, while thighs offer a richer flavor and tend to stay juicier. Both will shred beautifully after slow cooking.
• Fresh & Flavorful Veggies:
  • Red Pepper: Adds a touch of sweetness and vibrant color.
  • Onion: Provides a foundational aromatic flavor that enhances the entire dish. A small white or yellow onion works perfectly.
  • Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes, quartered, add a burst of fresh, juicy acidity that balances the sweetness of the pineapple and BBQ sauce.
• Pineapple: The star of the “Hawaiian” flavor! We prefer canned pineapple tidbits for convenience, as they are already cut to a perfect size and bring a consistent sweetness. You can also use crushed pineapple or freshly diced pineapple if you prefer.
• Essential Spices:
  • Salt: To enhance all the natural flavors.
  • Black Pepper: For a subtle warmth and depth.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: (Optional) If you enjoy a hint of heat to cut through the sweetness, a dash of red pepper flakes is a fantastic addition.
• BBQ Sauce: This is arguably the most crucial ingredient for the overall flavor. We highly recommend Famous Dave’s Sweet and Zesty BBQ Sauce for its exceptional balance of sweet and tangy notes. If you can’t find it, choose your favorite high-quality BBQ sauce – preferably one that leans towards the sweeter side to complement the pineapple.
• For Serving (The Slider Experience):
  • Cheese: Pepper Jack cheese adds a creamy texture and a mild kick that pairs wonderfully with the BBQ chicken. Other great options include provolone, Monterey Jack, or even sharp cheddar.
  • King’s Hawaiian Rolls: These are non-negotiable for authentic Hawaiian BBQ sliders! Their sweet, soft, and fluffy texture is the perfect vehicle for the flavorful chicken.
  • Cabbage or Cole Slaw: A crisp, refreshing element like shredded purple cabbage or a creamy coleslaw adds a crucial textural contrast and a fresh counterpoint to the rich chicken.

Kitchen Tools for Effortless Cooking

One of the many advantages of this crockpot recipe is the minimal need for specialized kitchen equipment. You likely already have everything you need to get started!

• A Crockpot/Slow Cooker: This is the star appliance of the show. Any size slow cooker (4-6 quart is ideal) will work, making this recipe incredibly hands-off and perfect for busy days.
• A Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For quickly preparing your vegetables.
• A Fork or Two: Essential for shredding the tender chicken once it’s cooked. Alternatively, a hand mixer or stand mixer with a paddle attachment can shred chicken in seconds for larger batches.
• Tongs or a Slotted Spoon: For easy serving of the chicken mixture.

How to Make These Easy Crockpot Chicken Sliders

Preparing these Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sliders is so straightforward, it barely counts as cooking! The magic happens with minimal effort, making it ideal for even the busiest schedules. Simply combine your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and let time do the rest.

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Begin by roughly chopping your red pepper, small white onion, and quartering the cherry tomatoes. Don’t worry about perfect cuts; they’ll soften and meld into the sauce as they cook. This step takes mere minutes and is the most involved part of the preparation!
2. Layer the Crockpot: Add your prepared vegetables (red pepper, onion, tomatoes) to the bottom of your slow cooker. Place the chicken breasts or thighs directly on top of the vegetables. Next, evenly distribute the pineapple tidbits (along with a bit of their juice for extra moisture and flavor) over the chicken. Finally, pour your chosen BBQ sauce generously over everything.
3. Select Your Sauce Wisely: As mentioned, the BBQ sauce significantly impacts the final taste. If you can, grab the Famous Dave’s Sweet and Zesty for a truly authentic and delicious flavor. Its balance of sweetness and tanginess is unparalleled for this recipe. However, any good quality sweet or smoky BBQ sauce you love will also work beautifully.
4. Season to Taste: Add a generous pinch of salt and pepper to the mixture. If you enjoy a little heat, now is the time to sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. Remember, you can always add more seasoning later, so start with a moderate amount.
5. Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on high for 4 hours, or on low for 6 hours. The goal is for the chicken to become incredibly tender and easily falling apart when poked with a fork. Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the crockpot. Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in a bowl or on a cutting board. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot, draining any significant excess liquid if necessary (a small amount of sauce is good, but too much can lead to soggy sliders). Stir the shredded chicken thoroughly with the cooked vegetables and sauce. If you desire a saucier consistency, feel free to add a bit more BBQ sauce at this stage.
6. Assemble and Serve: The best way to enjoy this BBQ Hawaiian chicken is served warm on soft King’s Hawaiian rolls. We love to pair it with slices of melted pepper jack cheese for an extra layer of flavor and creaminess, and a side of crisp purple cabbage or homemade coleslaw for a refreshing crunch.

Clever Serving Tips for Your BBQ Chicken Sliders

Serving these irresistible Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken Sliders offers wonderful flexibility, allowing you to tailor the presentation to your occasion, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a lively party.

1. The “Build Your Own” Slider Bar (Perfect for Parties): For large crowds and maximum ease, create a self-serve slider station. Arrange your King’s Hawaiian rolls, cheese slices, a bowl of the warm shredded BBQ chicken, and a bowl of fresh purple cabbage or coleslaw. Let each person assemble their own perfect BBQ chicken sandwich. This method is incredibly social, minimizes your work, and keeps the ingredients fresh until assembled.
2. Toasted Buns with Melted Cheese (Ideal for Dinner): Elevate your weeknight dinner by toasting the buns and melting the cheese for that extra comforting touch. Who can resist warm, melty cheese?! To achieve this, slice your King’s Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. Arrange the bottom halves on a baking sheet and top each with a half slice of cheese (pepper jack, provolone, or your preference). Brush the top halves of the rolls lightly with melted butter. Place both top and bottom halves (open-faced) on the cookie sheet. Broil on low heat for about 2-3 minutes, or until the buns are lightly golden and the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly. This simple step adds a delightful crispness to the buns and a gooey texture to the cheese, making each bite even more satisfying. This is definitely my preferred method when preparing these easy Hawaiian chicken sliders for a sit-down family dinner.

A CRITICAL WARNING: AVOID SOGGY SLIDERS!

DO NOT attempt to assemble the pulled BBQ Hawaiian chicken onto the buns with cheese and then bake them all together in one dish. While many slider recipes call for this method, it will not work for this particular recipe. Trust me, I’ve tried it, and the result is a disappointing, soggy hot mess. The slow cooker BBQ chicken, rich with its sauce and pineapple juices, will release too much moisture when baked in a confined dish. The delicate King’s Hawaiian rolls simply cannot withstand this, and the bottom buns will become unpleasantly saturated. Learn from my experience – always add the Hawaiian chicken separately after toasting and melting the cheese on the buns. This ensures a crisp bun, melted cheese, and perfectly sauced chicken every time.

More Irresistible Appetizer Ideas

Looking for more crowd-pleasing appetizers that are easy to prepare and always a hit? Check out some of my other favorites:

Creamy Baked Chicken Enchilada Dip
Elegant Ritz Bites with Ham, Brie, and Cranberries
Flavorful Grilled Chicken Wings Recipe
Addictive Mini Everything Bagel Cheese Ball Bites

Common Questions About Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sliders

Got questions? We’ve got answers to help you master these delicious slow cooker Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sliders.

Creative Additional Ideas & Ways to Enjoy Leftovers

One of my favorite things about this slow cooker Hawaiian chicken recipe is its incredible versatility. Whenever I make it, I usually double the BBQ chicken recipe specifically so I’ll have plenty of leftovers for quick and easy meals throughout the week. This Hawaiian chicken is incredibly adaptable and can be used in countless ways beyond just sliders, making meal planning a breeze.

• Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Nachos: Layer your favorite tortilla chips on a baking sheet. Generously top with the warm BBQ chicken, plenty of shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or cheddar work great), and sliced jalapeños if you love some spice. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is gooey and bubbly. Serve immediately with fresh guacamole, sour cream, and a sprinkle of cilantro. These nachos are beyond incredible and will have you wanting to eat them all day, every day!
• Quick & Easy Breakfast Burritos: Transform your leftover BBQ chicken into a hearty breakfast. Simply toss the shredded chicken in a skillet with some scrambled eggs and cheese until heated through. Wrap the mixture in a warm tortilla with a dollop of guacamole or salsa. Bonus Tip: Make a big batch of these burritos, wrap them individually in foil or plastic wrap, and freeze them for quick, grab-and-go breakfasts or lunches throughout the week. Just microwave or reheat in a toaster oven.
• Tropical BBQ Chicken Salad: Elevate your lunch routine by adding this flavorful chicken to your favorite salad greens. Top with some ranch or a light vinaigrette dressing, crumbled feta or cheddar cheese, crunchy croutons, diced avocado, and crispy bacon bits. This salad is anything but boring and offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors that you’ll genuinely enjoy.
• Stuffed Sweet Potatoes: Bake sweet potatoes until tender. Split them open and load them with the warm Hawaiian BBQ chicken. Top with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of green onions.
• BBQ Chicken Tacos or Quesadillas: Fill warm tortillas with the chicken, a sprinkle of cheese, and your favorite taco toppings for a quick taco night. Or, layer the chicken and cheese between two tortillas and griddle for a crispy, cheesy quesadilla.
• Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Pizza: Spread a thin layer of BBQ sauce on a pizza crust, top with the shredded chicken, more pineapple, red onion, and mozzarella cheese. Bake until golden and bubbly.

Whether you’re serving these slow cooker Hawaiian Chicken Sliders for a festive Super Bowl party, a casual family gathering, or simply as an easy, flavorful Monday night dinner, I truly hope you and your friends and family love this convenient and delicious BBQ chicken recipe as much as I do!

Happy Eating!