Easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Sandwiches
A simple and flavorful slow cooker recipe for tender, juicy teriyaki chicken with a sweet and tangy Hawaiian twist, perfect for sandwiches.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 6–8 sandwich buns (Hawaiian rolls recommended)
- Optional toppings: shredded cabbage or coleslaw, sliced green onions, pickled jalapeños
Instructions
- Mix the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes if using. Set aside.
- Prepare the chicken: Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker in an even layer. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken, then scatter pineapple chunks on top. Do not stir.
- Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until chicken is tender and shreds easily.
- Shred the chicken: Use two forks or meat shredder claws to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, mixing it with the juices and pineapple. If the sauce is too thin, remove chicken and simmer sauce on stove to thicken, then pour back over chicken.
- Toast the buns: Lightly toast Hawaiian rolls while shredding the chicken.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Pile shredded chicken onto buns and add optional toppings like slaw, green onions, or pickled jalapeños. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
If short on time, cook on high for 2-3 hours but low and slow yields better flavor and tenderness. Let chicken rest 5 minutes after shredding for juicier texture. If sauce is watery, simmer separately to thicken. Toast buns to prevent sogginess. Use gluten-free soy sauce and buns for gluten-free diet. Chicken thighs can be substituted for richer flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About one sandwich
- Calories: 350400
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 900
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 1.5
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 30
Keywords: slow cooker, teriyaki chicken, Hawaiian, sandwiches, easy recipe, crockpot, chicken breasts, pineapple, sweet and savory