Can I use only chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe?

Absolutely! Using chicken breasts will give you leaner meat, while thighs add more richness and moisture. I personally prefer a mix of both for balance, but feel free to go with what you have or like best.

What can I substitute for coconut aminos if I don't have any?

Soy sauce is the closest substitute if you’re not avoiding soy, although it’s saltier and less sweet. Tamari is another good gluten-free alternative. Keep in mind this will slightly change the flavor profile but still deliver that savory umami element.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?

Yes! I’ve made this Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Recipe in an Instant Pot on the manual setting for about 15 minutes with a natural pressure release. It’s a great option when you’re short on time, just be sure to check the liquid level to avoid burning.

Hawaiian Chicken: Easy Slow Cooker, Tropical Flavors for Dinner

Name: Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 10 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast; 0.5 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs; 0.5 small yellow onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 8-ounce can crushed pineapple, slightly drained; 0.33 cup coconut aminos; Juice of 1 lime (2 to 2 1/2 tablespoons); 0.5 teaspoon ground ginger; 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 0.5 teaspoon fine sea salt; 0.25 teaspoon black pepper; Swiss chard leaves; Avocado slices; Shredded carrots; Shredded purple cabbage; Green onions; Sliced almonds; Fresh cilantro

Description

This Slow Cooker Shredded Hawaiian Chicken is a sweet and savory dish combining tender shredded chicken with pineapple, coconut aminos, and a hint of spice. Perfect for easy meal prep, it can be served as lettuce wraps, tacos, over salads, or bowl style, making it versatile and flavorful.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Vegetables

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
0.5 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
0.5 small yellow onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced

Sauce

1 8-ounce can crushed pineapple, slightly drained
0.33 cup coconut aminos
Juice of 1 lime (2 to 2 1/2 tablespoons)
0.5 teaspoon ground ginger
0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
0.5 teaspoon fine sea salt
0.25 teaspoon black pepper

For Serving (Optional)

Swiss chard leaves
Avocado slices
Shredded carrots
Shredded purple cabbage
Green onions
Sliced almonds
Fresh cilantro

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare Ingredients: Place the chicken breasts and thighs, diced onions, and minced garlic into the slow cooker.
Make Sauce: In a small bowl, stir together the mostly drained crushed pineapple, coconut aminos, lime juice, ground ginger, red pepper flakes, sea salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Add Sauce to Slow Cooker: Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the chicken and onions in the slow cooker, ensuring even coverage.
Cook Chicken: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Shred Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts and thighs from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks.
Combine and Keep Warm: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix it into the juices. Set the slow cooker to Keep Warm until ready to serve.
Serve: Assemble Swiss chard wraps with the shredded chicken and optional garnishes such as avocado, shredded carrots, purple cabbage, green onions, sliced almonds, and fresh cilantro, or serve as tacos, over salad, or in bowls as desired.

Notes

You can use an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker for quicker preparation, cooking the chicken on high pressure for about 15 minutes and using natural release.
For additional sweetness, add a tablespoon of honey or more pineapple juice if desired.
Swiss chard leaves make a great low-carb wrap alternative to tortillas.
Leftovers can be served hot or cold and make excellent meal prep options for lunches or dinners.
Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of shredded chicken
Calories: 170 kcal
Sugar: 7 g
Sodium: 574 mg
Fat: 5 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 9 g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 22 g
Cholesterol: 75 mg