If you’re craving a finger-licking, crowd-pleasing sandwich that bursts with tropical sweetness and tangy BBQ goodness, you’re going to adore this Slow Cooker BBQ Hawaiian Chicken Sliders Recipe. It combines tender, slow-cooked chicken infused with a luscious pineapple-BBQ sauce, all nestled in soft Hawaiian rolls that perfectly balance savory and sweet. Whether you’re serving a party or just want an easy weeknight meal with a fun twist, these sliders hit the mark every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white square plate holding six soft dinner rolls that are golden brown on top, with some small cracks visible on the surface. To the left of the plate, there is a bunch of fresh green onions with white bulbs and green stalks lying on a white marbled surface. Below the plate, there is a raw whole chicken placed flat, with smooth pale pink skin. Surrounding the chicken are small bowls and containers holding different ingredients: a small brown bowl with light beige powder, a small white bowl with finely minced garlic, a dark container with thick reddish-brown sauce, a clear jar of yellowish oil, a small white bowl with dark soy sauce, and a small wrapped rectangle of butter. The scene is clean and bright, with all items arranged neatly on the white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Slow Cooker BBQ Hawaiian Chicken Sliders Recipe keeps the ingredients straightforward but packed with flavor. Each element plays its part in building layers of texture, sweetness, and a little savory bite that makes the sliders irresistible.

3 pounds chicken breasts (boneless skinless): The lean, tender base that soaks up all the BBQ pineapple goodness as it cooks.
1 cup BBQ sauce: Adds smoky, tangy depth that’s essential for that classic pulled chicken vibe.
½ cup brown sugar: Brings a rich, molasses-like sweetness that complements the pineapple perfectly.
20 ounces pineapple rings in juice (canned): Contributes bright tropical flavor and moisture to keep the chicken juicy. Don’t forget to save some extra slices for garnish!
¼ cup low sodium soy sauce: Gives subtle umami notes that deepen the overall flavor profile without overpowering the sweetness.
4 stalks green onion (sliced, green and white parts): Adds a fresh, slightly sharp crunch to balance the tender chicken.
4 cloves garlic (minced): A must for that aromatic punch that makes the sauce irresistible.
36 rolls Hawaiian style rolls (slider buns): Soft, fluffy buns that soak up the sauce and cradle the shredded chicken perfectly.
Sesame seeds (optional): For a nutty crunch and an attractive finishing touch on top of the buns.
3 tablespoons butter (optional): Used to brush the top buns before broiling for a golden, buttery finish.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Slow Cooker BBQ Hawaiian Chicken Sliders Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Sauce

Start by spritzing your slow cooker with some cooking spray to prevent sticking, then place the chicken breasts in the bottom. The juicy chicken is the heart of this recipe, so make sure to layer it evenly for consistent cooking.

Step 2: Mix the Flavor-Packed Sauce

In a large bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice from the canned rings, soy sauce, sliced green onions, and minced garlic. Stir until everything is well blended—the sauce is your flavor powerhouse here.

Step 3: Add Pineapple and Sauce to the Slow Cooker

Remove half of the pineapple rings and chop them into bite-sized chunks. Add the pineapple chunks to the slow cooker with the sauce poured over the chicken, ensuring every piece gets coated in that sweet-savory mixture.

Step 4: Slow Cook Until Shreddable Perfection

Cover and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or low for 4 to 6 hours, until the chicken is so tender it shreds with ease. The meat should reach 165°F internally, ensuring it’s cooked safely and perfectly juicy.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken and Combine with Sauce

Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and shred it with two forks. Don’t forget to reserve about three-quarters of a cup of the cooking liquid. Discard the rest. Return the shredded chicken and reserved juice to the slow cooker, stirring gently to combine all those flavors beautifully.

Step 6: Assemble the Sliders or Prepare Pull-Apart Style

You can serve the pulled chicken as-is right from the slow cooker on the Hawaiian rolls along with extra pineapple slices. Or, for an extra special touch, make pull-apart sliders by layering the chicken and pineapple between halves of the sweet rolls, brushing tops with butter, and sprinkling sesame seeds before a quick broil.

How to Serve Slow Cooker BBQ Hawaiian Chicken Sliders Recipe

A sheet pan covered with shiny aluminum foil holds an open sandwich made of a single slice of bread at the bottom and piled high with shredded, cooked chicken mixed with a rich-looking brown sauce on top, giving a moist and textured appearance. Behind the pan, there is a wooden bowl filled with sesame seeds and a white bowl with yellow melted butter placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh pineapple slices aren’t just for the recipe—they make a delightful garnish that accentuates the tropical vibe. Sprinkle some sliced green onions over the top for a subtle crunch and pop of color, or add a few sesame seeds to your slider buns for that extra bit of nuttiness and texture.

Side Dishes

Serve these sliders alongside classic sides like coleslaw or a crisp green salad to cut through the richness. For a party setting, consider crispy sweet potato fries or a vibrant fruit salad that echoes the pineapple in the sliders for a coordinated flavor experience.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting a casual gathering, stack the sliders in a pull-apart casserole dish for communal sharing, allowing guests to pick as they please. For a more formal presentation, layer each slider on colorful plates with a pineapple skewer pierced through to hold layers in place and add flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your feast, any leftover shredded chicken can be placed in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce in the slow cooker liquid, as it helps the chicken stay moist and flavorful.

Freezing

This Slow Cooker BBQ Hawaiian Chicken Sliders Recipe freezes beautifully. Store the chicken and sauce mixture in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture and taste.

Reheating

Reheat leftover chicken in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can add a splash of pineapple juice or BBQ sauce to refresh the moisture. Then pile it back onto your Hawaiian rolls for another round of delicious sliders.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully for this recipe because they tend to be more tender and juicy, making the sliders even more flavorful. Just adjust cooking time slightly if needed.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

You can make this recipe in a covered pot on low heat, simmering gently for about 2 hours until the chicken is tender and shreddable, but a slow cooker is definitely the easiest way to get those melt-in-your-mouth results.

Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?

Certainly! Add a few dashes of hot sauce to the BBQ mixture or toss in some finely chopped jalapeños to the slow cooker for a spicy kick that complements the sweetness beautifully.

Can I substitute the pineapple with fresh fruit?

Fresh pineapple can be used, but canned in juice is preferred because it adds more liquid and evenly distributed sweetness during slow cooking. If using fresh, add some pineapple juice or a little water to maintain moisture.

How do I keep the slider buns from getting soggy?

To avoid sogginess, especially if making pull-apart sliders, toast the buns lightly before assembling. Brushing the top buns with melted butter and broiling just before serving also helps create a delightful crisp crust.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with this Slow Cooker BBQ Hawaiian Chicken Sliders Recipe. It’s delightful, easy, and perfect for any occasion where you want to impress without the fuss. The sweet and tangy flavors paired with soft rolls make every bite a little celebration. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to recipe to feed a crowd or treat your family to a tropical twist on classic BBQ chicken sliders!

Slow Cooker BBQ Hawaiian Chicken Sliders Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need