Hawaiian Shredded Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together the tropical flavors of pineapple and the savory notes of soy sauce. Perfectly tender chicken breasts are slow-cooked in a sweet and tangy sauce made from crushed pineapple, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger, creating a versatile and flavorful meal. Whether served over rice, in sandwiches, or as a taco filling, this dish is sure to transport your taste buds to the islands with every bite. The ease of preparation, especially in a slow cooker or Instant Pot, makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners.
Hawaiian-shredded chicken Recipe
Whether served over rice, in sandwiches, or as a taco filling, this dish is sure to transport your taste buds to the islands with every bite. The ease of preparation, especially in a slow cooker or Instant Pot, makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
Sauté (Optional):
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing until fragrant and slightly translucent. This step enhances the flavor but can be skipped for convenience.
Slow Cooker Method:
- Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, combine the crushed pineapple (with juice), soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, and the sautéed garlic and onions (if using).
- Pour the mixture over the chicken breasts.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
Instant Pot Method:
- Place the chicken breasts in the Instant Pot.
- Pour the pineapple-soy sauce mixture over the chicken.
- Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Allow a natural release for 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
Shred the chicken:
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the cooker and shred it using two forks.
- If you want a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a small amount of water to create a slurry and stir it into the sauce in the cooker. Let it cook for a few more minutes until it thickens.
Combine:
- Return the shredded chicken to the cooker, stirring it into the sauce until well coated.
Serve:
- Serve the Hawaiian Shredded Chicken on buns for sandwiches, in tacos, or over a bed of rice. Garnish with green onions or cilantro, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 2
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 284kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 6g10%
- Saturated Fat 2g10%
- Total Carbohydrate 29g10%
- Protein 17g34%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Versatility: This shredded chicken can be used in various dishes, from sandwiches and tacos to rice bowls and salads.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often develop more over time, making it even tastier the next day.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well. After cooking and cooling, portion the shredded chicken into freezer-safe bags or containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Customization: Feel free to adjust the sweetness or tanginess by modifying the amounts of brown sugar and vinegar. You can also add a bit of spice with some red pepper flakes or sriracha.