Crock Pot Pineapple Chicken Sandwiches Recipe

If you’re searching for a sweet yet savory crowd-pleaser that practically cooks itself, then Crock Pot Pineapple Chicken Sandwiches will quickly become your go-to. The tender chicken slow-simmers in a tangy, pineapple-infused sauce, then gets piled high with creamy homemade slaw on a soft roll. Every bite is a burst of juicy, tropical flavor complemented by a gentle kick of spice. With minimal prep and a glorious end result, this is the kind of recipe that makes weeknight dinners or casual gatherings a total breeze.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things brilliantly simple—each ingredient plays an essential role, whether it’s building rich pineapple flavor, adding savoriness, or supplying just the right amount of crunch. Here’s everything you’ll need to make your Crock Pot Pineapple Chicken Sandwiches unforgettable.

• Onion: Chopped onions provide a gently sweet base to the sauce and meld seamlessly with the other flavors.
• Butter: Melting butter in the skillet adds richness and ensures the onions cook perfectly.
• Flour: Just a bit of flour is stirred in to thicken our sauce and create luscious texture.
• Pineapple juice: This is the star—sweet, tangy, and utterly tropical, it infuses every bite.
• Brown sugar: A touch of molasses sweetness deepens the sauce and balances the tangy notes.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a subtle sharpness and irresistible aroma.
• Ketchup: Ketchup brings both depth and a hint of acidity to the sauce.
• Soy sauce: Just a tablespoon for a pop of umami and salty goodness.
• Worcestershire sauce: For savory complexity that quietly elevates the chicken.
• Salt & pepper: These essential seasonings enhance every other flavor.
• Onion powder: Adds a quick punch of oniony flavor that melds with the fresh onion.
• Ground ginger: A little goes a long way to bring warmth and round out the tropical notes.
• Chicken breasts: This recipe calls for 3 pounds, which slow-cook to juicy, shreddable perfection.
• Mayonnaise: The creamy foundation for the simple, zesty coleslaw.
• Apple cider vinegar: Lends brightness and a touch of tang to the slaw.
• Sugar: Balances out the sharpness of the vinegar for a classic slaw dressing.
• Ground mustard: Adds subtle warmth to the slaw.
• Onion powder (slaw): A sprinkle here ramps up the overall flavor.
• Salt & pepper (slaw): Crucial for seasoning and balance.
• Coleslaw salad mix: The ultimate in convenience—grab a bag and you’re halfway to crunchy perfection.
• Rolls: Choose your favorites, from fluffy brioche to sturdy sandwich buns, for the perfect handheld meal.

How to Make Crock Pot Pineapple Chicken Sandwiches

Step 1: Sauté the Onions

Start by melting butter in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add your chopped onion and gently cook until it turns translucent and soft, releasing its natural sweetness. Stir occasionally and enjoy the savory aroma as the perfect base for your sauce begins to form.

Step 2: Mix the Pineapple Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, brown sugar, minced garlic, ketchup, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, onion powder, and ground ginger. This mixture creates the bright, punchy backbone of your Crock Pot Pineapple Chicken Sandwiches—don’t skip that thorough whisking to make sure everything is beautifully combined!

Step 3: Build the Sauce in the Skillet

With your onions softened, stir in the flour. It may look a bit pasty at first, but this step is essential for thickening the sauce later. Pour in your pineapple juice mixture and stir well, scraping up any tasty caramelized bits. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes—it should start to thicken and smell absolutely irresistible.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Chicken

Layer the chicken breasts in your 3-4 quart crock pot, then pour the hot pineapple sauce right over the top. Try to make sure the chicken is nestled in well and coated on all sides. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, until the chicken is meltingly tender and easily shreds with a fork.

Step 5: Shred and Finish Cooking

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crock pot and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot, stirring it well into the sauce, then cover and cook for another 30 minutes. This gives the flavors even more time to meld and the chicken to soak up all that saucy goodness.

Step 6: Mix the Coleslaw

While your chicken finishes cooking, assemble your coleslaw. Simply whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, ground mustard, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss with the bagged coleslaw mix until everything is creamy and coated. This slaw is the cool, crunchy counterpoint to the sweet and savory chicken.

Step 7: Assemble the Sandwiches

To bring it all together, spoon a generous portion of the juicy pineapple chicken onto each roll and top with a hearty heap of homemade coleslaw. The contrast in texture and flavor will make every bite of your Crock Pot Pineapple Chicken Sandwiches positively unforgettable.

How to Serve Crock Pot Pineapple Chicken Sandwiches

Garnishes

Give your sandwiches a little extra flair by scattering some fresh cilantro, thinly sliced scallions, or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds on top. For a tropical twist, a few extra pineapple tidbits or a dash of sriracha for those who like heat will earn rave reviews!

Side Dishes

These sandwiches go perfectly with a side of kettle chips, crunchy pickles, or simple oven fries. For a lighter fare, pair them with a fruit salad or a crisp cucumber salad—the refreshing flavors are a lovely balance to the rich, saucy chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to elevate your Crock Pot Pineapple Chicken Sandwiches, try serving them slider-style for parties, or on mini Hawaiian buns. For a gluten-free version, the shredded pineapple chicken and slaw are fabulous served over rice bowls or tucked in lettuce wraps. However you present them, don’t be surprised if they’re the first thing to disappear at your next gathering!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Crock Pot Pineapple Chicken Sandwiches keep beautifully! Store the shredded chicken and slaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken will stay juicy for up to four days, and the slaw keeps its crunch for about two days.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze some of the cooked chicken for easy meals down the road, simply cool it to room temperature and freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to three months. Be sure to freeze without the slaw for best results!

Reheating

To enjoy again, gently reheat the chicken in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it seems a little thick, add a splash of water or pineapple juice to loosen it back up. Pile onto fresh rolls and top with newly made slaw for a just-made taste.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a little fattier, so they’ll end up even more succulent. Go for boneless, skinless thighs and cook as directed for deliciously juicy Crock Pot Pineapple Chicken Sandwiches.

Does the recipe work in an Instant Pot?

Yes, though you’ll need to adjust the cook time—typically, about 10-12 minutes on high pressure will get the chicken tender enough to shred. Finish as usual and enjoy the same saucy satisfaction in less time!

Is the coleslaw necessary?

While you can skip the slaw if you’re pressed for time, it really brings the whole sandwich together by adding crunch and a creamy tang that balances the sweet heat of the chicken. Trust me, it’s worth the extra five minutes!

Can I make Crock Pot Pineapple Chicken Sandwiches ahead for a party?

Definitely! You can prepare the chicken a day before and just warm it up in the crock pot before serving. Keep the slaw and rolls separate until just before assembling for the freshest texture.

What rolls should I use?

Any soft roll will work, from classic hamburger buns to brioche, potato, or even Hawaiian rolls for that extra touch of sweetness. Just be sure they’re sturdy enough to hold all the saucy goodness!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving easy comfort food with a fun, tropical twist, I can’t recommend Crock Pot Pineapple Chicken Sandwiches enough. They’re simple, satisfying, and always a hit with family and friends. Give this recipe a try and watch smiles appear at your very first bite!

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