Description
Want a quick, delicious meal that’s perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or a tasty lunch? Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Chicken Sandwiches are the ultimate recipe! These slow-cooker sandwiches feature tender, shredded chicken coated in a sweet and spicy barbecue sauce with a tropical twist from crushed pineapple
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 2-1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 bottle (18 ounces) sweet and spicy barbecue sauce, divided
- 2 tablespoons honey mustard
- 1 can (8 ounces) unsweetened crushed pineapple, undrained
- For Assembly:
- 8 hamburger buns, split and toasted
- Optional: Bibb lettuce leaves and thinly sliced red onion
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender, perfect for shredding.
- Barbecue Sauce: Sweet and spicy variety adds bold, tangy heat.
- Honey Mustard: Brings a sweet-tangy depth to the chicken.
- Crushed Pineapple: Adds juicy, tropical sweetness and texture.
- Hamburger Buns: Soft, sturdy base for the filling.
- Lettuce and Onion: Optional toppings for freshness and crunch.
Substitutions and Variations
- Chicken: Swap with boneless, skinless chicken thighs (same cooking time) or 2-1/2 pounds pork tenderloin (cook 3-4 hours).
- Barbecue Sauce: Use regular barbecue sauce with 1/2 teaspoon cayenne for spice, or a low-sugar version.
- Honey Mustard: Replace with Dijon mustard plus 1 teaspoon honey or yellow mustard.
- Pineapple: Use fresh crushed pineapple (8 ounces) or pineapple tidbits, drained.
- Buns: Swap with brioche buns, slider rolls, or gluten-free buns.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free barbecue sauce and buns.
- Spicy Kick: Add 1 sliced jalapeño or 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes with the pineapple.
- Hawaiian Twist: Top with a slice of grilled pineapple and a drizzle of teriyaki sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
- Trim any visible fat from 2-1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
- Measure 1/4 cup sweet and spicy barbecue sauce and 2 tablespoons honey mustard.
- Open 1 can (8 ounces) unsweetened crushed pineapple (do not drain).
- Split and toast 8 hamburger buns (toast in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or use a toaster).
- Prep optional toppings: wash Bibb lettuce leaves and thinly slice red onion.
Tip: Trim chicken for a leaner result; toast buns just before serving to keep them crisp.
Step 2: Prep the Slow Cooker
- Add Chicken: Place chicken breasts in a greased 4-quart slow cooker.
- Mix Sauce: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup barbecue sauce and 2 tablespoons honey mustard. Pour over the chicken, turning to coat.
Tip: Grease the slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking; ensure chicken is evenly coated with sauce.
Step 3: Slow Cook
- Cook on Low: Cover and cook on Low for 2.5-3 hours, until chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Tip: Check at 2.5 hours with a thermometer; avoid lifting the lid often to maintain heat.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
- Remove Chicken: Transfer chicken to a large bowl or cutting board. Discard the cooking liquid from the slow cooker.
- Shred: Using two forks, shred chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Return to Slow Cooker: Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
Tip: Shred finely for easy sandwich filling; wipe the slow cooker clean if desired before adding chicken back.
Step 5: Add Pineapple and Sauce
- Mix Ingredients: Add the remaining barbecue sauce (about 1-3/4 cups) and the undrained can of crushed pineapple to the shredded chicken. Stir to combine.
- Cook on High: Cover and cook on High for 15 minutes, until heated through and flavors meld.
Tip: Stir gently to coat chicken evenly; the short High cook ensures a warm, cohesive mixture.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
- Prep Buns: Place toasted bun bottoms on plates.
- Add Filling: Spoon about 1/2 cup chicken mixture onto each bun bottom.
- Add Toppings: If desired, top with Bibb lettuce leaves and thinly sliced red onion.
- Finish and Serve: Place bun tops on sandwiches and serve immediately.
Tip: Use a slotted spoon to avoid excess sauce on buns; serve extra sauce on the side for dipping if desired.