Description
Ever wanted a sandwich that’s juicy, sweet, spicy, and totally irresistible? Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Chicken Sandwiches are the perfect recipe! This slow-cooker dish combines tender shredded chicken, tangy pineapple, and bold barbecue sauce, all piled high on toasted buns
Ingredients
Scale
This recipe makes 8 sandwiches and uses simple ingredients for a bold, tropical dish. Here’s what you’ll need for the original (1x) recipe:
- 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 toppings: Bibb lettuce leaves, thinly sliced red onion
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that shreds easily and absorbs the sauce’s flavors.
- Barbecue Sauce: Sweet and spicy variety adds a tangy, bold base with a kick.
- Honey Mustard: Brings a sweet-tangy depth to complement the barbecue sauce.
- Crushed Pineapple: Adds juicy, tropical sweetness and texture.
- Hamburger Buns: Provide a soft, toasty base to hold the juicy filling.
- Optional Toppings: Bibb lettuce adds crunch, and red onion brings a sharp, fresh bite.
Substitutions and Variations
- Chicken: Swap with boneless chicken thighs for juicier meat or pork tenderloin (cook 3-4 hours).
- Barbecue Sauce: Use regular barbecue sauce with 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes for spice, or a smoky variety for a different flavor.
- Honey Mustard: Replace with Dijon mustard or 1 tablespoon honey plus 1 tablespoon yellow mustard.
- Pineapple: Use fresh crushed pineapple or pineapple tidbits (drained slightly).
- Buns: Swap with brioche buns, Hawaiian rolls, or lettuce wraps for low-carb.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free buns and check barbecue sauce and mustard for additives.
- Lower Sugar: Use a low-sugar barbecue sauce and reduce pineapple to 1/2 can.
- Spicy Kick: Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne or sliced jalapeños with the pineapple.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in 1/2 cup diced bell peppers or shredded carrots with the pineapple.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
- Pat 2-1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- Measure 1/4 cup sweet and spicy barbecue sauce (from an 18-ounce bottle) and 2 tablespoons honey mustard.
- Open 1 can (8 ounces) unsweetened crushed pineapple (undrained).
- Split 8 hamburger buns and set aside for toasting later.
- Prep optional toppings: wash Bibb lettuce leaves and thinly slice red onion.
Tip: Drying the chicken helps it absorb the sauce better.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Place Chicken: Arrange chicken breasts in a 4-quart slow cooker.
- Add Sauce: Combine 1/4 cup barbecue sauce and 2 tablespoons honey mustard; pour over chicken, turning to coat.
- Cook: Cover and cook on Low for 2.5-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
Tip: Check at 2.5 hours; smaller breasts cook faster.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
- Remove Chicken: Transfer chicken to a cutting board and discard the cooking liquid.
- Shred: Shred chicken with two forks into bite-sized pieces.
- Return to Slow Cooker: Place shredded chicken back in the slow cooker.
Tip: Shred finely for a cohesive filling that’s easy to pile on buns.
Step 4: Add Pineapple and Sauce
- Mix In: Add 1 can (8 ounces) crushed pineapple (with juice) and the remaining barbecue sauce (about 1-1/2 cups) to the chicken. Stir to combine.
- Cook Again: Cover and cook on High for 15 minutes, until heated through and flavors meld.
Tip: Stir halfway to ensure even coating of the sauce.
Step 5: Toast Buns and Assemble
- Toast Buns: Split 8 hamburger buns and toast under a broiler for 1-2 minutes or in a toaster oven until golden.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Spoon the chicken mixture onto the bottom halves of the toasted buns. Add optional toppings like Bibb lettuce and red onion, then place the top buns.
Tip: Toast buns just before serving to keep them crisp against the juicy filling.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve sandwiches hot, with extra napkins for the saucy goodness. Pair with sides like coleslaw or fries if desired.