These slow cooker 4-ingredient Hawaiian chicken packets are the kind of easy party food that feels like a small miracle by suppertime. They bring together that old-fashioned Midwestern love of practical cooking with a sweet-and-savory island-inspired flavor that always gets folks hovering near the pot. I love recipes like this for busy gatherings, because you can tuck everything into foil ahead of time, stack the packets in the slow cooker, and let the day roll along while supper takes care of itself.
Serve these juicy packets with fluffy white rice, buttered noodles, or simple steamed vegetables to catch all that sticky pineapple glaze. For a summer spread, I like to put them out alongside coleslaw, baked beans, corn on the cob, or a big fruit salad. If you are feeding a crowd, set out extra pineapple and sliced green onions so everyone can dress up their packet after opening.
Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Hawaiian Chicken Packets
Servings: 4
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 can (20 ounces) pineapple chunks, drained
1 cup barbecue sauce
1/2 cup brown sugar
Directions
1. Tear four large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil and set them on the counter. Place one chicken breast in the center of each sheet.
2. In a bowl, stir together the barbecue sauce and brown sugar until smooth, then spoon the sauce evenly over the chicken. Top each piece with a portion of the drained pineapple chunks.
3. Fold the foil over each chicken breast and seal the edges tightly to make packets. Stand the packets upright and snug in a black slow cooker, stacking them like bricks if needed so they fit securely.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
5. Carefully open one packet to check doneness, then serve hot right in the foil or spoon the contents over rice, letting the sweet sauce run down into the side dish.
Variations & Tips
Use chicken thighs: If you like even richer, juicier meat, boneless skinless chicken thighs work beautifully here. They stay tender in the slow cooker and are a fine choice for potlucks where the food may sit a little while before serving.
Add a little color: A handful of sliced bell peppers or onion tucked into each packet makes these look extra cheerful and gives the sauce a little more body. It is a nice way to stretch the meal if you are feeding a few extra folks.
Keep the packets tight: Be sure to seal the foil well so the juices stay inside each bundle instead of running into the slow cooker. If your foil seems thin, double-wrap the packets for peace of mind.
Watch the cooking time: Chicken breasts can dry out if left too long, even in sauce. Start checking at the early end of the cooking range, especially if your slow cooker runs hot.
Make serving easy: For casual gatherings, set the packets out on a tray and let everybody open their own. For a sit-down supper, spoon the chicken and pineapple over rice and drizzle the sauce from the packet over the top.