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Slow Cooker One-Pot

Slow Cooker Hawaiian BBQ Pulled Pork with Pineapple

By PanPotPlates Test KitchenReviewed by PanPotPlates Editorial TeamPublished Apr 12, 2026 · Updated May 11, 2026
Hawaiian-Inspired 495 mins slowcookeronepotfamilydinnerbudget-friendlyfreezableflavorfulheartymealprepeasycomfortfood

This tender and juicy Slow Cooker Hawaiian BBQ Pulled Pork with Pineapple combines sweet pineapple chunks and smoky BBQ sauce for an irresistible tropical twist. Perfect for easy family meals, meal prep, and freezer-friendly comfort food that’s packed with flavor.

Slow Cooker Hawaiian BBQ Pulled Pork with Pineapple
Prep 15 min
Cook 480 min
Total 495 min
Servings 6
Difficulty easy
Cuisine Hawaiian-Inspired

Recipe Details

Prep15 min
Cook480 min
Total495 min
Servings6
Difficultyeasy
CuisineHawaiian-Inspired
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Ingredients

Servings 6
  • 4 lbs pork shoulder (bone-in or boneless), trimmed
  • 1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks in juice
  • 1 cup Hawaiian BBQ sauce
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Fresh cilantro or chopped green onions, for garnish
  • Burger buns or rice, for serving

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Rub the spice mixture evenly all over the pork.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer the pork to the slow cooker.
  3. Add sliced onions, minced garlic, pineapple chunks with juice, Hawaiian BBQ sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and soy sauce to the slow cooker around the pork. Stir gently to distribute the liquids.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the pork is very tender and easily shredded with a fork.
  5. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and transfer to a large plate or cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat, discarding any large pieces of fat.
  6. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix thoroughly with the cooking juices. Adjust seasoning with salt or additional BBQ sauce if needed.
  7. Serve the pulled pork on burger buns with extra sauce or over steamed rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions.
  8. Optional: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze in portions for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reader questions and answers for this recipe will appear here.

To customize this Slow Cooker Hawaiian BBQ Pulled Pork with Pineapple for dietary needs or pantry options, consider these ingredient swaps:

  • Pork shoulder: Substitute with boneless chicken thighs for a leaner option that cooks faster, or use canned shredded jackfruit for a vegan pulled “pork” texture alternative.
  • Hawaiian BBQ sauce: Swap with gluten-free BBQ sauce or flavored teriyaki sauce for varietal taste while maintaining the sweet-savory profile.
  • Chicken broth: Use vegetable broth or water for vegetarian, vegan, or dairy-free adaptations.
  • Brown sugar: Replace with coconut sugar or pure maple syrup to keep it wholesome and budget-friendly.
  • Soy sauce: Switch with tamari or coconut aminos to make the dish gluten-free and soy-free without losing umami flavor.
  • Olive oil: Use avocado oil or other neutral oils depending on preference or availability.
  • Pineapple chunks: Opt for fresh or frozen pineapple instead of canned to reduce added sugars and preservatives.

These substitutions help maintain the recipe’s ease, family-friendliness, and bold flavor profile while accommodating various dietary restrictions and pantry staples.

Pan Or Pot Required

This Slow Cooker Hawaiian BBQ Pulled Pork with Pineapple is a classic Slow Cooker One-Pot recipe designed for busy home cooks seeking flavor and convenience in one dish with minimal cleanup.

Cookware Needed:

  • Large skillet or frying pan: Perfect for searing the pork shoulder to build flavor and create a caramelized crust before slow cooking.
  • Slow cooker (crockpot): The essential appliance for slow cooking the pork with pineapple, smoky BBQ sauce, and seasonings to achieve tender, juicy pulled pork with very little active cooking time.

Serving choices like burger buns or rice don’t require additional specialized cookware, making this recipe an easy, hands-off meal solution.

This recipe fits well for those looking for easy, family-friendly, budget-friendly slow cooker meals, also suitable for freezer-friendly meal prep and leftovers.

Cookware Size Guidance

Use a slow cooker with at least 6 quarts (5.7 liters) capacity to comfortably fit the 4-pound pork shoulder plus pineapple, sauces, and liquids without overcrowding. This ensures even heat circulation and tender, flavorful results.

If your slow cooker is smaller (around 4-5 quarts), reduce the pork and accompanying ingredients proportionally to prevent overflow and ensure proper cooking.

Slow cookers larger than 7 quarts can be used, but excessive empty space may increase cooking time and affect texture. A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for meal prep portions and fits standard storage containers for leftovers.

Cookware Swap Guidance

This recipe is tailored for the slow cooker one-pot method, delivering tender, flavorful pulled pork with ease. If you don’t have a slow cooker, here are some alternative methods that work well:

  • Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker: Sear the pork using the sauté function, then pressure cook on high for about 60 minutes with natural release. This shortens cook time while maintaining tender, juicy pork—ideal for instantpot recipes.
  • Oven and Dutch Oven: Sear the pork in a heavy cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven, then cover and roast in the oven at 275–300°F for 4-5 hours. This slow roasting replicates slow cooker tenderness and suits one-pot comfort food fans.
  • Slow Cooker Alternatives: If slow cooking isn’t an option, a heavy-bottomed covered casserole dish in a low oven setting can provide moist, even cooking similar to a slow cooker environment.

Ensure any alternative cookware holds moisture well with a tight lid to keep pork juicy and tender. Avoid uncovered methods like simple roasting or grilling for this recipe’s tender texture.

Leftovers Quality

This Slow Cooker Hawaiian BBQ Pulled Pork with Pineapple is excellent as leftovers, maintaining tenderness and flavor for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

For longer storage, freeze portions in airtight freezer containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in a microwave, stirring occasionally to warm evenly. Adding a splash of BBQ sauce or chicken broth during reheating can help restore moisture and enhance flavor.

Its freezer-friendly nature and hearty taste make this pulled pork ideal for meal prep and quick family dinners.

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