Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe

Looking for a sweet, tangy, and ultra-tender chicken dish? This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is packed with flavor, combining juicy chicken, pineapple, and a rich, savory-sweet sauce that makes every bite irresistible. The slow cooker does all the work, making this a perfect meal for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Hawaiian-style chicken dishes are known for their balance of sweetness and savory flavors, and this version is no exception. The combination of pineapple, brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic creates a delicious sauce that coats the chicken perfectly. Whether you serve it over rice, noodles, or veggies, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!

Let’s dive into how to make this effortless and flavor-packed crockpot chicken.

What is Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken?

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a slow-cooked dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a sweet and tangy sauce, often made with pineapple, brown sugar, soy sauce, and seasonings. The slow cooker helps infuse the meat with deep flavor, making it incredibly juicy and fork-tender.

This dish is inspired by Hawaiian flavors, combining tropical sweetness with a hint of savory richness. It’s easy to customize with different veggies, spice levels, or even a crispy finish if you prefer to broil it at the end. Plus, it’s a great dump-and-go meal just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Crockpot Meal – Just toss everything in and let it cook!
• Juicy & Flavorful – Slow cooking ensures tender, sauce-infused chicken.
• Family-Friendly – A perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
• Pairs Well with Many Sides – Serve it with rice, veggies, or noodles.
• Great for Meal Prep – Leftovers store and reheat beautifully!

How to Make Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Quick Overview

Simply add chicken, sauce ingredients, and pineapple to the slow cooker. Let it cook, then thicken the sauce if needed before serving.

Key Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity	Preparation
Boneless chicken breasts	2 lbs	Cut into chunks or whole
Pineapple chunks	1 can (20 oz)	With juice
Soy sauce	½ cup	Adds savory depth
Brown sugar	¼ cup	Balances the tangy flavors
Garlic cloves	2 cloves	Minced
Ginger (optional)	1 tsp	Grated for extra flavor
Red bell pepper	1 large	Sliced
Cornstarch	2 tbsp	For thickening the sauce
Water	2 tbsp	Mix with cornstarch for slurry

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Slow Cooker

Start by lightly greasing the inside of your crockpot with cooking spray or a small amount of oil. This simple step helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup much easier. A well-greased slow cooker also ensures that the sauce coats the chicken evenly without burning at the edges.

Add Ingredients

Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker, either whole or cut into chunks for easier serving. Pour in the pineapple chunks along with their juice, allowing the natural sweetness to infuse into the dish. Next, add the soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger, creating a rich, savory-sweet flavor base. Finally, slice the red bell pepper into thin strips and scatter them over the top for a pop of color and freshness. Gently stir the mixture to ensure the sauce coats every ingredient evenly.

Cook

Cover with the lid and let the crockpot work its magic. Set the temperature to LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, depending on your schedule. As the chicken cooks, it absorbs the flavors of the sauce, becoming tender and juicy. By the end of the cooking time, the chicken should shred easily with a fork. If keeping the pieces whole, check that they are fully cooked by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Thicken the Sauce

About 30 minutes before serving, prepare a simple cornstarch slurry by mixing 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl. Stir the mixture into the crockpot, distributing it evenly throughout the sauce. Let it continue cooking uncovered, allowing the sauce to thicken to a silky, rich consistency. If a thicker texture is preferred, an additional teaspoon of cornstarch can be added.

Serve & Enjoy

Ladle the Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken over a warm bowl of steamed rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables, letting the sauce soak into the base for extra flavor. Garnish with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, or a drizzle of sriracha for a spicy kick. Serve immediately while hot, enjoying the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in every bite!

What Goes with Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Since Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken has a tropical, sweet, and savory flavor, it pairs well with a variety of sides. I recommend serving it with fluffy coconut rice, steamed broccoli, or Hawaiian sweet rolls to soak up the delicious sauce. For a more flavorful option, try garlic butter pasta or a side of spicy cabbage and sausage to balance the sweetness.

If you love easy and hearty meals, you’ll enjoy my Amish Country Casserole a rich, comforting dish that makes a great addition to any dinner table. For a fun, casual meal, serve this chicken with my Chicken Sliders or a fresh and filling Burger Bowl.

Looking for something extra cozy? Pair this dish with a creamy pasta like Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta or a warm, comforting bowl of Pastina Soup.

No matter what you serve with it, this Hawaiian-inspired chicken is guaranteed to be a family favorite!

Top Tips for Perfecting Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Making Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is easy, but a few simple tips will help you get the best flavor and texture every time. Follow these tricks to ensure your dish is perfectly cooked, well-balanced, and packed with delicious tropical flavors.

1. Use Fresh Pineapple for Extra Flavor

While canned pineapple is convenient, using fresh pineapple chunks makes a big difference in taste. If using fresh, add ½ cup pineapple juice to maintain the right balance of sweetness and acidity in the sauce.

2. For a Crispy Finish, Broil the Chicken

If you love a slight caramelized crust, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and broil it on a baking sheet for 3-5 minutes. This gives the edges a delicious golden-brown glaze while keeping the inside juicy.

3. Adjust Sweetness to Your Preference

Prefer a less sweet dish? Reduce the brown sugar slightly or balance it with a dash of apple cider vinegar for a tangy contrast.

4. Thicken the Sauce Properly

For a smooth, rich sauce, always mix cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the slow cooker. This prevents clumping and ensures a silky consistency.

5. Add Heat for a Spicy Kick

If you like a little spice, sprinkle in red pepper flakes, sriracha, or diced jalapeños for a subtle heat that balances the sweetness.

Follow these tips for the most flavorful, tender, and perfectly balanced Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken!

Storing and Reheating Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Proper storage and reheating will keep your Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken fresh and just as flavorful as when it was first made. Follow these easy methods to maintain the best texture and taste.

Refrigeration

Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping it sealed helps preserve moisture and prevents the chicken from drying out. If possible, store the chicken and sauce separately from any sides like rice to maintain their best texture.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken in a sealed, freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 3 months. To prevent freezer burn, remove as much air as possible before sealing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for the best results.

Reheating

• Stovetop: Heat over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce from thickening too much.
• Microwave: Warm in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating.

These simple steps will help you enjoy your Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken even after it’s been stored!

FAQs About Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

How do you cook Hawaiian chicken in a slow cooker?

Making Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is incredibly simple. Just place chicken, pineapple chunks (with juice), soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and seasonings in the slow cooker. Stir everything together to coat the chicken well, then cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shredded. If you want a thicker sauce, add a cornstarch slurry (2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Is it okay to put raw chicken in a slow cooker?

Yes! The slow cooker is designed to safely cook raw chicken as long as it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. There’s no need to pre-cook the chicken before adding it to the crockpot. To ensure even cooking, avoid stacking large pieces of chicken and always cook with enough liquid to prevent drying out.

How to make sweet and sour chicken in a slow cooker?

To give this dish a sweet and tangy twist, add ¼ cup vinegar, ¼ cup ketchup, and 1 tablespoon honey to the sauce mixture. This creates a delicious sweet and sour flavor that pairs perfectly with rice or noodles.

How to thicken sweet Hawaiian chicken sauce?

To thicken the sauce, mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and stir it into the slow cooker 30 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to reach the perfect consistency without becoming too thick or clumpy.

Is it better to cook chicken on high or low in a crockpot?

Cooking on LOW heat for 5-6 hours produces the most tender and juicy chicken because it allows the flavors to develop gradually. However, if you’re short on time, cooking on HIGH for 3-4 hours will still yield great results—just be careful not to overcook, as chicken breast can dry out more quickly on high heat.

This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is an easy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any night of the week give it a try!

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