Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a flavorful, tropical-inspired dish that brings the taste of the islands right to your dinner table with minimal effort. It’s a slow cooker recipe that delivers juicy, tender chicken coated in a sticky-sweet and tangy pineapple sauce. This dish captures that perfect balance of sweet and savory, using pantry-friendly ingredients like soy sauce, brown sugar, and pineapple chunks. As the chicken simmers low and slow in the crockpot, it soaks up every bit of the sauce, making it irresistibly flavorful and fall-apart tender by dinnertime.
One of the best reasons to make Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is how effortless it is. Just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, turn it on, and let it do all the work. It’s perfect for busy weekdays, meal prepping, or when you want something satisfying without hovering over the stove. Plus, the smell that fills your kitchen as it cooks is mouthwatering. Serve it over rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. The sweet pineapple flavor appeals to kids and adults alike, making it a great family-friendly meal.
This dish also stands out because it can be dressed up or down. You can keep it simple for a weeknight dinner or add sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a more elegant presentation. It’s ideal for potlucks, gatherings, or just when you want something cozy and delicious without breaking a sweat. With easy prep, amazing flavor, and crowd-pleasing appeal, this Hawaiian-inspired chicken will become a regular on your menu.
Storage Options
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Summary
Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is an easy, slow-cooked dish featuring tender chicken in a tangy-sweet pineapple sauce that’s perfect over rice or noodles.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy to prepare, family-friendly, packed with tropical flavor, great for meal prep, and uses simple ingredients.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
Crockpot or slow cooker
Mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Tongs or spoon for serving
Knife and cutting board
Tips for Success
Use boneless chicken thighs for extra tenderness
Don’t overcook—check at 4 hours on low for doneness
Add pineapple juice to the sauce for stronger flavor
Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds for color
Ingredients
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 cup pineapple chunks (with juice)
½ cup soy sauce
½ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
2 tablespoons water (if thickening sauce)
Directions
Place chicken in the crockpot.
In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and ground ginger. Pour over chicken. Add pineapple chunks and juice.
Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until chicken is tender.
Optional: To thicken sauce, remove chicken and set aside. Whisk cornstarch and water, add to sauce, and cook on high for 10–15 minutes until thickened. Return chicken to crockpot.
Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Additional Tips or Variations
Add bell peppers or onions for more color and texture
Use crushed pineapple for a smoother sauce
Swap soy sauce for coconut aminos for a gluten-free version
Add a splash of sriracha for a spicy kick
