Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a perfect mix of tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and a sweet, tangy sauce that makes your mouth water. The slow cooker does all the work, letting the flavors blend beautifully while the chicken becomes super soft and tasty. It’s easy to toss together and then just let it cook all day while you go about your busy schedule.
I love making this when I want a simple yet flavorful meal without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. The pineapple adds a fresh burst of sweetness that balances the savory chicken nicely. Sometimes I mix in a little extra soy sauce or ginger to suit my taste, but even the basic recipe is a total winner every time. It’s one of those dishes that makes me feel like I’m having a little bit of a tropical escape at home.
My favorite way to serve this is over a bed of fluffy white rice or with some steamed veggies on the side. It also works great as a filling for wraps or sandwiches if you want to switch things up. Friends and family always ask for this one again, and it’s a go-to for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. I can’t recommend it enough if you want something tasty with minimal effort and maximum comfort.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I prefer thighs for their juiciness, but breasts work well and cook a bit faster. Either way, boneless and skinless keep things simple and tender.
Pineapple: Use canned chunks in juice for sweetness and moisture. If fresh pineapple is available, that’s a fresh option but keep the juice handy for flavor.
Soy sauce: Adds savory saltiness and depth. For low-sodium needs, choose a light soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free version.
Brown sugar: Sweetens and balances the tangy flavors. You can swap with honey or maple syrup if you want a natural sweetener.
Ginger & garlic: Fresh or ground, both give the sauce a warm, aromatic touch. Fresh grated garlic and ginger give brighter flavors if you have the time.
How Do You Get the Sauce Thick and Glossy?
After slow cooking, the sauce can be a bit thin. Thickening it gives that nice coating on the chicken.
- Mix cornstarch with cold water to make a smooth slurry—no lumps!
- Simmer the reserved sauce liquid in a saucepan, then slowly whisk in the slurry.
- Keep stirring till the sauce thickens and looks shiny.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water to loosen it to your liking.
This step makes the sauce rich and perfect for spooning over rice. It’s quick and really improves the final dish!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crockpot/slow cooker – It cooks the chicken slowly and keeps the flavors juicy and tender without much effort.
- Mixing bowl – Great for whisking together the sauce ingredients easily before adding to the crockpot.
- Measuring cups and spoons – To keep your ingredient amounts accurate for the best flavor balance.
- Small bowl and whisk – For mixing the cornstarch slurry smoothly to thicken the sauce later on.
- Saucepan – Useful for simmering and thickening the sauce once the chicken is cooked.
- Slotted spoon – Helps to lift chicken and pineapple out without too much sauce, making serving neat.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use pork instead of chicken for a richer, slightly fattier meal that still pairs great with pineapple.
- Add diced bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch and fresh, colorful veggies.
- Mix in a splash of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat with your sweet sauce.
- Top with chopped macadamia nuts or toasted coconut for a tropical texture contrast that’s fun and tasty.
Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Sauce:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks in juice, drained (reserve juice)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger (or 1 tsp fresh grated ginger)
- 1 small red bell pepper, chopped into bite-sized pieces
For Thickening the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
For Serving and Garnish:
- 3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Cooked white rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish needs about 10 minutes of prep to get everything ready. Then, the crockpot does its magic for 3 hours on high or 6 hours on low. After cooking, a few more minutes are needed to thicken the sauce and serve. Overall, it’s a super easy meal that cooks itself while you go about your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken and Pineapple:
Place the chicken pieces evenly into the bottom of your crockpot. Add the drained pineapple chunks and chopped red bell pepper on top of the chicken.
2. Make the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the reserved pineapple juice, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, minced garlic, and ginger until the sugar dissolves completely. Pour this sauce evenly over the chicken and fruit in the crockpot.
3. Cook the Dish:
Cover your crockpot. Cook on low for about 6 hours, or on high for around 3 hours, until the chicken is very tender and cooked through.
4. Remove Chicken and Veggies:
Carefully use a slotted spoon to take out the chicken, pineapple, and red peppers. Place them in a serving dish to keep warm.
5. Thicken the Sauce:
Mix cornstarch with water in a small bowl to create a smooth slurry. Pour the liquid left in the crockpot into a small saucepan. Heat it over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry and keep stirring for a few minutes until the sauce thickens nicely.
6. Combine and Serve:
Pour the thickened sauce back over the chicken and pineapple. Serve hot over cooked white rice. Garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh touch that adds color and flavor.
Enjoy your Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken—a tender, flavorful meal with just the right balance of sweet and savory, perfect for a comforting dinner with a tropical twist!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely before adding it to the crockpot. Thaw overnight in the fridge or use the cold water method for quicker thawing. This helps ensure even cooking and food safety.
Can I Make Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything up to placing the ingredients in the crockpot, then refrigerate overnight. Just cook the next day as instructed. Leftovers also store well in the fridge for 3-4 days and reheat nicely.
How Can I Thicken the Sauce Without Cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use arrowroot powder or flour as alternatives. Mix them with cold water to make a slurry and add it to the simmering sauce. Just cook a bit longer to remove any raw flour taste.
What’s the Best Way to Serve This Dish?
Serving over fluffy white rice is classic and perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce. You can also try it over quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or use the chicken as a flavorful filling for wraps or sandwiches.
