If you have a craving for something that’s both comforting and bursting with tropical flavor, you’ll absolutely love this Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that effortlessly combines juicy, tender chicken with the vibrant sweetness of pineapple and a savory hint of soy sauce, all cooked low and slow to meld the flavors beautifully. Perfect for busy days and family dinners, this recipe brings the taste of the islands right to your kitchen without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a special role in creating that perfect balance of sweet and savory flavor. From the tangy pineapple juice to the fresh bell peppers, every component adds depth, color, and texture to this easy crockpot meal.
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs): Choose thighs for extra juiciness or breasts for lean protein, both soak up the sauce beautifully.
- 1 cup pineapple juice: Adds natural sweetness and tropical tang to infuse the chicken.
- ½ cup brown sugar: Provides a rich caramel-like sweetness that balances the savory elements.
- ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce: Brings a salty, umami depth without overpowering the pineapple’s sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce into that perfect glaze consistency.
- 2 tablespoons water: Helps dissolve the cornstarch for a smooth sauce texture.
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped: Adds vibrant color and a mild sweetness with a satisfying crunch.
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped: Offers a crisp, slightly bitter contrast that brightens the dish.
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained): Delivers juicy bursts of fruity sweetness throughout the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with aromatic depth and a savory kick.
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional): Adds warmth and a little zing that complements the pineapple perfectly.
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional): For a fresh, nutty finishing touch that makes the dish pop visually and flavor-wise.
How to Make Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Sauce
Start by placing your chicken breasts or thighs neatly in the bottom of your crockpot. This slow cooker magic begins here! In a separate bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and if you’re using it, fresh grated ginger. This blend is your sauce base and will soak into the chicken, infusing every bite with Hawaiian-inspired goodness.
Step 2: Cook Low and Slow
Pour the sauce over the chicken to ensure it’s fully covered and cover your crockpot with the lid. Set the cooker either on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. This slow cooking is crucial for transforming your chicken into tender, juicy perfection that falls apart easily when shredded.
Step 3: Add Peppers and Pineapple
Once your chicken has cooked most of the way, it’s time to add the chopped red and green bell peppers along with the pineapple chunks. These vibrant ingredients will cook just enough in the last 30 minutes to stay crisp yet meld beautifully with the sweet and tangy sauce.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir this slurry into the crockpot, cover, and cook for the final 30 minutes. This step thickens your sauce into a luscious glaze that clings to every shred of chicken, making each mouthful incredibly satisfying.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Before serving, decide if you want to shred or slice the chicken—it works wonderfully either way. For an extra layer of flavor and texture, sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top. You’re now ready to dig into this amazing Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe!
How to Serve Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes elevate this dish from delicious to truly restaurant-worthy. Thinly sliced green onions add a burst of fresh, mild onion flavor, while toasted sesame seeds bring a subtle nuttiness that contrasts beautifully with the sweet pineapple sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of red pepper flakes can kick up the heat just a little.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs perfectly with a variety of sides to create a complete meal. Serve it over fluffy white or brown rice to soak up all that incredible sauce. For a lower-carb option, steamed cauliflower rice works just as well. You can also try it alongside noodles or even a fresh green salad to add crunch and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests or just make your weeknight dinner a bit more special? Serve the Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe inside buttery toasted buns for Hawaiian-style sliders, or spoon it into lettuce wraps for a fresh, handheld option. Adding a few slices of fresh avocado or a dash of coconut flakes can amplify the tropical vibe, making this dish as fun to serve as it is to eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve moisture and flavor so you can enjoy quick, satisfying meals all week long.
Freezing
If you want to save this dish for a longer time, freezing is a great option. Place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. When properly stored, it will maintain its flavor and texture for up to three months—perfect for preparing meals ahead of a busy schedule.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Take care not to overheat as the chicken is already tender; warming just until heated through will keep it juicy and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are perfectly suited for this Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe. They tend to be more tender and juicy after slow cooking, offering a richer flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweet and savory sauce.
Is it necessary to add fresh ginger?
The ginger is optional but highly recommended if you enjoy a little warmth and spice in your dishes. It adds complexity and depth to the sauce without overpowering the other flavors.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot by using the sauté function to mix the sauce, then pressure cooking the chicken for about 10 minutes. Just add the peppers and pineapple at the end and use the sauté function again to thicken the sauce with the cornstarch slurry.
What can I substitute for soy sauce to make it gluten-free?
To keep this dish gluten-free, simply use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Both options will maintain the savory umami flavor without gluten.
How spicy is this dish?
This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe is not spicy by default—it’s meant to be a sweet and savory delight. However, if you’d like some heat, adding red pepper flakes while cooking or garnishing with sliced fresh chili peppers is a great way to customize the spice level to your liking.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about how the flavors of this Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe come together. It’s an absolutely wonderful dish to add to your weekly rotation because it’s easy, flavorful, and loved by all ages. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again—soothing, tropical, and utterly satisfying.
Print
Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours (on low)
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a flavorful and tender slow-cooked dish that combines juicy chicken breasts with a sweet and tangy pineapple sauce, bell peppers, and a hint of ginger and garlic. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, it’s easy to prepare and ideal for serving over rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- ½ cup brown sugar
- â…“ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
Vegetables and Thickeners
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Garnish
- Sliced green onions (optional)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot, ensuring they are evenly spread out.
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, brown sugar, low-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger (if using) until well combined.
- Combine and Cook: Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken in the crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Add Vegetables and Pineapple: About 30 minutes before cooking ends, add the chopped red and green bell peppers along with the pineapple chunks to the crockpot, stirring gently to combine.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the crockpot, cover again, and cook for the remaining 30 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve: Once cooked, shred or slice the chicken before serving. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Serve over rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce before cooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Use gluten-free soy sauce to keep the recipe gluten-free.
