Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe

Tangy Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe for Paradise Flavor

Tucking into a mouthwatering sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken brings comfort right to your dinner table.

Culinary magic happens when tropical flavors blend with tender, juicy meat.

Pineapple and savory spices dance together, creating a delightful meal that feels like a mini vacation.

Slow cooking ensures each bite melts with rich, complex tastes.

Simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary without complicated techniques.

Home cooks appreciate how minimal effort yields maximum flavor satisfaction.

Come discover this effortless recipe that’ll transport you to island paradise with just one spoonful.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add 1-2 hours to the cooking time and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make it completely gluten-free. Regular soy sauce contains wheat.

  • What can I substitute if I don't have fresh pineapple?

Canned pineapple chunks work perfectly. Just drain the juice before adding to the crockpot to prevent excess liquid.

  • How spicy is this Hawaiian chicken?

This recipe is mild and sweet. If you want heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha sauce to the mixture.

Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken – Why It’s a Must-Make

  • Toss ingredients into the crockpot and let it work its magic without constant monitoring, perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious meals with minimal effort.
  • Sweet and tangy Hawaiian-inspired sauce transforms ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering dish that will have everyone asking for seconds, making it ideal for family dinners or potluck gatherings.
  • Serve over rice, in tacos, on salads, or as a sandwich filling, giving you multiple meal options from a single recipe and making meal planning a breeze.
  • Uses common pantry staples and just a few simple ingredients, allowing even novice cooks to create a restaurant-quality meal without complicated techniques or expensive components.

Grocery List for Crockpot Chicken (Sweet Hawaiian)

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender, lean meat that becomes soft and flavorful when slow-cooked in the Hawaiian-inspired sauce.
Fruit and Sweet Components:
  • Pineapple Chunks: Juicy tropical fruit that adds natural sweetness and helps tenderize the chicken during cooking.
  • Brown Sugar: Provides a rich, caramel-like sweetness that balances the savory elements of the dish.
Sauce and Seasoning:
  • Soy Sauce, Ketchup, Minced Garlic, Black Pepper: A combination of umami, tangy, and spicy flavors that create a delicious Hawaiian-style sauce for the chicken.

Crockpot Chicken, the Effortless Way

Step 1: Prep Crockpot With Chicken

Gently lay chicken breasts flat along the bottom of your slow cooker, creating an even single layer that will absorb all the delicious Hawaiian flavors.

Step 2: Sprinkle Tropical Fruit

Distribute sweet golden pineapple chunks evenly over the chicken, allowing the juicy fruit to nestle between the meat pieces.

Step 3: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
  • Soy sauce
  • Brown sugar
  • Ketchup
  • Minced garlic
  • Freshly cracked black pepper

Whisk all ingredients together until the sauce looks smooth and well-blended.

Step 4: Drench Chicken With Sauce

Pour the vibrant sauce directly over the chicken and pineapple, ensuring every piece gets thoroughly coated with the sweet and savory mixture.

Step 5: Slow Cook To Perfection

Cover the crockpot and set to low temperature.

Allow the chicken to simmer and cook for approximately 4 hours, or until the meat becomes tender and fully cooked through.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Use two forks to shred the chicken right in the pot, mixing it with the sauce and pineapple chunks.

Alternatively, serve the chicken breasts whole for a more rustic presentation.

Enjoy this tropical-inspired dish over rice or with your favorite side.

Handy Notes for Sweet Hawaiian Chicken Fans

  • Add a splash of rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar to the sauce for a tangy background note that enhances the sweet-savory balance.
  • Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts and avoid overcooking by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F for tender, juicy meat.
  • Swap regular soy sauce with low-sodium version to control salt intake without compromising the rich Hawaiian-inspired taste.
  • Freeze leftover chicken in individual portions for quick weeknight dinners or lunch bowls with rice or quinoa.
  • Replace traditional soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the recipe completely gluten-free while maintaining authentic flavor profile.

How to Store Crockpot Chicken

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the chicken completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
  • Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or reserved sauce to prevent drying. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, add a splash of chicken broth or sauce to maintain moisture. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

What Tastes Great with Crockpot Chicken

  • Complement Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken with Refreshing Coconut Rice: Prepare fluffy white rice cooked in coconut milk to balance the dish's sweet and tangy flavors.
  • Pair with Crisp Tropical Beverage: Serve a chilled Hawaiian punch or a light pineapple mojito that echoes the tropical notes of the chicken's pineapple sauce.
  • Match with Crunchy Asian Slaw: Create a zesty coleslaw with cabbage, carrots, and a light sesame dressing to provide textural contrast and enhance the meal's Hawaiian-inspired profile.
  • Serve alongside Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Prepare colorful vegetable skewers with bell peppers, zucchini, and onions grilled with a light teriyaki glaze to complement the chicken's sweet and savory elements.

Give Crockpot Chicken a Fresh Spin

  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace traditional soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the recipe gluten-free. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Low-Sodium Version: Use reduced-sodium soy sauce and skip added salt. Select low-sodium ketchup to decrease overall sodium content while maintaining flavor profile.
  • Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or jackfruit chunks. Prepare plant-based protein similarly by marinating and slow-cooking with identical sauce ingredients.
  • Spicy Hawaiian Kick: Add sriracha sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture for those who enjoy extra heat. Adjust spice levels according to personal preference.
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Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe


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4.6 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 10 1x

Description

Succulent Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken brings tropical flavors dancing across your dinner plate with irresistible island-inspired ingredients. Juicy chicken breasts simmered in a tangy pineapple sauce promise a quick, delicious meal that transports you to paradise with minimal kitchen effort.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 34 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Fruits and Vegetables:

  • 1 cup pineapple chunks (canned in juice)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • Chopped green onions (for garnish)

Sauces and Seasonings:

  • 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup ketchup

Instructions

  1. Arrange chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly spread.
  2. Distribute drained pineapple chunks uniformly over the chicken, creating a vibrant tropical base.
  3. Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, freshly minced garlic, and cracked black pepper in a mixing bowl, whisking until the ingredients form a harmonious glaze.
  4. Carefully drizzle the prepared sauce across the chicken and pineapple, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
  5. Secure the crockpot lid and set the temperature to low, allowing the chicken to simmer gently for 4 hours or until the meat reaches a tender, fully cooked consistency.
  6. Once cooking is complete, use two forks to delicately shred the chicken within the pot, allowing it to absorb the remaining sauce and pineapple juices.
  7. Serve the succulent Hawaiian-inspired chicken either shredded or in whole pieces, accompanied by the rich, sweet sauce and tender pineapple chunks.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken breasts are of similar size for even cooking, preventing dry or undercooked sections.
  • Drain pineapple thoroughly to avoid excess liquid making the sauce too watery and diluting flavors.
  • Use low-sodium soy sauce if watching salt intake, maintaining the dish’s delicious taste while reducing sodium content.
  • For a gluten-free version, replace traditional soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, keeping the Hawaiian-inspired flavor profile intact.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 10
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 3g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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