Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe
If you’re looking for a dish that will transport your tastebuds to a breezy island getaway, Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is exactly what you need. This recipe is bursting with tropical pineapple flavor, savory notes from soy sauce and ginger, and just enough sweetness to keep every bite irresistible. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Let your slow cooker do all the work while you enjoy the mouthwatering aromas wafting through your kitchen—by dinnertime, you’ll have fork-tender chicken soaked in a glossy, sweet-savory sauce, just waiting to be spooned over rice and devoured.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is refreshingly simple, yet every item plays a starring role in creating its deliciously complex flavor. Reach for the freshest ingredients you can find—each one adds a unique texture, splash of color, or pop of taste that comes together in the slow cooker like magic.
- Chicken thighs or breasts (2 pounds): Opt for boneless, skinless pieces for easy shredding and maximum tenderness as they slow cook.
- Pineapple juice (1 cup): This is the secret to the dish’s bright, signature sweetness and tropical flair.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Adds a deep, warm sweetness that balances the savory elements of the sauce.
- Soy sauce (1/3 cup): Brings an essential salty note, grounding all that pineapple goodness with some umami depth.
- Ketchup (1/4 cup): Adds tang and helps create that irresistibly glossy, thick sauce.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Used as a thickener, it ensures your sauce is velvety and clings beautifully to each piece of chicken.
- Cold water (2 tablespoons): Whisked with cornstarch for a lump-free, smooth slurry.
- Red bell pepper, chopped: For gorgeous color and a subtle, sweet crunch that pairs perfectly with the sauce.
- Green bell pepper, chopped: A pop of vibrant green and a gentle peppery bite.
- Pineapple chunks (1 cup): Use fresh for the best texture—they soak up the sauce and become little flavor bombs.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Provides a mellow, savory backbone to all the island flavors.
- Ground ginger (1/2 teaspoon): Lends subtle warmth and a gentle zing that brightens up the sauce.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to balance out the sweetness without overpowering the dish.
- Cooked white rice: Essential for serving, soaking up every last drop of the sweet, savory sauce.
How to Make Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Start by greasing the bottom of your crockpot with a little oil or nonstick spray. This step keeps everything from sticking as the sauce thickens and makes cleanup a breeze. Place your chicken thighs or breasts right in the bottom—there’s no need to cut them up, as they’ll become wonderfully tender as they cook.
Step 2: Mix the Flavorful Sauce
Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic powder, ground ginger, and black pepper. Take a moment to inhale—the mixture is already fragrant and promises big flavor. Pour this sauce evenly over the chicken, ensuring every piece gets well coated.
Step 3: Add the Veggies and Pineapple
Scatter the chopped red and green bell peppers along with the pineapple chunks right into the crockpot. As everything simmers, the veggies will soften and soak up that beautiful, sweet-savory sauce, and the pineapple will become delightfully caramelized and juicy.
Step 4: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover your crockpot and set it on low for 5 to 6 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. During this time, Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken transforms—the chicken turns irresistible and fork-tender, and the sauce thickens slightly thanks to all the flavors mingling together.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
About 20 to 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, whisk the cornstarch and cold water together until smooth. Stir this slurry into the crockpot to thicken the sauce. You’ll notice it turns glossy and coats the chicken and veggies perfectly, making every bite a saucy delight.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon generous helpings of the chicken, veggies, and sauce over fluffy cooked white rice. If you love a little extra flair, garnish with sliced green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for crunch and freshness.
How to Serve Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Garnishes
When it comes to the final touches for Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken, a handful of sliced green onions adds a pop of color and sharp freshness. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for a subtle crunch, or even top with a light dusting of chopped fresh cilantro for a fragrant, herby lift. These little extras take the whole dish from comforting to truly show-stopping.
Side Dishes
Fluffy white rice is the classic partner, soaking up every luscious drop of that sweet and savory sauce. For something different, try coconut rice for extra creamy, tropical notes or serve with steamed broccoli and snap peas for a crisp, bright contrast. A simple side salad with a citrusy dressing also plays well with the pineapple tones here.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? For a fun twist, serve Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken in hollowed-out pineapple halves or over a bed of sautéed greens instead of rice. You can even shred the chicken and pile it high onto slider buns with pickled veggies for a Hawaiian-inspired sandwich at your next picnic or party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers will keep beautifully! Simply transfer the cooled Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken (with plenty of sauce) into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to four days, making it a perfect option for meal prepping lunches throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want that tropical flavor on demand, Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken freezes like a dream. Once cooled, spoon portions into freezer-safe bags or containers, making sure to include enough sauce to keep it moist. Freeze for up to three months—just label your containers so you remember the magic waiting inside.
Reheating
To reheat, simply thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge if needed, then warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot and bubbly. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water or pineapple juice to loosen it up and restore its glossy texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Both thighs and breasts work beautifully in this recipe—just know that thighs tend to be a bit more forgiving and stay juicy even after long, slow cooking. If you use breasts, make sure not to overcook them for the most tender results.
Is Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken gluten-free?
Yes, it can easily be made gluten-free by swapping in tamari or your favorite gluten-free soy sauce. Double-check your ketchup and other condiments just to be safe, and you’re good to go.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in snap peas, carrots, or even baby corn for a heartier, veggie-rich meal. Just chop everything to similar sizes so they cook evenly alongside the chicken and peppers.
What’s the best way to shred the chicken?
Once the chicken is fully cooked, simply use two forks to pull it apart right in the slow cooker. This helps it soak up even more of that tasty sauce, turning it into a Hawaiian-style pulled chicken you can serve over rice or in buns.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes! Double all the ingredients and use a large (6- to 8-quart) crockpot. Be mindful that cooking times may be a bit longer, so keep an eye on doneness or use a meat thermometer to be sure the chicken is cooked through.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend trying Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken enough—it’s easy, packed with bright island flavor, and sure to bring a smile to anyone gathered around your table. Give it a shot, share with friends, and let your kitchen feel like a little tropical getaway any night of the week!
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Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken recipe is a delicious blend of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. Tender chicken cooked in a flavorful pineapple sauce, served over white rice, is sure to be a family favorite.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Sauce:
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- Cooked white rice for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Place the chicken in the bottom of a greased crockpot.
- Make Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic powder, ground ginger, and black pepper. Pour over the chicken.
- Add Ingredients: Add chopped bell peppers and pineapple chunks to the crockpot.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until chicken is tender.
- Thicken Sauce: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and cold water. Stir the slurry into the crockpot during the last 20 to 30 minutes of cooking.
- Serve: Serve chicken and sauce over cooked white rice.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use fresh pineapple juice and freshly chopped pineapple.
- You can shred the chicken before serving for a pulled-style dish.
- Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Hawaiian, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup chicken with sauce
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 670 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
