Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken is an easy, flavorful slow cooker dinner made with tender chicken coated in a sticky, sweet-and-savory sauce. This recipe is inspired by classic Hawaiian flavors using pineapple, soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic to create a glossy glaze that clings perfectly to the chicken. It’s a hands-off meal that cooks low and slow, making it ideal for busy days, family dinners, or meal prep. The chicken turns incredibly tender and juicy, while the sauce thickens into a rich, caramelized coating that looks just like the image.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Uses simple pantry ingredients with big flavor
- Slow cooker does all the work
- Chicken turns tender and juicy every time
- Sweet and savory Hawaiian-style sauce
- Perfect over rice or noodles
- Family-friendly and great for leftovers
Ingredients
- 2 to 2½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts
- 1 cup pineapple juice (from canned pineapple or bottled)
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons honey (optional but recommended for shine)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening, optional)
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, honey, garlic, ginger, and black pepper until fully combined and smooth.
Step 2: Add Chicken to Crock Pot
Place the chicken pieces in the bottom of the slow cooker in a single layer. Pour the prepared Hawaiian sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure all pieces are coated.
Step 3: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. The chicken should easily shred with a fork.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce (Optional but Recommended)
If you want a thicker, glossy sauce like the image, remove the chicken and whisk the cornstarch slurry into the sauce. Cover and cook on HIGH for 15–20 minutes until the sauce thickens. Return the chicken to the crock pot and spoon the sauce over the top.
Step 5: Finish and Garnish
Stir gently to coat the chicken completely. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Cooking Notes
- Chicken thighs give the juiciest result, but chicken breasts work well too
- Do not overcook on HIGH or chicken may dry out
- Low-sodium soy sauce is best to avoid overly salty sauce
- Sauce thickens more as it cools
- For extra caramelization, you can broil the chicken for 5 minutes after cooking
Variations
- Add pineapple chunks for more texture
- Stir in red bell peppers during the last hour
- Make it spicy by adding chili flakes or sriracha
- Use chicken drumsticks for a budget-friendly option
- Replace honey with maple syrup for a different sweetness
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over steamed white rice or jasmine rice
- Pair with fried rice or coconut rice
- Serve with roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli
- Use leftovers in wraps or rice bowls
- Add sesame seeds for extra presentation
Tips
- Spray crock pot lightly to prevent sticking
- Let sauce cool slightly for maximum thickness
- Taste sauce before serving and adjust sweetness if needed
- Double the sauce if serving a large crowd
- This dish tastes even better the next day
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 5–6 hours (LOW) or 3–4 hours (HIGH)
Total Time: About 6 hours
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Approx. 380 calories
30g protein
9g fat
40g carbs
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but thawing first is recommended for even cooking and better texture.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, store in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat gently.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, freeze cooked chicken and sauce for up to 2 months.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make it gluten-free.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Use the cornstarch slurry or reduce the sauce on the stove.
Conclusion
Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken is a simple, comforting meal that delivers bold flavor with very little effort. The slow cooker transforms basic ingredients into a sticky, glossy chicken dish that’s perfect for weeknights or special family dinners. Served over rice and topped with green onions, this recipe looks just as good as it tastes and is guaranteed to become a regular favorite.