This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a flavor-packed slow cooker dinner that brings island vibes to your dinner table. Juicy chicken is simmered in a tangy-sweet sauce made with pineapple, brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic, creating a tropical blend of flavors that’s absolutely mouthwatering.
Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or summer-themed meals, this recipe is simple to prep and full of bold flavor. Just toss everything in the crockpot, walk away, and return to a sticky-sweet, saucy dish that pairs perfectly with rice or noodles.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks in juice (do not drain)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (for slurry)
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- Optional garnish: green onions, sesame seeds, red pepper flakes
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Cut the chicken into large chunks or leave whole if preferred (shred later). Place into the bottom of a greased or sprayed crockpot.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- In a medium bowl, mix pineapple chunks (with juice), brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, and garlic. Pour over the chicken.
Step 3: Add Veggies
- Add chopped red and green bell peppers on top of the chicken and sauce. Stir gently to combine.
Step 4: Cook
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
- In the last 30 minutes, mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry and stir it into the sauce. Cook uncovered to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
- Shred chicken if desired, or leave in chunks. Stir well and serve hot over steamed rice. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Variation:
- Add heat: Stir in a teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Make it fruity: Add mandarin oranges or mango chunks for extra sweetness.
- Swap the meat: Use pork loin or boneless skinless thighs for a richer flavor.
- Vegetarian version: Use chickpeas or tofu instead of chicken for a plant-based option.
COOKING Note:
Chicken thighs are more forgiving in the crockpot and stay juicier than breasts. Keep the lid on during cooking to maintain moisture. The sauce will seem thin at first but thickens beautifully with the cornstarch slurry.
Serving Suggestions:
- Steamed white rice: A perfect neutral base to soak up the sweet sauce.
- Coconut rice: For a tropical twist that enhances the pineapple flavor.
- Noodles: Serve over ramen or lo mein-style noodles.
- Stir-fried vegetables: Add more bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli for a veggie boost.
Tips:
- Add the cornstarch slurry at the end to avoid gummy texture.
- If using fresh pineapple, add ¼ cup water or pineapple juice to replace the canned juice.
- For meal prep, portion out with rice in containers and refrigerate up to 4 days.
- This dish makes a great freezer meal—freeze before cooking or freeze leftovers.
⏱️ Time Overview:
- Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 5–6 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH
- Total Time: ~6 hours
🍽️ Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 6 servings):
- Calories: ~420
- Protein: ~35g
- Carbohydrates: ~28g
- Fat: ~18g
- Sodium: ~760mg
- Sugar: ~20g
- Fiber: ~2g
Values may vary based on specific brands and portions.
❓FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
- Thaw the chicken fully before adding it to the crockpot for safe, even cooking.
Can I make this without bell peppers?
- Yes! Feel free to omit them or replace with another vegetable like carrots or snap peas.
How long does this last in the fridge?
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I double the recipe?
- Yes—use a large crockpot (6–7 qt) and increase cook time slightly if needed.
Is this dish gluten-free?
- Use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce to make this gluten-free.
Conclusion:
Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a vibrant, tropical-inspired dish that brings sweet, savory, and tangy flavors to your slow cooker. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you can enjoy tender chicken smothered in a pineapple-infused sauce that’s simply irresistible.
It’s the perfect weeknight meal that feels like a mini getaway—right at your dinner table. Pair it with rice, top it with sesame seeds, and enjoy a taste of Hawaii without ever leaving home.