Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a wonderfully simple dish that combines tender chicken breasts with the tropical flavors of pineapple and a hint of sweetness from brown sugar and soy sauce. Everything cooks together slowly in the crockpot, making the chicken juicy and full of flavor, with little effort. It feels like a mini vacation on your plate!
I love making this recipe because it’s so hands-off—you just toss the ingredients in and let the slow cooker do its magic. It’s one of those meals that everyone seems to enjoy, especially when served over fluffy rice or even tossed with some stir-fried veggies. I often add a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions on top to give it a bit of extra color and crunch.
This dish reminds me of easy weeknight dinners that still feel a little special. The sweet and tangy sauce is something I can’t get enough of, and I’m pretty sure you’ll find yourself coming back for seconds too. If you’re a fan of simple recipes that make your whole house smell amazing while they cook, this one is definitely worth trying.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken thighs: I like thighs because they stay juicy and tender in the slow cooker. You can swap for chicken breasts if preferred, but watch cooking time as they cook faster and can dry out.
Pineapple chunks: Fresh or canned pineapple works well here. Just make sure canned pineapple is drained well so the sauce doesn’t get too watery.
Honey or brown sugar: Both add sweetness. Honey gives a natural floral touch, while brown sugar adds a deeper molasses flavor. Maple syrup can be a nice substitute too.
Soy sauce: Adds saltiness and umami. Use low-sodium soy sauce if you want to control salt levels, or tamari for gluten-free options.
Ginger and garlic: These fresh flavors are key to balancing the sweetness. You can use powdered ginger if fresh is unavailable, but fresh garlic is best for bright flavor.
How Can I Get a Thick, Sticky Sauce in the Crockpot?
Slow cookers tend to produce a watery sauce because of the sealed, moist cooking environment. To get that nice thick, sticky sauce, use a cornstarch slurry near the end of cooking.
- Mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth.
- 30 minutes before serving, remove chicken and pineapple briefly.
- Stir the cornstarch slurry into the sauce in the crockpot.
- Return chicken and pineapple, cook uncovered to allow sauce to thicken.
This simple step boosts the texture and helps the sauce cling to the chicken beautifully. Just watch the last few minutes so it doesn’t get too thick or gelatinous.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crockpot or slow cooker – It’s perfect for cooking chicken low and slow, making the meat tender and juicy without much effort.
- Mixing bowl – Use it to whisk together the sauce ingredients easily before pouring over the chicken.
- Measuring cups and spoons – To make sure your sauce stays perfectly balanced every time.
- Slotted spoon or tongs – Helpful for carefully removing chicken and pineapple before thickening the sauce.
- Small bowl – For mixing the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce at the end.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken thighs for pork tenderloin or boneless pork chops for a different but equally tender protein.
- Add sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or shredded carrots in the last hour of cooking for extra crunch and color.
- Mix in a splash of sriracha or chili garlic sauce for a spicy kick that balances the sweetness.
- Stir in chopped fresh cilantro or basil right before serving to brighten up the dish with herbal freshness.
Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken and Sauce:
- 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup honey or brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small red bell pepper, chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger or 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional)
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For Thickening and Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons water
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Cooked white rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This meal takes about 10 minutes to prep. Then, the crockpot does the rest, cooking the chicken on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Allow an extra 20-30 minutes at the end to thicken the sauce. It’s perfect for a busy day when you want a delicious meal waiting for you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken and Sauce:
Place the chicken thighs in a single layer inside your crockpot. Now, in a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, ketchup, minced garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes until everything is well mixed.
2. Combine and Cook:
Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure the pieces are coated well. Add the pineapple chunks and chopped red bell pepper on top. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
3. Thicken the Sauce and Finish:
About 30 minutes before you plan to serve, carefully remove the chicken and pineapple pieces and set them aside. Stir in the cornstarch-water mixture into the crockpot to thicken the sauce. Then return the chicken and pineapple back to the crockpot and cook uncovered for another 20-30 minutes until the sauce is nice and thick.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish out the chicken and pineapple over cooked white rice. Sprinkle sliced green onions on top for a fresh, pretty touch. Enjoy your sweet and savory Hawaiian crockpot chicken!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the chicken completely before adding it to the crockpot to ensure even cooking. Thaw overnight in the fridge or use the cold water method for quicker thawing.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and cook the chicken a day ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Keep any leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat covered on low heat to prevent drying out, and add a splash of water or extra sauce if needed.
Can I Adjust the Sweetness or Spice Levels?
Definitely! If you prefer less sweet, reduce the honey or brown sugar slightly. For more heat, add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce before cooking.
