Are you ready to bring a tropical twist to your dinner table? Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken is the perfect combination of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors — all thanks to the magic of the slow cooker. This dish is super simple to make, yet packed with the kind of taste that will have your family and friends asking for seconds. The best part? It’s a dump-and-go recipe that requires little prep and cooks itself to perfection while you go about your day.
From juicy chicken to a luscious Hawaiian-inspired sauce with pineapple, soy sauce, and brown sugar, this dish is sure to become a weeknight favorite. Whether you serve it over rice, in wraps, or alongside roasted vegetables, Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken offers endless possibilities for delicious meals.
Why You’ll Love Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken
-
Effortless Cooking: Simply toss the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic.
-
Tropical Flavor: The sweet pineapple combined with savory chicken and tangy soy sauce creates a delicious balance.
-
️ Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the sweet and savory profile of this dish.
-
Time-Saving: Perfect for busy days when you want a tasty dinner without hours of work.
-
Versatile: Serve it in a variety of ways, including on rice, in sandwiches, or as a salad topping.
Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
-
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra tenderness)
-
1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks (with juice)
-
1/3 cup soy sauce (or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version)
-
1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
-
1 teaspoon ground ginger (or fresh ginger for a punchier flavor)
-
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
-
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, to thicken sauce)
-
1 tablespoon water (optional, for cornstarch slurry)
-
Green onions (for garnish)
-
Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
To Serve:
-
Cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
-
Steamed vegetables (broccoli, peas, or bell peppers)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) in the bottom of the slow cooker. No need to brown the chicken beforehand — the slow cooker will take care of the cooking and infusing it with flavor.
2. Prepare the Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the pineapple chunks (with juice), soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, apple cider vinegar, ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to mix everything together. The sweet pineapple juice and brown sugar will create a delicious glaze for the chicken.
3. Pour the Sauce Over the Chicken
Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Spread it evenly, ensuring the chicken is well-coated.
4. Cook
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours, depending on your schedule. The chicken will be fully cooked once it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Shred the Chicken (Optional)
Once the chicken is tender, you can either serve it whole or shred it using two forks for a more shredded texture. The chicken should easily pull apart after cooking.
Tip: Shredding the chicken and mixing it with the sauce creates a more cohesive flavor in every bite.
6. Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the slow cooker and stir. Let the sauce simmer on high for 15-20 minutes to thicken. This step is optional but gives the sauce a more syrupy consistency.
7. Serve
Serve your sweet Hawaiian chicken over a bed of cooked rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added texture and a burst of color. You can also pair this dish with steamed vegetables like broccoli or peas for a balanced meal.
Serving Ideas for Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken
This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it to your preferences. Here are some ideas on how to serve your sweet Hawaiian chicken:
1. Hawaiian Chicken Bowls
Layer cooked rice, sweet Hawaiian chicken, and your favorite veggies in a bowl. Add a drizzle of extra sauce for extra flavor and top with sesame seeds and green onions.
2. Hawaiian Chicken Tacos
Serve the shredded chicken in soft tortillas, and top with pineapple salsa, avocado, and a squeeze of lime. These Hawaiian-inspired tacos are a fun twist on the traditional taco.
3. Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches
Serve the sweet Hawaiian chicken on sandwich buns or Hawaiian rolls. Add a slice of cheese, fresh lettuce, and a few slices of tomato for a delicious sandwich option.
4. On a Salad
For a lighter meal, use the sweet Hawaiian chicken as a topping for a fresh salad. Pair it with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette.
5. Hawaiian Chicken Stir-Fry
Add the chicken and sauce mixture to a skillet along with some stir-fry veggies like bell peppers, onions, and snap peas. Cook for a few minutes to combine, and serve over noodles or rice.
Tips for Perfect Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken
-
Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Tenderness: If you prefer extra juicy and tender chicken, opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. They won’t dry out as easily in the slow cooker.
-
Low and Slow: For the best results, cook the chicken on low for a longer period. This allows the flavors to meld and ensures the chicken is juicy and tender.
-
Make It Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add a teaspoon of sriracha or chili sauce to the sauce mixture.
-
Use Fresh Pineapple: While canned pineapple works great, using fresh pineapple can give the dish a slightly different, fresher taste.
-
Freezer-Friendly: You can make a double batch of this dish and freeze the chicken and sauce mixture in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in the slow cooker.
Storage and Reheating
-
Store: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
-
Reheat: Reheat the chicken in the microwave or in a saucepan on the stove. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce if it’s too thick.
-
Freeze: As mentioned, this dish is freezer-friendly! Let the chicken cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Final Thoughts
Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken is the ultimate easy dinner that combines tropical flavors with the hands-off convenience of a slow cooker. It’s the kind of meal that’s perfect for busy days when you want something delicious, satisfying, and effortless. Whether you serve it in a bowl, on a sandwich, or in tacos, this dish is bound to please the whole family.
This recipe is versatile, making it easy to adapt to different tastes and meal plans. So, go ahead and treat yourself to a tropical-inspired dinner that requires minimal prep but delivers maximum flavor.
