Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe

This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a simple, flavorful meal that combines the sweetness of pineapple with a savory touch of soy sauce and brown sugar, creating a tropical, irresistible glaze for tender chicken chunks. Serve it over rice for a satisfying, easy dinner the whole family will love! Optional bell pepper and onion add a delicious veggie component, while a garnish of green onions or sesame seeds enhances both flavor and presentation. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken:

Tropical Flavor with Minimal Effort: The slow cooker does all the work, blending the sweetness of pineapple with savory soy sauce for a flavor-packed dish.
Versatile for Any Occasion: Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or even as a unique addition to a potluck.
Balanced Sweet and Savory: The combination of brown sugar and pineapple juice gives a subtle sweetness, while the soy sauce and bell pepper add a savory balance.
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing: This dish is mild and flavorful, making it a hit for both kids and adults.

Key Ingredients:

Chicken: You can use either white or dark meat, depending on your preference. Dark meat like chicken thighs will stay juicier and add extra flavor, while chicken breast is leaner and cooks up tender in the sauce.
Pineapple Juice: For best results, use pure pineapple juice. If you’re using canned pineapple chunks, save the juice and use it in the recipe to enhance the tropical flavor.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is recommended to keep the dish from becoming too salty, especially since the slow cooker can concentrate flavors.
Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar provides a caramel-like sweetness that enhances the pineapple flavor.
Optional Vegetables: Vidalia onion and green bell pepper add color and texture, while also balancing the sweetness. These can be skipped if you prefer a simpler dish, but they do add wonderful flavor.
Garnishes: A sprinkle of green onions or sesame seeds adds a final touch, providing freshness and a bit of crunch.

Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables

Cut the Chicken: Slice 1-2 pounds of chicken into bite-sized chunks.
Chop the Vegetables: Dice 1 onion and cut 1 green bell pepper into chunks (if using).

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a slow cooker, mix together:
1 cup pineapple juice
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup soy sauce
Dissolve Sugar: Stir well to make sure the brown sugar dissolves completely.

Step 3: Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker

Add Chicken and Vegetables: Place the chicken pieces in the slow cooker, along with pineapple chunks (from a 15-oz can), diced onion, and green bell pepper chunks.
Stir to Coat: Mix everything to ensure the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce.

Step 4: Cook the Pineapple Chicken

Set Slow Cooker: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.

Step 5: Prepare Rice and Serve

Cook Rice: While the chicken is finishing, prepare white or jasmine rice.
Serve: Spoon the pineapple chicken over the rice, ensuring each serving includes a good mix of sauce and vegetables.

Optional Garnish

Garnish: Sprinkle with green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and color.

Serving Suggestions:

This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is satisfying on its own, but here are some ways to round out the meal:

Pair with a Side Salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a light citrus dressing makes a great side that complements the tropical flavors.
Serve with Hawaiian Rolls: The soft, slightly sweet rolls are perfect for soaking up extra sauce and add to the tropical theme.
Try with Coconut Rice: For an added twist, serve the chicken over coconut rice. Simply cook the rice with a bit of coconut milk for an extra layer of flavor.
Add a Grilled Pineapple Side: Grilled pineapple slices make a delicious side dish that complements the pineapple flavor in the chicken.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

Refrigerating Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as the dish sits, making it a great option for meal prep.
Freezing: This dish freezes well! Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container, leaving a bit of space at the top. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, warm the chicken on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also microwave individual portions in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.

Variations and Additions:

Spicy Hawaiian Chicken: Add a kick to the dish by mixing in a few dashes of sriracha or adding red pepper flakes. This spicy-sweet combination works wonderfully with the pineapple and soy sauce.
Swap the Chicken: Try this recipe with boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breast meat for an even juicier texture.
Vegetarian Twist: Substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based option. Simply add the tofu or tempeh at the start and cook as directed.
Add More Veggies: Try adding bell pepper in multiple colors, snap peas, or carrots for added color, texture, and nutrition.
Pineapple Teriyaki Glaze: For a teriyaki twist, add a tablespoon of hoisin sauce or a bit of ginger and garlic to the sauce for more complex flavor.
Serve Over Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb version, skip the regular rice and serve the chicken over cauliflower rice. It’s lighter and still soaks up the sauce beautifully.

Conclusion:

This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is the perfect way to bring tropical flavors to your table with minimal effort. With the sweetness of pineapple, the savoriness of soy sauce, and the richness of brown sugar, every bite is a burst of flavor. Perfectly tender, saucy, and full of satisfying textures, it’s a dish that’s bound to become a family favorite.

Serve it up over fluffy rice, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh green onions, and savor a taste of the islands in your own home!