Succulent chicken takes a delightful tropical twist with this sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken recipe that promises to transport your taste buds to paradise.
Every bite bursts with tangy and rich flavors that dance across your palate.
Tender chicken pieces get infused with a vibrant blend of pineapple, soy sauce, and brown sugar.
This effortless dish comes together with minimal prep work and maximum satisfaction.
The slow cooker works its magic, creating a meal that’s both comforting and exciting.
Serve this crowd-pleasing chicken over fluffy rice for a dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.
You’ll find this recipe becomes an instant favorite in your meal rotation.
How to Cook Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Chicken Preparation Slice succulent chicken into bite-sized morsels that will soak up all the tropical flavors waiting to dance on your taste buds.
Sauce Magic Whisk together a symphony of pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce creating a liquid gold that will transform ordinary chicken into an extraordinary feast.
Slow Cooker Harmony Nestle chicken pieces into the crockpot, allowing them to swim luxuriously in the tangy sauce along with sweet pineapple chunks and colorful vegetables.
Cooking Transformation Let your crockpot work its culinary magic, gently simmering ingredients until chicken becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender and flavors blend into a harmonious tropical melody.
Serving Celebration Spoon this luscious chicken over fluffy rice, creating a plate that transports you to a sunny Hawaiian beach with every single bite. Sprinkle some green onions or sesame seeds on top for an extra pop of excitement and freshness.
Flavor Tips for Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Add a splash of coconut milk for creamy tropical richness that transforms the sauce's depth and texture.
This chicken freezes beautifully in sealed containers for up to 3 months, making it perfect for busy families wanting quick, delicious meals.
Introduce red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce for those craving a subtle heat kick that complements the sweet pineapple base.
Swap chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas for vegetarian friends who want to enjoy the same vibrant Hawaiian-inspired flavors without meat.
Transform remaining chicken into amazing wraps, salad toppers, or stuffed sandwich fillings for next day's exciting lunch that keeps taste buds dancing.
Serving Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Tropical Island Plate Pairing: Serve this sweet Hawaiian chicken over fluffy coconut rice for an extra island-inspired touch that amplifies the tropical flavors.
Dinner Party Delight: Create a Hawaiian-themed meal by adding side dishes like grilled pineapple rings, macadamia nut salad, and cucumber kimchi for a complete culinary experience.
Fresh Crunch Topping: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes, chopped macadamia nuts, or crispy wonton strips on top to add delightful texture and nutty complexity to each bite.
Leftover Magic: Transform remaining chicken into delicious wraps, salad toppings, or quick quesadillas the next day, ensuring zero food waste and maximizing your meal's potential.
Storing Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Meals
Batch Cooking Brilliance: Prepare a double batch of this Hawaiian chicken and store extra portions in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals. Portion out servings before refrigerating to make reheating a breeze.
Fridge Fresh Strategy: Safely store leftover chicken in sealed containers within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerated meals stay delicious for 3-4 days when kept at proper temperatures, maintaining maximum flavor and texture.
Freezer Friendly Hack: Cool the chicken completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-lock bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen meals stay tasty for up to 2 months, providing a convenient future dinner option.
Reheat with Care: When ready to enjoy stored chicken, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Warm gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of pineapple juice to restore moisture and prevent dryness. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and maintain the dish's original succulent quality.
Chicken: Select tender, fresh cuts that cook evenly and absorb flavors beautifully, preferably boneless and skinless for easier preparation.
For Flavor Enhancers:
Pineapple Juice, Brown Sugar: Creates a tangy-sweet tropical sauce that caramelizes and tenderizes the chicken, bringing authentic Hawaiian taste.
Low Sodium Soy Sauce: Adds rich umami depth and balances the sweetness with a savory undertone, while keeping sodium levels moderate.
For Texture and Additional Flavor Boosters:
Pineapple Chunks, Vidalia Onion, Green Bell Pepper: These ingredients contribute bright, fresh elements that complement the chicken's richness, adding natural sweetness, crunch, and color to the dish.
Kitchen Tools for Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Slow Cooker: Essential large pot for slow, hands-off cooking of chicken and sauce.
Cutting Board: Solid surface for safely chopping chicken, onions, and bell peppers.
Sharp Knife: Needed for precise, clean cuts of chicken and vegetables.
Measuring Cups: Crucial for accurately measuring pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce.
Rice Cooker or Pot: Used for preparing white or jasmine rice as a serving base.
Ladle: Perfect for serving chicken and sauce over rice evenly.
Mixing Spoon: Helps blend sauce ingredients and coat chicken thoroughly.
Succulent Hawaiian crockpot chicken brings tropical flavors to dinner tables with minimal effort. Juicy chicken thighs bathed in pineapple and soy sauce create a simple meal you will crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
2 lbs (907 g) chicken (cut into bite-sized pieces, white or dark meat)
1 can pineapple chunks (15 oz or 425 g, drained)
1 cup (240 ml) pineapple juice
¼ cup (60 ml) low sodium soy sauce
¼ cup (50 g) packed brown sugar
1 Vidalia onion (chopped)
1 green bell pepper (cut into chunks)
Instructions
Preparation: Slice chicken into bite-sized pieces. Dice onion and green bell pepper to enhance the dish’s texture and flavor profile.
Sauce Creation: Combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce in the crockpot, whisking until sugar completely dissolves, forming a harmonious liquid base.
Layering: Arrange chicken pieces, pineapple chunks, onion, and green bell pepper in the sauce, ensuring complete coating and even distribution of ingredients.
Slow Cooking: Cover crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken will become tender and absorb the tropical-inspired flavor notes.
Rice Preparation: Cook white or jasmine rice during the final cooking phase to create a perfect foundation for the dish.
Plating: Carefully transfer the chicken and vegetables over the prepared rice, generously drizzling the rich, tangy sauce across the entire serving.
Finishing Touch: Garnish with freshly chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds to elevate the dish’s visual appeal and add a final layer of flavor complexity.
Notes
Choose Lean Protein: Select boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for the most tender and flavorful results, preventing dry meat during slow cooking.
Prevent Sauce Separation: Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly to ensure brown sugar and soy sauce combine completely, creating a smooth and consistent flavor profile.
Optimize Cooking Time: Cooking on low heat intensifies flavors and ensures meat remains incredibly juicy, while high heat works for faster meal preparation.
Enhance Flavor Depth: Fresh pineapple chunks provide better texture and brighter taste compared to canned alternatives, elevating the overall tropical essence of the dish.
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.
Michael Reynolds
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.