Name: Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-488458H50M8S
Total time: PT-488458H50M8S
Cuisine: Hawaiian / Fusion
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts; 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained); 1/2 cup soy sauce; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup ketchup; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1 tablespoon grated ginger; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup chopped green onions; Optional: sesame seeds

Jump to Recipe

If you are looking for a dish that’s bursting with sweet, savory, and tropical flavors all cooked effortlessly throughout the day, then you will absolutely adore this Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken. This recipe brings together tender chicken infused with juicy pineapple, tangy soy sauce, and a lovely mix of spices that create a perfect balance of flavors. The best part is how simple it is to prepare in your crockpot, allowing you to come back to a warm, aromatic, and mouthwatering meal that feels like a tropical vacation on a plate.

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The key to this Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken’s success is in its straightforward, yet flavor-packed ingredients. Each one brings a unique note—from the sweetness of brown sugar and pineapple to the umami depth of soy sauce and the refreshing zing from ginger and garlic. These essentials combine effortlessly to create a well-rounded dish that’s both visually inviting and irresistibly tasty.

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Thighs offer juicier results, but breasts work well too and cook evenly.
1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained): Provides natural sweetness and a tropical twist that brightens the entire dish.
1/2 cup soy sauce: Adds a rich umami flavor and balances the sweetness with saltiness.
1/2 cup brown sugar: Delivers warmth and caramel-like sweetness that melds perfectly with the savory elements.
1/4 cup ketchup: Introduces a subtle tang and thickens the sauce slightly for a luscious consistency.
1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Brings a mild acidity that lifts all the flavors and adds brightness.
1 tablespoon minced garlic: Infuses the sauce with a deep aromatic kick you won’t want to miss.
1 tablespoon grated ginger: Offers fresh spice and a bit of zing to complement the sweetness.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle heat to balance the sweetness without overpowering the dish.
1/2 cup chopped green onions (for garnish): Provides a fresh, vibrant finish that adds color and crunch.
Optional: sesame seeds (for garnish): Bring a nutty texture and lovely visual appeal to the final presentation.

How to Make Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by placing your boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. This creates a solid base that will soak up all the delicious sauce as it cooks low and slow. Using thighs results in extra tender and juicy meat that’s perfect for shredding, but breasts are a lighter option if you prefer.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

Next, in a medium bowl, combine pineapple chunks, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until the brown sugar dissolves and the ingredients create a harmonious, glossy sauce. This mixture is where all the magic happens, blending sweet, tangy, and spicy notes.

Step 3: Combine and Cook

Pour the sauce over the chicken in the crockpot, ensuring every piece is well coated. Cover the crockpot with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The slow cooking process tenderizes the chicken perfectly and allows flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Once your crockpot timer goes off and the chicken is tender, remove it carefully and shred the meat using two forks. This step transforms whole pieces into delightful shredded bites that will be cozy and flavorful when reintroduced to the sauce.

Step 5: Return and Let it Soak

Place the shredded chicken back into the crockpot, stirring it into the remaining sauce. Allow it to sit for about 10 minutes on the warm setting. This resting time not only deepens the flavors but also helps the chicken absorb every bit of that sweet Hawaiian goodness.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finally, sprinkle the Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken with chopped green onions and, if you like, a handful of sesame seeds. This adds freshness, crunch, and a hint of nuttiness that lifts the entire dish visually and in taste.

How to Serve Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Garnishes

The garnishes for Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken are essential to its appeal. Chopped green onions add a refreshing burst of color and mild onion flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweet sauce. Toasted sesame seeds are optional but highly recommended for that extra layer of texture and subtle nuttiness.

Side Dishes

Serving your Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice is a classic choice that helps soak up the luscious sauce. For a balanced meal, toss in some steamed broccoli or sautéed bell peppers to bring vibrant colors and fresh vegetal flavors. You can also try it wrapped in a tortilla with crunchy veggies or served as sliders on small buns for a fun, family-style presentation.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not take your Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken beyond the plate? You can pile this tender, flavorful meat into lettuce cups for a low-carb twist, or use it as a topping on pizza for a delightful sweet-savory combo. It also makes a fantastic filling for stuffed sweet potatoes or savory crepes, giving you plenty of opportunities to get creative in the kitchen.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken has cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay delicious and fresh for up to 3-4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Freezing

This recipe freezes exceptionally well! Portion the shredded chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags, label, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

For the best texture and flavor when reheating, gently warm the Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken in a covered skillet over low heat or microwave it in short bursts, stirring occasionally. Add a teaspoon of water if the sauce feels too thick, ensuring it stays moist and flavorful.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Both chicken thighs and breasts work well. Thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving in slow cooking, but breasts are a great leaner option if you prefer.

Is it okay to use canned pineapple chunks?

Yes, canned pineapple chunks work perfectly in this recipe. Just be sure to drain them well to avoid excess liquid diluting your sauce.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a crockpot?

You certainly can! Use the sauté function to mix the sauce ingredients, then cook the chicken on high pressure for about 10 minutes, followed by a natural release for tender results.

What can I substitute if I don’t have rice vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar are good substitutes and will maintain the acidity and brightness the recipe needs.

How spicy is this Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken?

This recipe is mild with just a hint of peppery warmth from the black pepper. If you want to add a little kick, consider tossing in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Final Thoughts

Making Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is like inviting sunshine into your kitchen. It’s easy, flavorful, and comforting, with those bright, tropical notes that make mealtime something to look forward to. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, I highly encourage you to give this recipe a try—it might just become your new favorite go-to crockpot meal!

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 29 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes to 8 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Description

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender, shredded chicken simmered in a sweet and tangy pineapple-soy sauce. Perfectly cooked in a slow cooker, this recipe delivers a delicious tropical twist ideal for serving over rice, in wraps, or as sliders.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts in the bottom of the crockpot, ensuring they are evenly spread out.
Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the pineapple chunks, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and black pepper until well combined to form the flavorful sauce.
Combine: Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken in the crockpot, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated to infuse flavor during cooking.
Cook: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low heat setting for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
Shred Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks into bite-sized pieces for better sauce absorption.
Return Chicken: Place the shredded chicken back into the crockpot and stir it well to mix with the remaining sauce. Let it sit on the warm setting for an additional 10 minutes to soak up all the rich flavors.
Garnish: Just before serving, sprinkle the chopped green onions and optional sesame seeds over the chicken to add freshness and texture.

Notes

You can use either chicken thighs or breasts; thighs tend to stay more moist and flavorful.
If using canned pineapple, be sure to drain well to avoid excess liquid.
Adjust the brown sugar to your preferred level of sweetness.
Serve over steamed white or brown rice for a complete meal.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on low in the crockpot or microwave to maintain tenderness.
Optional: Garnish with sesame seeds for an added nutty flavor and crunch.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker / Crockpot
Cuisine: Hawaiian / Fusion