Name: Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487692H19M45S
Total time: PT-487692H19M45S
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 4 Foster Farms Simply Raised Chicken Thighs (bone-in and skin on); 2 cups pineapple, cut into 1″ chunks; 1 yellow onion, cut into 1″ chunks; 3 tablespoons honey; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1/2 cup dark brown sugar; 1 tablespoon grated ginger; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 teaspoons sesame seeds, optional; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1″ chunks; parsley, for garnish

Jump to Recipe

Get ready to whisk your taste buds off to the tropics with this Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken! Every bite is bursting with juicy, caramelized pineapple, tender chicken, and the irresistible sweet-and-savory flavors that just melt together after hours of slow cooking. It’s one of those cozy, fuss-free meals that somehow feels both special and easygoing—perfect for both busy weeknights and laid-back weekends. This dish is my go-to for those days when I crave a vacation on a plate, and I promise, it’s as stunning on the table as it is delicious!

Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things simple, but don’t be fooled—each ingredient is essential for building that classic tropical flavor profile. Together, they create layers of sweetness, tang, and savoriness that liven up your slow cooker. Here’s what you’ll need to make your Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken shine:

Foster Farms Simply Raised Chicken Thighs (bone-in and skin on): These hold onto flavor and stay oh-so-juicy throughout slow cooking.
Pineapple (cut into 1″ chunks): The star of the show, giving the dish its signature tropical sweetness and tender bites.
Yellow onion (cut into 1″ chunks): Adds savory depth and soaks up all those flavorful juices.
Honey: Brings in a natural, floral sweetness that glazes the chicken perfectly.
Soy sauce: A splash of umami—this balances out all the sweet elements.
Dark brown sugar: For a deeper, caramel-like sweetness and gorgeous color.
Grated ginger: Adds zesty warmth and a subtle kick that brightens everything up.
Garlic cloves (minced): Because every comforting slow-cooked dish needs a mellow garlicky note.
Sesame seeds (optional): For a little nuttiness and a pop of visual interest at the end.
Cornstarch: This thickens your sauce into that glossy, spoon-coating texture.
Red bell pepper (cut into 1″ chunks): Adds sweet crunch and bright color to finish the dish.
Parsley (for garnish): Just a sprinkle for freshness and color right before serving.

How to Make Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken

Step 1: Brown the Chicken Thighs

Start by browning your Foster Farms Simply Raised Chicken Thighs in a hot skillet or directly in your slow cooker insert if it allows. Aim for 3–5 minutes per side on high heat. This step is key—it gives the chicken a golden, crispy skin and locks in the juices, setting the stage for full-bodied flavor as it slow cooks.

Step 2: Layer Pineapple and Onion

Next, add the pineapple chunks and onion to the bottom of your slow cooker. They’ll act as a comfy bed for the chicken while infusing the sauce with their sweet and savory notes. Plus, the onion will practically melt into the sauce during cooking, adding incredible depth.

Step 3: Mix the Sauce

In your slow cooker, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, dark brown sugar, grated ginger, and minced garlic. This mixture turns into a rich, sticky glaze that soaks into every bite of chicken. Give it a good stir right over the pineapple and onions, making sure everything gets nicely coated.

Step 4: Add Chicken and Start Cooking

Carefully lay the browned chicken thighs back on top of the sauce-soaked pineapple and onion. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 5 hours, or on high for about 3 hours. Trust the process—the flavors will meld, and the chicken will get fall-off-the-bone tender.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce and Add Peppers

About 30 minutes before serving, stir together cornstarch and a tablespoon of water until smooth. Add this slurry, along with the red bell pepper chunks, to the slow cooker. The sauce will thicken up into a silky glaze, and the peppers will stay vibrantly crisp-tender.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped fresh parsley over the top. Scoop everything onto a platter or individual plates, letting those bright colors and caramelized pineapple shine. Don’t forget to ladle over plenty of that luscious sauce!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken

Garnishes

A simple shower of chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of sesame seeds instantly make this dish look as good as it tastes. The green and white contrast with the golden brown chicken and pineapple, and the seeds add a subtle nutty crunch. If you have extra pineapple on hand, a few fresh chunks on the side make the plate pop and reinforce those tropical flavors.

Side Dishes

Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken begs for something to soak up all that gorgeous sauce, so fluffy steamed white rice is classic. You could also serve it over brown rice, coconut rice, or even quinoa if you want a twist. For a colorful plate, a side of steamed broccoli or sautéed snap peas makes a bright, crisp accompaniment that balances the sweetness of the main dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party presentation, shred the chicken and serve it with slider buns for a Hawaiian-inspired sandwich, or spoon it over a big bowl of mixed greens for an island-style chicken salad. You can even turn it into a festive rice bowl buffet—let everyone build their own with toppings like scallions, sliced chiles, or extra pineapple. Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken is your ticket to a tropical spread no matter how you serve it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken is a total blessing—you’ll want to savor every last bite! Transfer cooled chicken, sauce, and pineapple bits to an airtight container, making sure everything is covered by the sauce to keep it moist. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and the flavors actually deepen overnight.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully, sauce and all. Cool the chicken completely, place it (with plenty of sauce) into a freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze for up to 3 months. To avoid freezer burn, squeeze out as much air as possible and label the bag with the date. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

When you’re ready to reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a covered skillet or saucepan over medium heat and warm gently until heated through, adding a splash of water if the sauce gets too thick. Microwave reheating works too—just cover loosely and heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring occasionally. Don’t forget to refresh the garnishes for that just-cooked look!

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well, but keep in mind they cook a bit faster and may be slightly less juicy than thighs. Check for doneness a little earlier, and consider using bone-in skin-on breasts if you want extra moisture and flavor.

Is it okay to use canned pineapple?

Yes, canned pineapple chunks in juice (not syrup) are a handy shortcut. Drain them well before adding, and add a bit less sugar if you find the overall dish sweeter. Fresh pineapple does give the best texture, but canned is delicious in a pinch.

Can I double the Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken recipe?

Sure thing! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to handle the extra volume. You may need to add an extra 30–60 minutes to the cooking time to ensure everything gets cooked evenly, especially if the pot is crowded.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To give your Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken a kick, stir in some red pepper flakes, sriracha, or thinly sliced fresh chili peppers along with the sauce ingredients. Start small—you can always add more heat at the table!

Can I prep everything the night before?

Definitely! Brown the chicken and layer all the ingredients (except the bell peppers and cornstarch) in your slow cooker insert, then refrigerate overnight. In the morning, pop it into the cooker and follow the rest of the recipe for a truly effortless dinner.

Final Thoughts

I just know you’re going to fall for Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken after your very first bite. There’s something magical about the way a few pantry staples transform into such a sunny, crowd-pleasing dish with almost no effort. Gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and let dinner transport you to a mini-vacation right at home—you’ll want to make this again and again!

Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 6 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes on low or 3 hours 30 minutes on high
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken recipe is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors that will transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise. Tender Foster Farms Simply Raised Chicken Thighs simmered with juicy pineapple, onions, and a mix of honey, soy sauce, and ginger create a mouthwatering dish that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Instructions

Brown the Chicken: Using a skillet or the cast aluminum slow cooker insert, brown Foster Farms Simply Raised Chicken Thighs on both sides for 3-5 minutes over high heat, then remove them from the slow cooker.
Prepare the Slow Cooker: Add pineapple and onion to the bottom of the slow cooker. Mix honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, grated ginger, and garlic into the slow cooker.
Cook the Chicken: Carefully add Foster Farms Simply Raised Chicken Thighs back into the slow cooker. Cook on low for 5 hours or on high for 3 hours.
Thicken the Sauce: Add cornstarch mixed with water to the slow cooker along with bell peppers. Cook an additional 30 minutes.
Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve with rice. Enjoy!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours on low or 3 hours on high
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Hawaiian