Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe
If you’ve been dreaming of a dinner that’s easy to prepare but feels like a tropical party on your plate, this Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is about to make you the happiest cook in your kitchen. Imagine juicy chunks of chicken swimming in a sticky-sweet and tangy sauce bursting with real pineapple, a hint of barbecue, and the gentle warmth of ginger and garlic—all made with almost zero effort thanks to your slow cooker. You’ll find that every bite carries those sun-drenched Hawaiian vibes, and you’ll be putting this recipe on repeat every time you crave something both comforting and exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of pantry staples and a couple of fresh additions, you’ll unlock a world of tropical flavor. Every ingredient in Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken plays its special part, combining for a dish that’s sweet, savory, and impossible to resist.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless and cut into hearty chunks, they soak up all the sauce and become incredibly tender as they cook.
- Pineapple chunks in juice: Use both the fruit and the juice for max sweetness and that signature Hawaiian touch—canned works perfectly here.
- Barbecue sauce: Choose your favorite for a smoky-sweet backbone; hickory or honey-style BBQ are especially lovely.
- Brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that complements the tangy pineapple and barbecue sauce.
- Soy sauce: Just a tablespoon brings a little savory depth and balances all the sweetness.
- Garlic powder: Gives that gentle warmth and savory punch without overpowering the other flavors.
- Ground ginger: Elevates the sauce with a bright, zesty kick that pairs brilliantly with pineapple.
- Black pepper: Adds subtle heat and makes the flavors pop.
- Cooked white rice: The ideal bed for soaking up all that gorgeous sauce; jasmine or basmati work beautifully.
- Sliced green onions: Scatter over the top for a fresh, crisp bite and a pop of color.
- Toasted sesame seeds: Sprinkled at the finish for a nutty crunch and irresistible look.
How to Make Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Step 1: Prep Your Chicken
Start by chopping your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into large chunks. This gives every piece plenty of surface area to soak up that luscious sauce, and it ensures the chicken stays juicy and tender during its slow-cooking adventure.
Step 2: Layer Ingredients in the Crockpot
Add the chicken chunks to your slow cooker first, then pour in the entire can of pineapple chunks with juice for maximum tropical flavor. Next, drizzle in the barbecue sauce, scatter over the brown sugar, add the soy sauce, and top with the garlic powder, ground ginger, and black pepper. Don’t worry about over-mixing at this point—the slow cooker will do plenty of blending for you.
Step 3: Gently Combine Everything
Give everything a gentle stir to make sure those bold and sweet flavors are mingling well with the chicken. You want the sauce to begin coating all the pieces, but don’t stress about perfect distribution—good things are coming as it cooks.
Step 4: Crockpot Magic—Cook Low and Slow
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 5 to 6 hours or high for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. As it bubbles away, the chicken will slowly become fork-tender, and the sauce will thicken and perfume your kitchen with a sweet, gently smoky aroma that makes dinnertime a true event.
Step 5: Thicken Your Sauce (Optional)
If you love a thicker sauce, simply lift the chicken out once it’s cooked. Whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water, then stir this slurry into the sauce. Return the slow cooker to high for about 10 minutes until it reaches that glossy, clingy consistency—then nestle the chicken back in.
Step 6: Serve Over Rice and Garnish
Spoon generous helpings of the Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken and its luscious sauce over steaming white rice. Don’t forget to shower it with vibrant green onions and toasty sesame seeds right before serving. This finishing touch makes every plate pop with flavor and color.
How to Serve Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Garnishes
Elevate each serving by scattering sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top. The fresh, oniony crunch and nutty aroma create beautiful contrast to the rich, savory-sweet sauce. For even more tropical flair, a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or a few extra pineapple tidbits works wonders.
Side Dishes
Classic white rice is a must for absorbing every drop of that incredible sauce, but don’t stop there. Coconut rice, steamed broccoli, grilled veggies, or a crisp green salad with citrus dressing all make wonderful companions to Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken, rounding out the meal with color and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeding a crowd or just want to switch things up, try shredding the chicken for sliders, stuffing it into bao buns, or piling it onto lettuce wraps for a light, summery spin. This dish also shines as a vibrant taco filling or spooned over roasted sweet potatoes for a fun dinner twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftover Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to four days, making it a savior for quick lunches or midweek dinners.
Freezing
This dish is a meal-prepper’s dream! Transfer cooled chicken and sauce to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag and lay it flat to freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw overnight in the fridge before gently reheating.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickens a bit too much, add a splash of water or pineapple juice to bring it back to its saucy best.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic, juicier alternative and become extra tender after slow cooking. Feel free to swap them in at the same weight for delicious results.
What barbecue sauce works best?
Any favorite store-bought or homemade barbecue sauce will work. For classic Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken vibes, try a sweeter variety like honey or a smoky hickory blend to complement the pineapple.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just use gluten-free soy sauce and be sure your barbecue sauce is certified gluten-free, so everyone at your table can enjoy it worry-free.
How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?
If you prefer your sauce thicker, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, then stir it into the hot sauce and cook for about 10 minutes in the crockpot until it reaches your desired consistency.
What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
Besides classic rice bowls, try using leftover Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken in wraps, over salads, or as a fun pizza topping with extra pineapple and cheese for a quick weeknight upgrade.
Final Thoughts
You truly can’t go wrong with a big bowl of Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken—the flavors are vibrant, comforting, and always guaranteed to gather smiles around your table. I hope you give this recipe a spot in your dinner rotation and let it sprinkle a little island sunshine into your week!
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Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish with tender chicken cooked in a sweet and savory pineapple barbecue sauce. Perfect for a weeknight meal or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into large chunks
Sauce:
- 1 (20-ounce) can pineapple chunks in juice, undrained
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Serving:
- cooked white rice for serving
- sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Place the chicken chunks in the crockpot. Add pineapple chunks with juice, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, ginger, and black pepper.
- Cook: Stir gently to combine. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Serve: Serve the chicken and sauce over white rice, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, remove the chicken when done, whisk 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water, stir into the sauce, and cook on high for 10 minutes before returning the chicken.
- You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Hawaiian-Inspired, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup chicken with sauce
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 33 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
