Have you ever craved the sweet-tangy flavors of Hawaii but couldn’t book that flight? Let me introduce you to sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken—a dish that brings island vibes straight to your kitchen with minimal effort. This recipe combines juicy chicken with a luscious sauce featuring pineapple, soy sauce, and brown sugar that transforms throughout the slow cooking process. The result? Tender meat infused with tropical flavors that’ll transport you to a beachside luau with every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
This sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken isn’t just delicious—it’s a game-changer for busy home cooks everywhere. Here’s why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your meal rotation:
- Set-it-and-forget-it simplicity: Just 10 minutes of prep and your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting
- Budget-friendly luxury: Creates restaurant-worthy flavor with everyday ingredients
- Family-approved taste: The sweet-savory balance appeals to even the pickiest eaters
- Versatile serving options: Works beautifully over rice, as sliders, or in wraps for multiple meals
The best part? You’ll look like a culinary genius while secretly enjoying one of the easiest recipes in your arsenal.
The Island Origins of Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
While sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken might not be authentically Hawaiian in the strictest sense, it draws inspiration from several fascinating culinary traditions:
- Hawaiian cuisine frequently features sweet-savory combinations—a perfect example of the islands’ multicultural cooking influences
- The pineapple component pays homage to Hawaii’s famous fruit production, though pineapples were actually introduced to the islands by Europeans
- This dish represents modern “Hawaiian-inspired” cooking that became popular in mainland America during the 1950s-60s tiki culture boom
- The slow-cooking method mirrors the traditional Hawaiian kalua cooking technique, though simplified for modern home kitchens
This contemporary twist on tropical flavors shows how Hawaiian cuisine continues to evolve and delight food lovers worldwide.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks in juice, undrained
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- ½ small sweet onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Thickener:
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp cold water
For Garnish:
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted
- Fresh pineapple chunks (optional)
How to Make Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Transform simple ingredients into an island-inspired feast with these easy steps:
- Prep your chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs in the bottom of your crockpot. I like to trim any excess fat but don’t stress about getting every bit—some fat adds flavor!
- Create the Hawaiian sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the pineapple with juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until the sugar begins to dissolve.
- Add the vegetables: Scatter the chopped bell pepper and sweet onion over the chicken in the crockpot.
- Pour and cook: Pour the pineapple sauce mixture over everything, covering the chicken completely. Put the lid on and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender enough to shred easily.
- Shred the chicken: About 30 minutes before serving, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the crockpot, allowing it to absorb more of that delicious sauce.
- Thicken the sauce: Mix cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir this slurry into the crockpot, replace the lid, and cook on HIGH for 20-30 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving over rice or your preferred base.
Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Tips and Twists
Take your sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken to the next level with these pro tips and creative variations:
Helpful Tips:
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for more tender, flavorful results that won’t dry out
- For a caramelized finish, transfer the shredded chicken to a baking sheet and broil for 3-4 minutes
- Add the bell pepper during the last hour of cooking if you prefer crispier vegetables
- For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in some of the sauce mixture overnight
- Pat chicken dry before adding to create a better texture in the final dish
Tasty Variations:
- Spicy Island Style: Double the red pepper flakes and add a diced jalapeño
- Teriyaki Twist: Replace half the soy sauce with teriyaki sauce and add a tablespoon of honey
- Coconut Version: Substitute ½ cup of the pineapple juice with coconut milk for tropical creaminess
Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips
This sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken is perfect for meal prep—it might even taste better the next day! Here’s how to handle leftovers:
Storage: Store cooled leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. For stovetop reheating, warm in a saucepan over medium-low heat with a splash of water or pineapple juice to maintain moisture. Stir occasionally until heated through.
Make-Ahead: Prepare all ingredients the night before and store them separately: combine the sauce ingredients in one container and the chopped vegetables in another. In the morning, just add everything to your crockpot and turn it on!
Serving Suggestions
Turn your sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken into a complete meal with these complementary sides and serving ideas:
- Serve over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice to soak up the heavenly sauce
- Create Hawaiian sliders on sweet rolls with a slice of pineapple and some coleslaw
- Wrap in butter lettuce leaves for a lighter, low-carb option
- Pair with coconut rice and steamed broccoli for a balanced plate
- Add a side of macaroni salad for an authentic Hawaiian plate lunch experience
Common Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes! Chicken breasts work fine but may cook faster and be slightly less moist. Check for doneness around the 4-hour mark on LOW.
Is this recipe gluten-free? Not as written, but you can easily swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos to make it gluten-free.
Can I skip the cornstarch thickening step? Absolutely. The sauce will be thinner but still delicious. Some people actually prefer the more pourable consistency.
What if I don’t have fresh ginger? Substitute with ½-¾ teaspoon ground ginger, though fresh gives the best flavor.
Can I add vegetables like carrots or broccoli? Yes! Hard vegetables like carrots can go in at the beginning, but add broccoli during the last 30 minutes to prevent overcooking.
Enjoy Your Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
There’s something magical about walking through your front door to the aroma of sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken that’s been simmering all day. This dish brings together simple ingredients that transform into a meal that’s greater than the sum of its parts. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight family dinner or presenting it as part of a themed gathering, this recipe delivers big on flavor while keeping your cooking stress-free. So grab your crockpot, channel those island vibes, and treat yourself to a taste of Hawaii—no passport required!
Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks in juice, undrained
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- ½ small sweet onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes optional
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp cold water
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted
Instructions
- Place chicken thighs in the bottom of your crockpot.
- In a medium bowl, combine pineapple with juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until sugar begins to dissolve.
- Add diced bell pepper and onion to the crockpot, then pour the sweet Hawaiian sauce over everything.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until chicken is tender.
- Shred the chicken in the crockpot using two forks.
- Mix cornstarch and water until smooth, stir into the crockpot, and cook on HIGH for 20-30 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving over rice.
Notes
Explore More Delicious Recipes
Now that you’ve mastered sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken, why not explore these other delicious options from Abby’s Recipes?
If you’re loving the hands-off magic of your slow cooker, try our Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi for another effortless meal with Italian flair that pairs beautifully with the same cooking method.
For another tropical-inspired dish that complements your Hawaiian chicken, check out our Dubai Strawberry Cup for a refreshing dessert with exotic flavors.
Looking for more crockpot inspiration? Our Crockpot Chicken and Gravy offers another simple but comforting chicken dish using the same convenient cooking method.
Want to round out your Hawaiian-themed meal? Try our Grilled Corn on the Cob as the perfect side dish to accompany your sweet Hawaiian chicken.
Finally, for another sweet-savory chicken option, our Ranch Chicken Crock Pot Recipe provides a different but equally delicious slow cooker option for your weeknight rotation.