Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken – Easy & Delicious

Ever find yourself staring into the fridge wondering, “What the heck can I make tonight that’s not boring, doesn’t need a bunch of fancy stuff, and won’t keep me tied to the stove for hours?” Yeah, we’ve all been there. That’s exactly where sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken swoops in like a tropical superhero for your dinner table.

This dish? It’s a low-effort, high-flavor bomb. We’re talkin’ sweet, tangy, melt-in-your-mouth chicken that basically cooks itself in the slow cooker while you go live your life. Whether you’re feeding a whole crew, doing meal prep, or just want something warm and soul-hugging after a long day — this recipe is gonna hit the spot. And yeah, it’s the kind of thing your tastebuds remember and your guests beg you to make again.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken

Okay, let’s break this down. You’re getting:

• Major flavor with minimal work.
• A one-pot wonder that’s perfect for busy weekdays.
• That magical combo of pineapple + savory chicken with just the right amount of kick.
• Versatility — serve it with rice, noodles, sliders, or even lettuce wraps.

And the best part? You literally just throw it all in the slow cooker and walk away. No fancy skills required. No endless stirring. Just vibes.

The Magic Ingredients (That You Probably Already Have)

Here’s what you’ll need for this sweet Hawaiian chicken recipe in crockpot heaven:

Optional? Add some chili flakes if you like a lil’ heat. Wanna go fancy? Add fresh ginger. You’re the boss.

How to Make Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken (The Lazy Genius Way)

Step-by-Step:

Step One
Grab that slow cooker. Toss in your chicken. Don’t overthink it.

Step Two
In a bowl, mix together the pineapple chunks (and the juice!), soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and chopped bell peppers. Pour it all over the chicken. Boom. Done.

Step Three
Set your slow cooker on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Either way, the flavors are gonna do their thing and the chicken will be fall-apart tender.

Step Four
Wanna thicken the sauce? Take some of the liquid out about 30 mins before it’s done, stir in the cornstarch, then pour it back in and let it cook a bit more. Easy.

Step Five
Serve it up! Over rice, in a bowl, with a side of steamed veggies, or hey, throw it in a toasted bun and call it a day.

Why This Dish Works Like Magic (Even on Picky Eaters)

It’s that sweet-savory balance. Pineapple brings the tropical vacation vibes. Soy sauce adds the umami depth. Brown sugar kicks in that caramely comfort. And garlic… well, garlic just makes everything better.

Even the pickiest of eaters (lookin’ at you, tiny humans) tend to love this. It’s like a tropical BBQ party in your mouth without needing to fire up the grill.

Switch It Up: Variations You’ll Wanna Try

One of the best things about this sweet Hawaiian slow cooker chicken is how dang customizable it is. Once you master the base recipe, it’s open season for playing around with flavors. You don’t need to stick to the rules — trust your cravings.

BBQ Hawaiian Chicken

Add about a half cup of BBQ sauce into the mix. It gives a smoky, tangy edge that’ll have folks licking their fingers. You can even char the cooked chicken under the broiler for five minutes at the end to get those crispy caramelized edges.

Spicy Sweet Pineapple Chicken

Throw in a chopped jalapeño, or a squirt of sriracha, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. That sweetness + heat combo? Fire. Literally.

Low-Carb or Keto-ish Version

Skip the brown sugar or swap it out for a keto-friendly sweetener like monk fruit. Serve over cauliflower rice and boom — tropical flavors without the carb overload.

Veggie-Packed Hawaiian Bowl

Add some extra veggies right into the crockpot: zucchini, snap peas, shredded carrots. It turns into a full-blown dinner bowl.

Sweet Hawaiian Chicken Nutrition (Rough Breakdown)

Here’s a general idea of what you’re eating per serving (based on six servings):

Remember, the exact numbers will shift depending on your ingredients and portion sizes, but this gives you a ballpark.

Tips and Tricks from the Crockpot Trenches

You know how recipes always sound easy but then in real life, stuff happens? Here’s what you really need to know:

• Don’t overcook the chicken. Yes, it’s hard to mess up in a slow cooker, but leave it in there all day and it might get a little dry. Set a timer.
• Use pineapple chunks, not crushed. Crushed pineapple gets too mushy and weird in texture.
• Double it. This meal freezes like a dream. Make a big batch, freeze in portions, thank yourself later.
• Leftovers hack: Shred the chicken and use it in tacos, burritos, or even pizza. You’re welcome.

FAQs About sweet hawaiian crockpot chicken recipe

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yep, but thaw it first if you can. Cooking from frozen can mess with the timing and texture.

Can I use fresh pineapple?
Totally. It’s a little less sweet than canned, so you might wanna adjust the sugar.

What should I serve with this?
White rice, brown rice, coconut rice, noodles, roasted veggies, or slider buns. Anything works.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot instead?
Absolutely. Use the sauté mode for a couple minutes with the garlic and sauce, then pressure cook on high for about 10 minutes. Let it release naturally.

Is this meal kid-friendly?
Very. Just go easy on the spice if your little ones are spice-sensitive.

Serving Ideas That Go Beyond Boring

You made sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken recipe, now what? Here are a few killer ways to serve it that aren’t just plate-of-rice-and-call-it-a-day style.

• Hawaiian Chicken Bowls – Chicken, rice, pineapple, avocado, cilantro, maybe a squirt of lime. Feels like takeout, but better.
• Sliders – Use Hawaiian rolls. Add a bit of slaw. Perfect for game night or BBQs.
• Lettuce Wraps – Crisp butter lettuce cups with chicken and extra chopped veggies. Light and crunchy.
• Stuffed Sweet Potatoes – Roast your sweet potato, fill it with the chicken, drizzle the sauce. Game changer.

Here’s the Final Word (TL;DR If You Skimmed Everything Above)

If you’re looking for something:

• Super easy
• Mega flavorful
• Totally forgiving
• Fam-friendly
• Meal-prep ready

Then sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken recipe is your new weeknight MVP. No weird ingredients. No five-step searing-sautéing-sauce-reducing nonsense. Just dump, cook, eat, repeat.

It’s one of those recipes you keep in your back pocket. For the days when you want good food but zero energy. For when the fridge looks empty but you’ve got just enough to make something awesome. For when you wanna feel like you cooked something special… but didn’t have to try that hard.

More Chicken Recipes

Chick-fil-A Market Salad (Copycat) 

Frozen Chicken Wings in Air Fryer

Filipino Chicken Sinigang

Still Got Questions or Just Want More Ideas?

Contact us via the web – We love hearing what recipes you’re crushing or if you added a twist we gotta try!

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken – Easy & Delicious

This sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken is a juicy, tangy, and ridiculously easy slow cooker recipe made with pineapple, garlic, and soy sauce. A tropical weeknight favorite!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Hawaiian

Servings 6

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• – Slow Cooker (Crockpot)
• Mixing bowl
• – Measuring Cups & Spoons
• – Cutting Board
• – Sharp Knife
• – Tongs or Forks
• – Serving Spoon or Ladle
• – Small Bowl (for cornstarch slurry)

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds boneless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 can 20 oz pineapple chunks (with juice)
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup soy sauce low-sodium preferred
• 2-3 garlic cloves minced
• 1-2 bell peppers sliced – red, orange, or yellow
• 1-2 tbsp cornstarch optional, for thickening
• Optional: red pepper flakes or jalapeños for heat

Instructions

 

• Place chicken into the crockpot.
• In a separate bowl, mix together pineapple chunks (with juice), soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and sliced bell peppers.
• Pour the mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
• Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours until chicken is tender and cooked through.
• (Optional) To thicken the sauce: 30 minutes before it’s done, remove a cup of liquid, mix with cornstarch, then return it to the crockpot and let it cook until thickened.
• Serve over rice, noodles, or in slider buns. Garnish with green onions, cilantro, or sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

You can swap brown sugar with honey or a sugar-free sweetener for a lighter version.

Fresh pineapple can be used instead of canned but adjust sweetness accordingly.

Leftovers are perfect for tacos, wraps, or even pizza toppings!

Keyword sweet hawaiian crockpot chicken, crockpot hawaiian chicken, slow cooker chicken