This incredibly easy Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken recipe brings the tropical flavors of Hawaii right to your dinner table with just a handful of ingredients! The sweet and tangy sauce combined with tender chicken creates a family-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or warm summer evenings.
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Why You’ll Love This weet hawaiian crockpot chicken
There’s something magical about walking into your home after a long day and being greeted by the mouthwatering aroma of sweet Hawaiian chicken simmering in the slow cooker. This dump-and-go recipe has been passed down through generations in my family, and for good reason! The combination of pineapple, brown sugar, and soy sauce creates a perfectly balanced sweet and savory flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
The Secret Behind Grandma’s Sweet Hawaiian Chicken
My grandmother first started making this recipe back in the 1970s after a memorable trip to Hawaii. She was determined to capture those island flavors in an easy weeknight meal, and this 4-ingredient wonder was born! Over the years, we’ve made small tweaks, but the heart of this recipe remains true to her original creation. The secret? The perfect balance of sweet pineapple juice with the umami depth of soy sauce.
Ingredients You’ll Need Sweet hawaiian crockpot chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into chunks
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- Optional: 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening)
- Optional: 1/4 cup BBQ sauce for extra flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions weet hawaiian crockpot chicken
- Prepare the chicken: Cut your boneless chicken into bite-sized chunks. You can use breast or thigh meat depending on your preference. Thighs tend to stay more tender in the slow cooker!
- Mix the sauce: In a bowl, combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved.
- Add to crockpot: Place chicken chunks in the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and add pineapple chunks.
- Cook to perfection: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Thicken the sauce (optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir the cornstarch mixture into the crockpot and cook on HIGH until sauce thickens.
Serving Suggestions weet hawaiian crockpot chicken
This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is incredibly versatile! Here are our favorite ways to serve it:
- Over a bed of fluffy white rice to soak up all that delicious sauce
- With a side of steamed broccoli or stir-fried vegetables
- In Hawaiian slider buns for an easy party appetizer
- Wrapped in lettuce cups for a lighter option
- Alongside coconut rice for an extra tropical touch
FAQ weet hawaiian crockpot chicken
What are the 4 ingredients in Hawaiian chicken breast crockpot?
The 4 core ingredients are: chicken, pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce. That’s all you need for the basic recipe, though you can enhance it with pineapple chunks and other additions.
How to thicken sauce for Hawaiian chicken?
The easiest way to thicken the sauce is to mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then stir this mixture into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking time. You can also remove the chicken and reduce the sauce on the stovetop if you’re in a hurry.
What to serve with Hawaiian crockpot chicken?
Rice is the traditional pairing, but it also goes well with quinoa, noodles, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Add a green vegetable like broccoli, bok choy, or a simple salad to round out the meal.
Can you put raw chicken straight into a slow cooker?
Yes! This recipe is designed for raw chicken to go directly into the slow cooker. The long cooking time ensures it reaches a safe temperature.
Is it better to cook chicken on high or low in the crockpot?
For the most tender results, cooking on LOW for a longer period (6-7 hours) is generally better. However, if you’re short on time, HIGH for 3-4 hours still produces delicious results.
Why does chicken get rubbery in a slow cooker?
Chicken can become rubbery if it’s overcooked or if there’s not enough liquid in the slow cooker. This recipe prevents that problem with plenty of sauce and appropriate cooking times.
Pro Tips for Perfect weet hawaiian crockpot chicken
- Use chicken thighs for more tender, juicy results that won’t dry out
- Don’t peek! Every time you lift the lid, you lose heat and add 15-20 minutes to the cooking time
- Add a splash of rice vinegar if you want to balance the sweetness with more tanginess
- Throw in some red pepper flakes for a sweet-heat variation
- Use fresh pineapple when in season for the best flavor
Storage and Reheating weet hawaiian crockpot chicken
This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together!
To reheat, microwave individual portions or warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or pineapple juice to maintain moisture.
More Delicious Crockpot Recipes You’ll Love
- Crockpot Steak Bites
- Crockpot Loaded Steak and Potato Bake
- Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna Recipe
- Easy Crockpot Meals Recipe
Essential Kitchen Tools
Having the right slow cooker makes all the difference! Check out this popular model on Amazon that’s perfect for this recipe.
Final Thoughts weet hawaiian crockpot chicken
This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken recipe has been a lifesaver on busy weeknights for our family. With just a few minutes of prep in the morning, you can come home to a delicious, complete meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The sweet and tangy flavors transport you straight to the Hawaiian islands, even on the most ordinary Tuesday night!
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out. We love hearing from you!
Recipe developed and tested by Chapters Recipes. Originally published May 2025.
Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into chunks
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1 cup pineapple chunks fresh or canned
Optional Ingredients
- 2 tbsp cornstarch for thickening
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce for extra flavor
Instructions
- Cut your boneless chicken into bite-sized chunks. You can use breast or thigh meat depending on your preference.
- In a bowl, combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved.
- Place chicken chunks in the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and add pineapple chunks.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Optional: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir the cornstarch mixture into the crockpot and cook on HIGH until sauce thickens.
- Serve over rice and enjoy!