Picture stepping into your kitchen to the irresistible aroma of juicy pineapple, slow-cooked chicken, and a savory splash of soy filling the air That’s the magic of Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken — a meal that feels like a tropical getaway without leaving home. With just a handful of simple ingredients and your slow cooker, you can make a dish that’s pure comfort and sunshine.

Why You’ll Love Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Easy, Hands-Off Cooking: Set it in the morning and come back to a delicious dinner.
Sweet and Savory Flavors: The blend of juicy pineapple and savory sauce is irresistible.
Perfect for Families: Mild flavors make it a hit with kids and adults alike.
Flexible Serving Ideas: Spoon it over rice, stuff it into sandwiches, or pair it with fresh veggies.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 pounds of boneless and skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts
1 cup pure pineapple juice
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon finely minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 cup chopped pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
1 red bell pepper, sliced thin
1 green bell pepper, sliced thin
Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth, then add it if you want to thicken the sauce.
Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish (optional): sliced green onions, sesame seeds

How to Make Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Step 1: Get the Chicken Ready

Lightly season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper to bring out their natural flavor. No need to cut unless you prefer smaller bites.

Step 2: Stir Up the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. This sauce creates the flavorful foundation that brings your chicken to life.

Step 3: Build the Layers

Arrange the seasoned chicken in an even layer at the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the sauce mixture over it, and scatter the pineapple chunks and bell pepper slices on top.

Step 4: Let It Cook

Secure the lid on your slow cooker and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken becomes tender and absorbs the rich, flavorful sauce.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

To thicken the sauce, combine cornstarch and water to create a slurry, then mix it into the slow cooker roughly 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve. Let it cook uncovered to thicken up beautifully.

Step 6: Time to Serve Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Spoon the warm chicken and sauce onto plates, topping it with green onions and sesame seeds for a vibrant, delicious finish.

Storage and Food Safety Tips

Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container and enjoy within 4 days for the best flavor and freshness.
Once cooled, transfer portions into freezer-safe bags or containers and store for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stove or microwave until piping hot (always reheat chicken to 165°F for safety).

What Goes Well with Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken?

Steamed Rice or Coconut Rice: A must-have to soak up that incredible sauce.
Serve with grilled pineapple or crisp vegetables for a light and refreshing side.
Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: Turn the chicken into amazing sliders.
Tropical Smoothie: Blend up pineapple, banana, and coconut milk for the perfect drink.

Conclusion

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken isn’t just a meal — it’s an instant mood-lifter. With rich flavors, effortless prep, and island vibes in every bite, it’s sure to earn a spot in your weekly dinner rotation. Dust off that slow cooker and bring a little taste of paradise to your table tonight!

More Hearty Recipes to Explore

Here are a few more delicious dishes you might enjoy:

FAQs About Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Can I swap out chicken thighs for breasts?
Yes! Chicken breasts work well too, just monitor the cooking time to avoid dryness.

No pineapple juice on hand — what can I use?
Orange juice is a good stand-in. The flavor will be a bit different, but you’ll still enjoy a delicious tropical twist.

What’s the easiest way to spice up this dish?
Absolutely! For an extra burst of spice, stir a dash of hot sauce or a few red pepper flakes into the sauce.

Is this recipe naturally gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, replace traditional soy sauce with tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce.

Can I prepare it the night before?
You sure can! Assemble everything in the crockpot insert, refrigerate overnight, and cook fresh the next day.

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Author: Monica
Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a tender, flavorful slow-cooked dish packed with juicy pineapple, savory soy sauce, and colorful bell peppers. Perfect for a cozy, tropical-inspired dinner, this easy recipe is a family favorite thanks to its irresistible sweet and savory flavors and effortless preparation.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1 cup pineapple juice
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 cup diced pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
1 red bell pepper, sliced thin
1 green bell pepper, sliced thin
2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening the sauce)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish: sliced green onions, sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

Season the Chicken
Lightly season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
Prepare the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ground ginger until fully combined.
Layer the Ingredients
Place the seasoned chicken evenly at the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the chicken. Scatter the pineapple chunks and sliced red and green bell peppers over the top.
Slow Cook
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and infused with flavor.
Optional Sauce Thickening
If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk cornstarch with water to form a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker about 30 minutes before serving and let it cook uncovered until thickened.
Serve
Garnish the cooked chicken with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot with steamed rice, coconut rice, or Hawaiian rolls.

Notes

Substitutions:
You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs if preferred.
Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make it gluten-free.

Tips:
For extra sweetness, add more fresh pineapple.
To add spice, stir in a little hot sauce or red pepper flakes.

Storage:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours (on low)
Category: Dinner / Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Hawaiian / American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 cup)
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 17 g
Sodium: 630 mg
Fat: 8 g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 26 g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 90 mg

Keywords: sweet hawaiian crockpot chicken, slow cooker hawaiian chicken, tropical chicken recipe, crockpot pineapple chicken, easy family dinner

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe You Will Love