Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is the ultimate in convenience and flavor. The crockpot does all the work, slowly cooking the chicken to perfection while letting the sweet and tangy sauce soak in. The pineapple adds a natural sweetness, while the soy sauce and brown sugar create a rich, caramelized flavor. It’s a simple, hands-off recipe that yields tender, flavorful chicken with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness)

• 1 cup pineapple chunks (canned or fresh)

• ½ cup pineapple juice (from the canned pineapple or a separate carton)

• ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

• ¼ cup brown sugar (packed)

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger)

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

• Chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)

• Cooked rice, for serving

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) in the bottom of the crockpot.

2. Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the pineapple chunks (with juice), pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger until the sugar is dissolved.

3. Cook the Chicken: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).

4. Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you’d like to thicken the sauce, remove the chicken from the crockpot and set it aside. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the sauce in the crockpot and cook on high for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.

5. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, shred it using two forks or slice it into pieces, depending on your preference. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and mix it with the sauce to coat it evenly.

6. Serve: Serve the Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken over cooked rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for extra flavor and texture.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6

• Prep Time: 5-10 minutes

• Cook Time: 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high

• Total Time: 4-6 hours (depending on cooking method)

Variations

• Add Vegetables: Toss in some bell peppers, onions, or carrots to cook with the chicken for added flavor and nutrition.

• Spicy Hawaiian Chicken: Add a chopped jalapeño or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.

• Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken: Add a tablespoon of teriyaki sauce to the mix for a deeper umami flavor.

• Sweet Hawaiian Chicken Tacos: Use the shredded chicken in soft tortillas for a delicious taco filling, topped with a little cilantro and lime.

• Gluten-Free Version: Use tamari in place of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken with the sauce for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the chicken moist.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts or thighs in the crockpot. However, it may take a little longer to cook. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Can I use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Boneless skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative and tend to stay juicier and more flavorful. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as thighs may cook slightly faster than breasts.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

To thicken the sauce, use cornstarch. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry, and stir it into the sauce in the crockpot. Cook on high for about 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When ready to cook, just pour everything into the crockpot and cook as directed.

What can I serve with Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with cooked rice, quinoa, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad. You can also use it for tacos or sandwiches.

Conclusion

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for busy nights when you want a flavorful meal with minimal effort. The combination of sweet pineapple, savory soy sauce, and brown sugar creates a mouthwatering sauce that perfectly coats tender, juicy chicken. Whether you serve it with rice, tacos, or veggies, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation!