The Most Divine Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe

Juicy sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken promises a tropical escape right in your kitchen.

Succulent pieces of meat bathe in a vibrant, tangy sauce that whispers island secrets.

Pineapple and soy mingle with unexpected spices, creating a melody of flavors.

Home cooks adore this simple yet impressive dish that feels like a culinary vacation.

Minimal prep work means maximum enjoyment for everyone around the table.

Weeknight dinners suddenly become an exciting flavor adventure with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Eager hands will be reaching for seconds before you know it.

What Tastes Great with Crockpot Chicken

• Savor Tropical Flavor Companions: Match this sweet Hawaiian chicken with complementary dishes and drinks that elevate its rich, tangy profile.
• Pair with Coconut Rice: Create a creamy, soft base that absorbs the chicken's delicious sauce and adds a smooth tropical texture to each bite.
• Complement with Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: Select a light, zesty white wine with citrus notes that cuts through the dish's sweetness and enhances the pineapple's brightness.
• Balance with Cucumber Slaw: Prepare a refreshing, crunchy side salad with julienned cucumbers, green onions, and a light vinaigrette to provide a cool contrast to the warm, saucy chicken.

Flavor Options for Crockpot Chicken Fans

• Low-Sodium Hawaiian Chicken: Replace regular soy sauce with low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos to reduce salt content while maintaining rich flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap traditional soy sauce with tamari or gluten-free soy sauce alternative, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegetarian Hawaiian Delight: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or jackfruit, using same marinade and cooking method for a plant-based protein option.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Remove pineapple chunks, replace brown sugar with erythritol or monk fruit sweetener, and serve over cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content.

FAQs

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Chicken thighs are recommended because they stay moist and tender during slow cooking, absorbing more flavor compared to chicken breasts.

• Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, fresh pineapple chunks work perfectly and can add a brighter, more vibrant flavor to the dish. Just ensure the chunks are roughly the same size as canned pineapple.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. To make it gluten-free, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce, and verify that your cornstarch is certified gluten-free.

• How spicy is this Hawaiian chicken?

This recipe is not spicy at all. It’s sweet and savory with a mild flavor profile that’s kid-friendly and appealing to most palates.

Why Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Stays on Repeat

• Toss ingredients into the crockpot and let it work its magic, transforming simple chicken thighs into a mouthwatering meal with minimal hands-on preparation.
• Combines sweet pineapple, savory soy sauce, and aromatic ginger for a delightful Hawaiian-inspired dish that transports your taste buds to a sunny paradise.
• Perfect for busy families, meal prep, or casual gatherings, this recipe easily adapts to different serving styles and dietary preferences by pairing with rice or vegetables.
• Foolproof technique ensures tender, juicy chicken every time, making it ideal for home cooks of all skill levels who want a delicious, stress-free meal.

Ingredients for Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Bliss

• Chicken Thighs: A tender and flavorful cut that absorbs the sweet Hawaiian sauce beautifully.

• Soy Sauce, Brown Sugar: A classic combination that creates a rich, sweet, and savory base for the chicken.
• Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that add depth and traditional Hawaiian flavor to the dish.
• Cornstarch, Water: A thickening agent that helps create a glossy and smooth sauce consistency.

• Pineapple Chunks: A quintessential Hawaiian ingredient that adds natural sweetness and tropical brightness to the chicken.

Easy Prep for Crockpot Chicken Awesomeness

Step 1: Prepare Flavor Boosters

Finely chop fresh garlic cloves and ginger root to create an aromatic base for your chicken.

These ingredients will infuse deep, rich flavors into the dish.

Step 2: Position Chicken

Place chicken thighs directly into the crockpot, arranging them in a single layer for even cooking and maximum sauce absorption.

Step 3: Create Magical Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger

Whisk ingredients together until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture looks smooth and glossy.

Pour this incredible sauce evenly over the chicken.

Step 4: Add Tropical Sweetness

Scatter fresh pineapple chunks across the top of the chicken, allowing the fruit’s natural juices to mingle with the sauce during cooking.

Step 5: Slow Cook To Perfection

Cover the crockpot and cook on low setting for 6-8 hours or high setting for 3-4 hours.

The chicken will become incredibly tender and absorb all the delicious flavors.

Step 6: Thicken The Sauce

Remove chicken from the crockpot.

In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry.

Pour this into the remaining sauce and set crockpot to high.

Stir continuously for about 10 minutes until the sauce transforms into a rich, glossy consistency.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Place chicken on a bed of fluffy rice or alongside steamed vegetables.

Drizzle the luxurious sauce over the top and watch everyone’s eyes light up with anticipation.

Crockpot Chicken Tips for Flavorful Results

• Use a sharp knife or microplane to create fine, even pieces that distribute flavor evenly throughout the sauce.
• Opt for bone-in thighs for more moisture and deeper flavor, or use boneless for easier serving and quicker preparation.
• Whisk the sauce ingredients thoroughly to ensure brown sugar and soy sauce blend smoothly without clumping.
• Check chicken at the minimum recommended time to avoid overcooking and maintain tender, juicy meat.
• Use cold water when mixing cornstarch to prevent lumps and create a smooth, glossy sauce for perfect coating.

Making Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Last

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer chicken and sauce to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Label with date and contents. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for maximum flavor preservation.
• Place chicken in microwave-safe dish, add splash of water to prevent drying. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Warm chicken in skillet over medium-low heat. Add small amount of chicken broth or water to maintain moisture. Stir gently to prevent breaking apart chicken pieces and ensure even heating.

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hawaiian-inspired sweet crockpot chicken brings tropical flavors to your dinner table with minimal effort. Juicy chicken breasts simmer in a luscious blend of pineapple, soy sauce, and brown sugar, creating a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) boneless skinless chicken thighs

Fruits:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)

Seasonings and Thickeners:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) brown sugar
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) fresh ginger (grated)
• 2 teaspoons (10 grams) cornstarch (for thickening)

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Instructions

1. Mince aromatic garlic and ginger to release their vibrant flavors.
2. Arrange chicken thighs in a single layer within the crockpot, ensuring even distribution.
3. Create a harmonious marinade by whisking together umami-rich soy sauce, caramel-like brown sugar, fragrant garlic, and zesty ginger until completely integrated.
4. Cascade the marinade over the chicken, thoroughly coating each piece.
5. Scatter sweet pineapple chunks across the top, allowing their tropical essence to permeate the dish.
6. Secure the crockpot lid and slow-cook on low temperature for 6-8 hours or high temperature for 3-4 hours until chicken becomes fork-tender and succulent.
7. Once cooking completes, carefully transfer chicken to a serving platter.
8. Transform the remaining liquid into a luxurious sauce by blending cornstarch with water, then stirring into the cooking juices.
9. Elevate the sauce on high heat for approximately 10 minutes, whisking continuously until it thickens to a glossy consistency.
10. Present the chicken draped with the glossy sauce, accompanied by fluffy rice or vibrant steamed vegetables.

Notes

• Prep Ahead: Chop garlic and ginger in advance to save time during busy cooking moments.
• Meat Swap: Chicken breasts or boneless thighs work perfectly, offering flexibility for different preferences.
• Sauce Hack: Double the sauce ingredients if you love extra sauce for drizzling over rice or vegetables.
• Diet-Friendly Twist: Use low-sodium soy sauce and coconut sugar for a healthier, more controlled version of this sweet Hawaiian dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours (on high) or 8 hours (on low)
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg