Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is an easy, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a sweet and tangy pineapple sauce with classic Hawaiian spices. Perfect for busy days with minimal prep, this slow cooker recipe delivers juicy, aromatic chicken bites ideal for family meals or gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 to 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce)
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Sauce
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, with juice if canned)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
Vegetables & Garnish
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Lightly season boneless chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper to enhance natural flavor and help the sauce adhere.
- Mix the sauce: In a bowl, combine pineapple chunks with juice (if canned), brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, minced garlic, and rice vinegar. Stir well until the sugar dissolves, creating a sweet and tangy Crockpot sauce base.
- Arrange ingredients in the crockpot: Place the seasoned chicken evenly in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, coating thoroughly. Add sliced bell peppers on top for added flavor and color.
- Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on low heat for 5 to 6 hours or on high for about 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through. This slow cooking process melds the flavors beautifully.
- Finish and garnish: Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped green onions and optionally toasted sesame seeds on top to add freshness, texture, and visual appeal.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier results as they retain moisture better during slow cooking.
- Avoid lifting the crockpot lid too frequently to maintain consistent cooking temperature.
- Taste the sauce near the end of cooking and add more brown sugar or pineapple juice if a sweeter flavor is preferred.
- Layer the bell peppers on top near the beginning to keep them from becoming mushy.
- Serve over warm jasmine or brown rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Hawaiian chicken, crockpot chicken, slow cooker recipe, pineapple chicken, easy dinner, tropical chicken, family meal
Find it online: https://mealsbysarah.com/sweet-hawaiian-crockpot-chicken/
