Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a simple and tasty dish that combines tender chicken with pineapple and a sweet, tangy sauce. The slow cooker does all the work, making the chicken juicy and full of flavor while the pineapple adds a bright, tropical twist. It’s a great mix of sweet and savory that’s perfect for busy days or when you want a fuss-free meal.
I love making this recipe when I want something easy but satisfying. Just toss everything in the crockpot in the morning, and by dinner time, the house smells amazing with that sweet pineapple aroma. The sauce thickens up nicely, and the chicken practically falls apart, which makes it perfect for serving over rice or even stuffing into sandwiches. Sometimes I add a little extra soy sauce or ginger to give it a bit more depth, depending on what I’m in the mood for.
One of my favorite ways to serve this dish is with a side of steamed veggies or a simple green salad to balance out the sweetness. It’s a dish that always gets compliments, and I find it’s great for family dinners or casual get-togethers. The leftovers also reheat wonderfully, so you can enjoy that Hawaiian flavor even the next day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Both breasts and thighs work well here. Thighs stay juicier and are more forgiving if you’re away longer, while breasts are leaner and cook a bit faster.
Pineapple juice & chunks: Pineapple juice adds natural sweetness and tang. If you don’t have canned pineapple, fresh juice works too. Pineapple chunks are optional but add nice texture and bursts of flavor.
Soy sauce: This gives a salty depth. For a low-sodium option, use a reduced-sodium soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free.
Brown sugar & ketchup: These add sweetness and a little tang. You can swap brown sugar with honey or maple syrup, and use tomato sauce instead of ketchup if you prefer.
Garlic & ginger: Fresh minced garlic and grated ginger add freshness and warmth. Ground ginger is fine if that’s what you have.
Onion: Diced onion melts into the sauce, giving it extra flavor and body. Yellow onions work well here.
How Do You Make the Sauce Thick and Flavorful in the Crockpot?
The sauce is key to this dish’s great flavor and texture. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Mix all the liquid ingredients with sugar, garlic, and spices before pouring over the chicken. This ensures even flavor.
- Cook on low for a longer time so the flavors meld and the chicken becomes tender.
- After cooking, mix cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry; this thickens the sauce without lumps.
- Stir in the slurry, then cook on high for 15-20 minutes to let the sauce thicken nicely.
Pro tip: Stir gently after adding the slurry so the chicken stays in nice pieces and the sauce evenly coats everything.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crockpot or slow cooker – this is the heart of the recipe, making the chicken tender without much effort.
- Mixing bowl – for whisking together your sauce ingredients easily before adding to the crockpot.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to make sure your sauce has the perfect balance of sweet and savory.
- Whisk – helps blend the cornstarch slurry smoothly to thicken the sauce without lumps.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – for chopping chicken and dicing onions safely and quickly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken thighs for pork shoulder to change up the texture and add a richer flavor.
- Add diced bell peppers or snap peas near the end for some fresh crunch and color.
- Try adding a splash of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
- Stir in chopped fresh cilantro or basil before serving for a bright herbal touch.
Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into chunks
- 1 cup pineapple juice (preferably from canned pineapple)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (or 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup canned pineapple chunks (drained, optional)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- Cooked white rice, for serving
- 2-3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
It takes about 10 minutes to prep the ingredients and assemble the crockpot. Cooking time is between 2-6 hours depending on your crockpot setting. Plus, allow about 15-20 minutes at the end to thicken the sauce. So overall, plan for 2 to 6 hours, mostly hands-off time, making this an easy and convenient meal option.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken and Sauce:
Start by placing the chicken chunks evenly at the bottom of your crockpot. In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, minced garlic, ground ginger, and diced onion. Mix until smooth and well combined.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the crockpot. Add pineapple chunks on top if you like a little extra sweetness and texture. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
3. Thicken and Serve:
When the chicken is done cooking, mix cornstarch and cold water together to make a smooth slurry. Stir this into the crockpot. Switch the crockpot to high and let it thicken for 15-20 minutes. Once the sauce is thickened, serve the chicken over cooked white rice and garnish with fresh green onions for a burst of flavor and color.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the chicken first. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the cold water method for faster thawing. This ensures even cooking and prevents the crockpot from being overloaded with cold ingredients.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and chicken in the crockpot earlier in the day or even the day before. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
How Can I Thicken the Sauce Without Cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use arrowroot powder or flour to thicken the sauce. Mix 1 tablespoon of your thickener with 2 tablespoons cold water before adding it to the crockpot. Cook on high until the sauce reaches the desired thickness.
What Should I Serve with Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken?
This dish pairs perfectly with steamed white rice to soak up the sauce. For a lighter option, serve with cauliflower rice or alongside roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
