Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe

The Sweetest Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe Ever Made

Succulent sweet hawaiian crockpot chicken promises a tropical escape right from your kitchen.

Aromas of pineapple and savory spices will instantly transport you to island paradise.

Minimal ingredients combine for maximum flavor in this effortless meal.

Busy home cooks appreciate how quickly everything comes together with just a few simple steps.

Tender chicken pieces swim in a luscious sauce that balances sweet and tangy perfectly.

Weekend meal planning just became delightfully stress-free with this crowd-pleasing dish.

Grab your slow cooker and let the culinary adventure begin!

Ingredients for Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender cuts of white meat that serve as the main protein for this Hawaiian-style dish.
Sauce Components:
  • Pineapple Juice, Soy Sauce, Ketchup, Brown Sugar, Honey: A sweet and tangy mixture that creates a rich, flavorful Hawaiian-inspired sauce for the chicken.
Aromatic Ingredients:
  • Garlic, Ginger: Provides depth of flavor and traditional Hawaiian-inspired seasonings to enhance the overall taste of the dish.
Garnish and Serving:
  • Green Onions, Cooked Rice: Fresh green onions add a crisp, fresh topping, while rice serves as the perfect base for serving the saucy chicken.

Cooking Instructions for Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Placement

Lay the chicken breasts smoothly inside the crockpot, ensuring they are positioned evenly without overlapping.

Step 2: Create Flavor Fusion Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
  • Pineapple juice
  • Soy sauce
  • Ketchup
  • Brown sugar
  • Honey
  • Minced garlic
  • Grated fresh ginger

Whisk the ingredients thoroughly until the sugar completely dissolves, creating a vibrant, glossy sauce.

Step 3: Coat Chicken With Tropical Blend

Pour the prepared sauce directly over the chicken breasts, using a spatula to ensure every inch of the meat gets generously covered with the sweet and tangy mixture.

Step 4: Slow Cook To Perfection

Cover the crockpot and select your preferred cooking method:
  • Low setting: Cook for 4-5 hours
  • High setting: Cook for 2-3 hours

The chicken is ready when it becomes incredibly tender and fully cooked through.

Step 5: Shred And Mix

Using two forks, gently pull apart the chicken into soft, succulent shreds. Stir the chicken back into the remaining sauce to enhance its flavor and moisture.

Step 6: Plate And Garnish

Serve the Hawaiian-style shredded chicken over fluffy white or brown rice. Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions on top for a bright, crisp finish.

Pro Tips for Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

  • Opt for fresh pineapple juice for a brighter, more vibrant flavor that elevates the entire dish.
  • Ensure chicken breasts are roughly the same size to guarantee even cooking throughout the crockpot.
  • Reduce sodium by using low-sodium soy sauce and cutting back on added salt for a healthier meal option.
  • Swap chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a more tender and juicy result that falls apart easily.
  • Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to three months, perfect for quick future meals with minimal preparation.

Flavor Variations for Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

  • Spicy Tropical Fusion: Add red pepper flakes and jalapeños to the sauce for a fiery kick that complements the sweet pineapple flavors.
  • Coconut Lime Adventure: Replace pineapple juice with coconut milk and add fresh lime juice for a creamy, tangy Hawaiian-inspired variation.
  • Teriyaki Style Chicken: Swap ketchup with teriyaki sauce and add sesame seeds for an authentic Japanese-inspired crockpot meal.
  • Mango Habanero Burst: Substitute pineapple juice with mango puree and include a small diced habanero pepper for a bold, fruity heat.

Pairing Suggestions for Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

  • Pair with Tropical Coconut Rice: Create a creamy, fragrant coconut rice base that complements the sweet and tangy Hawaiian chicken flavors, enhancing the overall tropical experience.
  • Sip Pineapple Ginger Mocktail: Craft a refreshing non-alcoholic drink using fresh pineapple juice, ginger syrup, and sparkling water to mirror the recipe's Hawaiian-inspired taste profile.
  • Match with Crisp Cucumber Slaw: Prepare a light, crunchy coleslaw with cucumber, green onions, and a zesty lime dressing to provide a cool, fresh contrast to the rich, sweet chicken.
  • Select Hawaiian Passion Fruit Beer: Choose a light, fruity craft beer with passion fruit notes to amplify the dish's tropical essence and cut through the sweetness of the chicken sauce.

How to Store Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Properly

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags. Freeze up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
  • Move frozen chicken to refrigerator overnight. Never thaw at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Warm in microwave with splash of reserved sauce, stirring every 30 seconds. Alternatively, reheat in skillet over medium-low heat, adding extra pineapple juice to prevent drying. Internal temperature should reach 165°F for food safety.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

  • Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add an extra 1-2 hours to the cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked and tender.

  • Is this dish spicy?

No, this Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is not spicy. It has a sweet and tangy flavor profile from the combination of pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce.

  • Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and chicken in the morning, let it cook all day in the crockpot, and it will be ready for dinner. The chicken can also be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Why Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Is a Tropical Treat

  • Minimal Prep, Maximum Deliciousness: Toss ingredients into the crockpot and let the slow cooker work its magic, creating a hands-off meal that requires minimal kitchen effort.
  • Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet and tangy sauce that transforms plain chicken into a mouthwatering dish everyone will enjoy.
  • Versatile Meal Solution: Serve over rice, stuff into tacos, or pile onto sandwiches – this chicken adapts to multiple meal styles with incredible ease.
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Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe


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4.9 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 5 hours 10 minutes (low) or 2 hours 10 minutes to 3 hours 10 minutes (high)
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Savor the tropical magic of Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken, where tender poultry meets a symphony of sweet and tangy flavors. Succulent chicken marinates in a luscious blend of pineapple, soy sauce, and brown sugar, promising a delightful meal that whisks you to island paradise.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Liquid Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) pineapple juice
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) ketchup

Sweeteners and Seasonings:

  • 1/3 cup (80 grams) brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup (113 grams) honey
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon (5 grams) ginger, grated

Serving Accompaniments:

  • Cooked rice
  • Green onions, chopped

Instructions

  1. Arrange chicken breasts in a slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly spread.
  2. Create a vibrant marinade by whisking together pineapple juice, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger until sugar completely dissolves.
  3. Generously drench chicken with the prepared marinade, rotating pieces to ensure thorough coating.
  4. Secure the lid and set crockpot to low temperature, allowing chicken to simmer for 4-5 hours or high temperature for 2-3 hours until meat becomes fork-tender.
  5. Carefully remove chicken and use two forks to pull meat apart into succulent shreds, then return meat to the cooking liquid.
  6. Gently stir shredded chicken within the rich, caramelized sauce to enhance flavor absorption.
  7. Transfer the Hawaiian-inspired chicken over a bed of fluffy steamed rice.
  8. Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions across the dish for a bright, aromatic finish.

Notes

  • Tenderize chicken breasts by pounding them to an even thickness before placing in the crockpot for more consistent cooking.
  • Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control salt content and prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
  • Use fresh pineapple juice for a brighter, more vibrant flavor compared to canned juice.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 410 kcal
  • Sugar: 31 g
  • Sodium: 980 mg
  • Fat: 4 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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