Sweet Hawaiian Crock-Pot Chicken Recipe

The Best Sweet Hawaiian Crock-Pot Chicken Recipe You’ll Love

Tucking into a delightful sweet hawaiian crock-pot chicken promises pure comfort with minimal kitchen effort.

Tropical flavors dance across tender meat, creating an irresistible meal that feels like a mini vacation.

Minimal prep work means maximum enjoyment for busy home cooks seeking something special.

Pineapple and savory spices mingle effortlessly, crafting a dish that surprises and satisfies hungry appetites.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this simple yet remarkable recipe.

Rich aromas will fill your kitchen, beckoning everyone to the table.

You’ll want to bookmark this crowd-pleasing chicken adventure for future delicious moments.

What Makes Sweet Hawaiian Crock-Pot Chicken So Good

  • Simplify Your Meal Prep: Toss ingredients into the Crock-Pot and let it work its magic, transforming simple chicken into a mouthwatering Hawaiian-inspired dish with minimal effort.
  • Customize Your Comfort: Add optional veggies like onions and green peppers to boost nutrition and flavor, making this recipe adaptable to personal tastes and dietary preferences.
  • Create a Tropical Escape: Bring the sweet and tangy flavors of Hawaii to your dinner table with a sauce that combines pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce for a delightful culinary adventure.
  • Hands-Off Cooking Delight: Perfect for busy families or individuals who want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen, this slow cooker recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken every time.

What’s Inside Sweet Hawaiian Crock-Pot Chicken

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: Tender meat that forms the base of this sweet Hawaiian-style dish.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Pineapple Juice, Brown Sugar, Soy Sauce: Create a sweet and savory liquid mixture that infuses the chicken with tropical flavors.
Optional Vegetables and Fruits:
  • Vidalia Onion, Green Pepper, Pineapple Chunks: Add extra texture, sweetness, and depth to the dish, complementing the main protein with fresh and vibrant elements.

How To Make Sweet Hawaiian Crock-Pot Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Protein

Cut chicken into bite-sized morsels. If using extras, dice the Vidalia onion and green pepper into uniform pieces about the same size as chicken chunks.

Step 2: Craft the Flavor Blend

In a mixing bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce until sugar completely melts and creates a smooth liquid sauce.

Step 3: Layer Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Transfer chicken pieces into the Crock-Pot.

Add optional ingredients:
  • Pineapple chunks
  • Diced Vidalia onion
  • Chopped green pepper

Step 4: Drench with Delicious Sauce

Pour the prepared sauce mixture evenly over chicken and vegetables, ensuring everything gets coated.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Set Crock-Pot to low temperature and cook for 4-6 hours, or use high temperature for 2-3 hours.

Chicken should become super tender and fully cooked through.

Step 6: Final Touch and Serve

Give the dish a gentle stir to distribute flavors.

Plate alongside steamed white rice or a crisp garden salad for a complete meal that’ll make taste buds dance.

Easy Tips For Sweet Hawaiian Crock-Pot Chicken

  • Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and easier preparation in the Crock-Pot.
  • Drain pineapple chunks well to prevent excess liquid from diluting the sauce's rich flavor profile.
  • Reduce sodium by using low-sodium soy sauce and controlling the amount of added salt in the recipe.
  • Enhance the dish's complexity by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or ginger for a subtle kick.
  • Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months, making meal prep a breeze for busy weeknights.

Tasty Ways To Switch Up Sweet Hawaiian Crock-Pot Chicken

  • Spicy Tropical Kick: Add red pepper flakes and sriracha sauce to the original sauce mixture for a fiery Hawaiian-inspired flavor profile.
  • Teriyaki Style Upgrade: Replace soy sauce with teriyaki sauce and sprinkle sesame seeds on top after cooking for an enhanced Japanese-inspired chicken dish.
  • Coconut Fusion Variation: Mix coconut milk into the sauce and garnish with toasted coconut flakes for a creamy, tropical texture and taste.
  • Herb Garden Remix: Incorporate fresh chopped cilantro, mint, and green onions during the last hour of cooking to introduce bright, fresh herb notes to the classic recipe.

What To Serve With Sweet Hawaiian Crock-Pot Chicken

  • Tropical Rice Companion: Opt for jasmine or coconut rice to complement the sweet and tangy Hawaiian chicken flavors, absorbing the delicious sauce perfectly.
  • Refreshing Beverage Pairing: Choose a crisp white wine like Riesling or a light Hawaiian beer such as Kona Longboard, which balance the dish's sweetness with their cool, clean taste.
  • Zesty Side Salad Boost: Create a citrus-infused salad with mandarin orangines, mixed greens, and a light ginger-sesame dressing to enhance the tropical chicken's vibrant profile.
  • Garnish with Crunch: Sprinkle toasted macadamia nuts or sesame seeds on top for added texture and a nutty Hawaiian-inspired finish that elevates the entire dish.

Best Way To Store Sweet Hawaiian Crock-Pot Chicken

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed chicken will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Freeze: Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Chicken will maintain quality for up to 3 months when frozen.
  • Microwave Reheat: Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming.
  • Stovetop Reheat: Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to maintain moisture. Stir gently until heated thoroughly, about 5-7 minutes.

Sweet Hawaiian Crock-Pot Chicken Q&A

  • Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but thaw it completely first for even cooking and food safety. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F to prevent any potential foodborne illness.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. Traditional soy sauce contains gluten, so use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make the recipe gluten-free. Always check ingredient labels carefully.

  • How can I make the sauce thicker?

To thicken the sauce, mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with cold water in a separate bowl, then stir into the Crock-Pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will help create a more substantial sauce consistency.

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Sweet Hawaiian Crock-Pot Chicken Recipe

Sweet Hawaiian Crock-Pot Chicken Recipe


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4.7 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 4-6 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hawaiian paradise meets comfort food in this Crock-Pot chicken masterpiece, delivering tropical flavors with minimal effort. Succulent chicken bathes in a tangy-sweet sauce, promising a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 2 lbs chicken chunks (white, dark, or mixed)

Liquid Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) pineapple juice
  • 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) low sodium soy sauce

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) packed brown sugar
  • 1 can (medium) pineapple chunks
  • 1 small Vidalia onion, chopped
  • Green pepper chunks

Instructions

  1. Dice chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and tender texture.
  2. Create a harmonious sauce by whisking pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce until sugar completely dissolves, forming a glossy marinade.
  3. Transfer chicken chunks into the slow cooker, strategically layering with optional pineapple chunks, Vidalia onion, and green pepper for maximum flavor infusion.
  4. Gently cascade the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables, ensuring every morsel is thoroughly coated.
  5. Set crock-pot to low temperature and allow chicken to simmer for 4-6 hours, or alternatively use high setting for 2-3 hours until meat becomes fork-tender and fully cooked.
  6. Thoroughly mix the contents to redistribute the sauce and caramelized bits before plating.
  7. Serve piping hot alongside fluffy steamed rice or a crisp green salad for a complete tropical-inspired meal.

Notes

  • Keep chicken pieces uniform in size to ensure even cooking and prevent some chunks from becoming dry or undercooked.
  • Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version that maintains rich umami flavor.
  • Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for more tender and juicier meat with deeper flavor profile.
  • Reduce brown sugar by half for a less sweet dish or substitute with honey or maple syrup for more complex sweetness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4-6 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 16 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Mia Thompson

Mia Thompson

Pastry Chef & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Creating wholesome, seasonal desserts with a focus on nutrition.
  • Developing recipes on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Experimenting with plant-based and gluten-free recipes.​

Education

Portland Community College – Baking and Pastry Arts Program
Specialized in artisanal bread, seasonal desserts, and sustainable baking methods.

National University of Natural Medicine – Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (BScN)
Focused on “Food as Medicine” philosophy, with core threads in nutrition.


Mia’s love affair with baking began in her grandmother’s kitchen, where sneaking spoonfuls of batter first sparked her curiosity. She refined her skills through Portland Community College’s Baking and Pastry Arts Program and her expertise at the National University of Natural Medicine, earning a B.Sc. in Nutrition.
At The Scrumptious Pumpkin, Mia reimagines classics with effortless seasonal treats, healthier twists on old favorites, and playful confections that feel like pure joy. Beyond the oven, she nurtures her urban garden, forages local ingredients around Portland, and leads hands‑on nutrition workshops for her community.

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