The Perfect Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe for Families

Succulent sweet hawaiian crockpot chicken promises a tropical twist that’ll make dinner feel like a beachside getaway.

Weeknight meals can transform from mundane to magical with minimal effort.

Slow cooking unlocks incredible flavors, turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Pineapple and savory seasonings create a mouthwatering harmony that dances across your taste buds.

Rich, tender chicken absorbs every delicious note of this island-inspired dish.

Minimal prep means maximum enjoyment, letting you spend less time cooking and more time savoring.

Dive into this easy recipe that’ll transport you straight to paradise with just one bite.

Why Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Is A Crowd Favorite

• Craft Tropical Comfort: Transform your kitchen into a Hawaiian paradise with this simple, mouthwatering slow cooker recipe that delivers bold, sweet-and-savory flavors without complicated techniques.
• Hands-Off Cooking Magic: Toss ingredients into the crockpot and let it work its magic, creating a delicious meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor while you go about your day.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with kid-approved ingredients like chicken, pineapple, and a sweet-tangy sauce, this dish brings everyone to the table with its irresistible taste and crowd-pleasing appeal.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or casual gatherings, this Hawaiian chicken adapts easily to different serving styles and satisfies diverse taste preferences with its tropical twist.

What You Need For Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender protein that absorbs the delicious Hawaiian-inspired sauce beautifully.
• Ham: Adds a salty and rich flavor complement to the chicken in this tropical dish.

• Soy Sauce, Pineapple Juice, Brown Sugar, Ketchup, Rice Vinegar: Create a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that define the Hawaiian-style sauce.
• Garlic, Ginger: Provide aromatic depth and authentic Asian-inspired flavor notes to the dish.

• Cornstarch, Water: Work together to create a glossy and thick sauce consistency.
• Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Add fresh, crisp texture and visual appeal to the final presentation.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance and balance the overall taste profile of the dish.

• Pineapple Chunks: Bring a tropical sweetness and juicy texture that complements the savory proteins.

Simple Steps For Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Step 1: Grease Slow Cooker

Lightly coat the inside of the slow cooker with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Layer Protein Base

Create a foundation by spreading diced chicken and ham evenly across the bottom of the crockpot.

Step 3: Craft Flavor Explosion

• Soy sauce
• Pineapple juice
• Brown sugar
• Ketchup
• Rice vinegar
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and well-combined.

Step 4: Coat Proteins

Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and ham, ensuring every piece is thoroughly seasoned and covered.

Step 5: Add Tropical Touches

Scatter fresh pineapple chunks throughout the crockpot, distributing them evenly among the meat.

Step 6: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-7 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. This allows flavors to merge and chicken to become incredibly tender.

Step 7: Create Sauce Thickener

Prepare a cornstarch slurry by whisking cornstarch with water until completely smooth and lump-free.

Step 8: Enhance Sauce Consistency

Stir the cornstarch mixture into the crockpot to thicken the sauce and create a glossy, rich texture.

Step 9: Final Flavor Development

Continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce and intensify its flavors.

Step 10: Shred and Combine

Gently shred the chicken using two forks, ensuring it’s completely coated with the tropical sauce.

Step 11: Garnish and Beautify

• Chopped green onions
• Sprinkle of sesame seeds

Step 12: Serve and Enjoy

Plate over steamed rice or your favorite grain, savoring the delightful sweet and savory Hawaiian-inspired flavors.

Tips To Nail Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

• Grease with Care: Lightly coat the slow cooker's interior with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
• Balance Protein Distribution: Spread chicken and ham evenly across the bottom for consistent flavor and texture in every bite.
• Whisk Sauce to Perfection: Combine all sauce ingredients thoroughly, ensuring no lumps and a smooth, well-integrated mixture that coats the meat completely.
• Thicken Smartly: Create a cornstarch slurry by whisking it with water until smooth, then stir into the crockpot to achieve a glossy, rich sauce consistency.
• Garnish for Impact: Top with fresh chopped green onions and sesame seeds to add a burst of color, crunch, and extra flavor to the Hawaiian-inspired dish.

Tasty Variations Of Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

• Gluten-Free Hawaiian Chicken: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals, maintaining the same rich flavor profile.
• Spicy Island Kick: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the marinade for those who enjoy a heat-packed tropical experience, creating a zesty version of the original recipe.
• Vegetarian Luau Alternative: Swap chicken and ham with firm tofu or jackfruit, using the same marinade and cooking method to create a plant-based Hawaiian-inspired dish that captures the essence of the original recipe.
• Low-Carb Pineapple Protein: Serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice, reducing carbohydrate content while preserving the vibrant Hawaiian flavor combination.

What Goes Well With Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

• Pair Perfectly with Tropical Sunset Cocktail: Blend a refreshing Mai Tai with rum, orange curaçao, lime juice, and pineapple juice to complement the dish's sweet and tangy Hawaiian flavors.
• Serve with Coconut Rice Pilaf: Cook white rice with coconut milk, adding a creamy texture and tropical undertone that matches the pineapple and ham in the main course.
• Match with Crisp Cabbage Slaw: Toss shredded cabbage with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a touch of honey to provide a crunchy, light side that cuts through the rich, saucy chicken.
• Complement with Chilled Prosecco: Select a sparkling white wine with slight sweetness to enhance the dish's fruity notes and cleanse the palate between bites.

How To Store Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken The Right Way

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the dish fresh for 3-4 days in the fridge. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen Hawaiian chicken will maintain quality for up to 3 months.
• Place desired portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a tablespoon of water to prevent drying, and heat on 50% power for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Pour chicken into a skillet with a splash of water or extra pineapple juice, cover, and warm on medium-low heat.

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Questions Answered

• What ingredients make the Hawaiian-inspired sauce unique?

The sauce combines soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger, creating a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that define Hawaiian cuisine.

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken and ham?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with turkey or pork, and skip the ham if desired. The sauce works well with various proteins, allowing flexibility in the recipe.

• How do I prevent the meat from becoming dry during slow cooking?

By using chicken breasts and cooking on low heat with the flavorful sauce, the meat stays moist and tender. The pineapple juice also helps tenderize the protein naturally.

Tropical Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 6.5-7.25 hours (low) or 3.25-4.25 hours (high)
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hawaiian-inspired crockpot chicken brings tropical flavors to your dinner table with minimal effort. Juicy chicken pieces marinate in a tangy-sweet sauce, promising a delightful meal you’ll savor until the last bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 2 lbs chicken breasts
• 0.5 cup diced ham

Fruits and Sweeteners:

• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 0.25 cup pineapple juice
• 0.25 cup brown sugar

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 0.25 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 0.25 cup water
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Prepare the slow cooker by lightly greasing the interior to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Layer diced chicken breasts and ham evenly across the bottom of the crockpot, creating a uniform base for the Hawaiian-inspired dish.
3. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
4. Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the chicken and ham, ensuring all protein pieces are thoroughly coated and seasoned.
5. Gently scatter pineapple chunks throughout the crockpot, distributing them evenly among the meat.
6. Cover and cook on low heat for 6-7 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender and succulent.
7. Thirty minutes before serving, create a cornstarch slurry by whisking cornstarch with water until completely smooth.
8. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the crockpot, which will help thicken the sauce and create a glossy, rich consistency.
9. Let the dish continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes to allow the sauce to develop and slightly reduce.
10. Once cooking is complete, gently shred the chicken using two forks, ensuring it’s evenly coated with the tropical sauce.
11. Garnish with chopped green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds over the top for added texture and visual appeal.
12. Serve hot over steamed rice or your preferred grain, enjoying the sweet and savory Hawaiian-inspired flavors.

Notes

• Prep Surfaces Strategically: Use non-stick cooking spray or disposable slow cooker liners to minimize cleanup and prevent chicken from sticking to the pot.
• Balance Protein Ratios: Slice chicken and ham into consistent bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and harmonious texture throughout the dish.
• Sauce Consistency Trick: Whisk cornstarch slurry thoroughly to prevent lumps and guarantee a silky, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to the meat.
• Dietary Flexibility: Swap ham for tofu or additional chicken to create vegetarian or protein-varied versions that maintain the recipe’s delicious Hawaiian essence.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 384
• Sugar: 17 g
• Sodium: 722 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 102 mg