Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken

Hey there! Let’s talk about a recipe that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day. This Easy Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken has saved my bacon more times than I can count on those busy weeknights when everyone is hungry and my motivation is running on empty. It’s the kind of effortless meal that fills your kitchen with the most incredible tropical aroma, whispering promises of a delicious dinner that practically made itself.

If you’re juggling work, kids, and a million other things (sound familiar?), this dish is your new best friend. It’s a crowd-pleaser that combines sweet, savory, and a little bit of tangy in a way that makes both kids and adults come back for seconds. The slow cooker does nearly all the work, freeing you up to tackle that ever-growing to-do list or, better yet, put your feet up for a few precious minutes.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Hawaiian Chicken

Seriously, what’s not to love? This recipe is a guaranteed hit for so many reasons.

• Set It and (Almost) Forget It: The beauty of a crock pot recipe is the simplicity. A few minutes of prep in the morning or at lunch, and you’ve got dinner handled.
• Winner Winner Chicken Dinner: The sweet pineapple and savory soy sauce combo is a flavor bomb that pleases even the pickiest of eaters at my table.
• Incredibly Versatile: Serve it over rice, pile it on Hawaiian rolls for sliders, or stuff it in tortillas—this chicken is happy to play along with your meal plan.
• Budget-Friendly Hero: Using affordable chicken thighs and pantry-staple sauces means you can make a fantastic meal without breaking the bank.

Gather Your Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this island-inspired wonder. The simplicity is part of the magic :

Print

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (breasts work too, but thighs stay juicier)
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained (juice reserved for the sauce!)
• 1 bell pepper, any color, cut into chunks
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water (for thickening, optional)
• Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

How to Make Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken

Don’t be fooled by the incredible flavor—the process is a total breeze.

1. Combine the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. This sweet and savory sauce is the heart of the dish!
2. Layer the Crock Pot: Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker. Scatter the bell pepper and drained pineapple chunks over the top.
3. Pour and Cook: Pour the sauce evenly over everything. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it’s fall-apart tender.
4. Thicken the Sauce (Optional but Recommended): If you’d like a thicker sauce to coat the rice, carefully remove the chicken and veggies from the crock pot. Whisk the cornstarch slurry into the hot liquid in the pot. Turn the heat to HIGH, cover, and let it cook for 15-20 minutes until thickened. Return the chicken and veggies to the pot and stir to coat.
5. Serve and Enjoy! Shred the chicken slightly with two forks right in the pot. Serve this delicious Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice, and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

My Go-To Crock Pot & Helpful Hints

You’ll really just need your trusty slow cooker for this one! I’m a big fan of my programmable Crock-Pot because I can set it and not worry about overcooking if I get stuck in a meeting or running errands.

A Little Story from My Kitchen

This recipe became a permanent fixture in my meal rotation after a particularly chaotic week. I had forgotten to plan dinner, and desperation led me to throw these ingredients into the slow cooker. The result? My youngest, who usually regards any new dish with deep suspicion, asked for thirds. It was a kitchen miracle! Now, it’s my secret weapon for potlucks and busy days alike.

Tips, Tricks, and Tasty Variations

• Chicken Choice: While I love thighs for their juiciness, boneless, skinless chicken breasts will work. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out faster.
• Spice it Up: If your crew likes a little heat, add a tablespoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Veggie Swap: Feel free to add other vegetables like sliced onions or carrots along with the bell pepper.
• Leftover Love: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully in the microwave! This chicken also freezes well for up to 3 months.

The Perfect Way to Serve It

This versatile chicken is fantastic served over steamed white or brown rice, soaking up all that glorious sauce. For a fun, party-friendly option, serve it on soft Hawaiian rolls with a spoonful of coleslaw for an epic slider. It also makes a fantastic filling for tacos or a topping for a baked potato! If you’re looking for a simple side, a crisp green salad balances the sweetness perfectly.

Your Sweet Hawaiian Chicken Questions, Answered!

Can I make this Sweet Hawaiian Chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can whisk the sauce together and store it in a jar in the fridge for up to 2 days ahead. When you’re ready, just pour it over the chicken in the crock pot and cook as directed.

Can I use frozen chicken?

For food safety, it’s best to use thawed chicken. Cooking frozen chicken in a slow cooker can cause it to sit in the “danger zone” temperature for too long as it thaws. If you’re in a pinch, consider using an Instant Pot for frozen chicken recipes instead.

My sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it?

No problem! The cornstarch slurry in the instructions is your best bet. If you forgot, you can also mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a few tablespoons of the hot sauce in a small bowl, then stir it back into the pot and let it cook on HIGH for 15-20 minutes until thickened.

What can I use instead of soy sauce?

To make this gluten-free, you can easily substitute tamari or coconut aminos for the soy sauce. The flavor will be very similar and just as delicious.

A Little Taste of Sunshine for Dinner

There you have it! This Easy Sweet Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken is more than just a recipe; it’s a reliable solution for a stress-free, flavor-packed meal that brings a little tropical sunshine to your dinner table. I hope it becomes a cherished favorite in your home, creating happy memories and full bellies. If you give it a try, I’d love to hear about it! Now, go enjoy that well-deserved easy dinner win.