Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a tasty and easy meal that’s bursting with tropical flavors. It combines tender chicken thighs or breasts with pineapple chunks, sweet brown sugar, and a touch of soy sauce for a perfect balance of sweet and savory. The crockpot does all the work, making the chicken super juicy and flavorful as it simmers all day.
I love making this dish when I want something simple but different from the usual. The best part is how the pineapple and sauce become like a homemade glaze that coats the chicken perfectly. I usually toss everything in the slow cooker in the morning and by dinnertime, the house smells amazing and dinner is ready without any fuss. It’s one of those recipes I always come back to because it feels like a mini vacation on a weeknight.
My favorite way to eat it is over a bed of steamed rice or alongside some coconut rice if I’m feeling extra. Adding a sprinkle of green onions or even a little chopped red pepper gives it a nice fresh kick. It’s a great dish to share with family or friends because it’s crowd-pleasing, easy to make, and tastes like you spent way longer in the kitchen than you did!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I prefer chicken thighs for juicy, tender meat, but breasts work well if you want leaner protein. Cut into pieces for even cooking and better sauce coverage.
Pineapple: Use canned pineapple chunks with juice for sweetness and moisture. If fresh pineapple is available, chop and use, but save some extra juice for the sauce.
Soy Sauce: This adds salty umami flavor. For a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos.
Brown Sugar: It balances the savory sauce with sweetness. You can use honey or maple syrup as a natural substitute.
Vinegar: Rice vinegar gives a mild tang. Apple cider vinegar also works well, but avoid heavy or harsh types.
How Do I Make the Sauce Thick and Glossy in the Crockpot?
The sauce starts thin as chicken cooks and releases juices. To get that lovely thick glaze, use a cornstarch slurry at the end:
- Mix equal parts cornstarch and cold water until smooth (1 tbsp each usually).
- Heat leftover crockpot liquid in a pan on medium.
- Slowly whisk in the slurry and keep stirring to avoid lumps.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and shines.
- Pour it over the chicken and pineapple for a sticky, flavorful finish.
This step makes a big difference and is easy to do while the rice finishes cooking. Patience here means better texture and more flavor in every bite.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crockpot or slow cooker – perfect for hands-off cooking and makes the chicken super tender.
- Medium mixing bowl – great for whisking the sauce ingredients together easily.
- Measuring cups and spoons – help get the sweet and savory flavors just right.
- Small saucepan – for thickening the sauce after slow cooking without extra mess.
- Whisk – keeps your cornstarch slurry smooth and lump-free when thickening the sauce.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – for chopping chicken and onion safely and efficiently.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken thighs with pork tenderloin for a different but equally tender texture and flavor.
- Add diced bell peppers or snap peas in the last hour of cooking for extra crunch and color.
- Stir in crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like a little heat with your sweet sauce.
- Mix in shredded mozzarella or parmesan just before serving for a creamy twist that balances the tangy sauce.
How to Make Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into pieces
- 1 small onion, chopped into chunks
For the Sauce:
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained (reserve the juice)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
For Thickening:
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
To Serve:
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Cooked white rice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare. Cooking in the crockpot will take 3-4 hours on high or 5-6 hours on low. After cooking, allow a few minutes to thicken the sauce before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken and Sauce:
Place the chopped chicken and onion into your crockpot. In a bowl, whisk together the reserved pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, and vinegar. Pour this sauce over the chicken, then add the drained pineapple chunks on top.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and thoroughly cooked.
3. Thicken the Sauce:
When cooking is done, transfer the chicken and pineapple to a serving dish and cover to keep warm. In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch and water until smooth. Pour the leftover liquid from the crockpot into a saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Slowly whisk in the cornstarch mixture and stir constantly until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Pour the thickened sauce back over the chicken and pineapple.
4. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle sliced green onions over the top. Serve your Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken hot on a bed of steamed white rice for a delicious and easy meal everyone will love!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the chicken completely before adding it to the crockpot to ensure even cooking. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or use the cold water method for quicker thawing.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare and cook the chicken a day ahead, then store it covered in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before eating, either in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce?
Yes, feel free to reduce or increase the brown sugar depending on your taste. You can also swap brown sugar for honey or maple syrup for a different type of sweetness and flavor.