What if dinner could feel like a mini tropical vacation with zero stress? This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken delivers just that—juicy, tender chicken bathed in a sticky-sweet pineapple glaze with a tangy kick, all slow-cooked to perfection. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving comfort food that leans bright and sunny, this dish fits the bill.

It’s the kind of recipe you want in your back pocket when time is tight but flavor still matters. With a handful of pantry staples and a slow cooker doing most of the work, this meal tastes like you spent all day making it. The sweetness from the pineapple paired with savory chicken and a hint of garlic is the kind of combo that gets requested again and again.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken, you don’t need a kitchen full of gadgets, but having the right basics makes the process smoother and the results more consistent:

Crockpot/Slow Cooker: This is the star of the show. It allows the chicken to cook slowly, absorbing all the tropical-sweet flavors while staying incredibly moist.
Mixing Bowl: For combining the sauce ingredients before pouring over the chicken.
Tongs or Slotted Spoon: Handy for removing the cooked chicken without breaking it apart.
Measuring Cups & Spoons: Accurate measurement of sweet and savory components is key for balanced flavor.
Whisk or Spoon: For blending your sauce so it pours evenly.

Having these tools ready upfront ensures your prep stays mess-free and focused. Set it and forget it—until your kitchen smells like a Hawaiian breeze.

Ingredients for the Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Each ingredient in this dish has a role to play in building that sweet and savory island-inspired profile:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs or Breasts: The protein base of the dish. Thighs offer more juiciness and flavor, while breasts stay lean.
Pineapple Juice: Delivers tropical sweetness and slight acidity, making the sauce addictive.
Brown Sugar: Adds depth and molasses-like richness to the sweet element.
Soy Sauce: Balances the sweetness with a touch of umami and saltiness.
Garlic (minced): Infuses the sauce with warm, aromatic flavor.
Ketchup: Provides body and a tangy-sweet base to unify the sauce.
Cornstarch + Water: Used at the end to thicken the sauce to a glossy, clingy finish.

With these few staple ingredients, the dish transforms into a flavorful meal that’s anything but ordinary.

How To Make the Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, and minced garlic until well combined. This mixture will serve as your flavor-packed cooking liquid.

Step 2: Layer the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs or breasts in the bottom of your crockpot in a single layer. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the top, ensuring every piece is well coated.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

Set your crockpot to LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. The slow cook time allows the chicken to absorb all the sweet and savory notes while becoming irresistibly tender.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Once the chicken is done, remove it with tongs and set aside. Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry, then stir it into the crockpot sauce. Let it cook on HIGH for another 10-15 minutes until thickened.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Return the chicken to the pot, spoon the thickened glaze over it, and serve immediately with rice, noodles, or steamed veggies.

Best Ways to Serve and Store Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. It shines over a fluffy bed of jasmine or basmati rice, soaking up all that thick, sweet sauce. For a more playful take, pile it into Hawaiian rolls for mini sliders, or pair with stir-fried noodles for a fuller plate.

Leftovers store beautifully. Let the chicken cool fully, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To freeze, portion the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe bags or containers. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or stovetop until hot throughout, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is this dish?

Not spicy at all! It leans sweet and savory. If you want heat, add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.

Can I use canned pineapple instead of juice?

Yes, especially if it’s packed in juice (not syrup). Blend or mash the chunks for a similar effect.

What cut of chicken is best?

Chicken thighs are preferred for their richness and tenderness, but breasts work well too if you want a leaner option.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Just make sure your crockpot can handle the volume and increase cooking time slightly.

Can I cook this on the stovetop?

You can! Simmer the chicken in the sauce over medium-low heat until cooked through, then thicken the sauce with cornstarch slurry as directed.

What side dishes go well with it?

Rice, coconut rice, stir-fried vegetables, or even a light cucumber salad are great complements.

Want More Crockpot Chicken Ideas?

If the tropical notes of this Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken hit the spot, you’ll probably enjoy a few more cozy, saucy favorites from the collection.

Try the Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken, another slow-cooked classic with bold barbecue flair that pairs beautifully with cornbread or slaw.

If you’re after something with a creamy twist, the Creamy Crockpot Mac and Cheese offers a rich, cheesy companion for any protein, or serve it as a main.

Prefer a little heat? Buffalo Chicken Lasagna layers slow-cooked chicken with spicy sauce and pasta in a fiery comfort bake.

Or dive into something heartier like the Crockpot Italian Meatball Soup, perfect for chillier days when you want savory broth and filling bites.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your crockpot favorites board for easy dinner inspiration later. Just click the Pin button.

If you make this Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you add fresh pineapple chunks? Serve it with coconut rice? Drop a comment below and let me know your spin.

For more slow cooker and tropical-inspired recipes, follow my boards on Pinterest @LadyPlate where I post daily flavor inspiration.

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

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Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

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Description

Let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting with this easy Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken. Juicy chicken slow-cooked in a rich, sweet pineapple sauce makes for a low-effort, flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.