Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
If you’re craving an easy dinner that brings sunshine to your table, this Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is about to become your new favorite weeknight meal. Tender chicken slow-cooked in a tangy-sweet pineapple sauce with savory Asian-inspired flavors creates a tropical taste explosion everyone will love — even picky eaters!
This recipe is effortlessly simple, totally family-friendly, and perfect for busy days when you want dinner ready with minimal hands-on time. Just toss in the ingredients, set it, forget it… and enjoy a warm, flavorful escape to the islands by dinnertime.
YMore breakfast ideas you’ll love
Whether you serve it over fluffy white rice, coconut rice, or even noodles, this slow cooker Hawaiian chicken delivers a restaurant-quality dish with the comfort of home-cooking — all made in one pot.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
✔ Dump-and-go recipe — no browning required
✔ Budget-friendly & uses pantry staples
✔ Family-friendly sweet-savory flavor
✔ Crockpot keeps chicken ultra tender
✔ Ideal for meal prep and freezer meals
✔ Feels like a tropical vacation in a bowl!
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Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
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📋 Recipe Details
| Category | Info |
|---|---|
| Course | Dinner / Main Dish |
| Cuisine | Hawaiian-inspired, American |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 4–6 hours (Low) or 2–3 hours (High) |
| Total Time | 4 hours 10 minutes |
| Servings | 2 |
| Calories | ~235 kcal per serving |
🛒 Ingredients for Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Scale 1x, 2x, 3x for meal prep or feeding a crowd
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½ pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
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2 tablespoons soy sauce (tamari for gluten-free option)
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1 teaspoon tomato paste
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1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
-
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon brown sugar
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Black pepper, to taste
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1 red bell pepper, diced
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8 ounces pineapple chunks, with juices (DO NOT drain)
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Scallions, sliced for garnish (optional)
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Cooked rice, for serving (optional)
📌 Pro Tip: Chicken thighs can be used for even more juicy results!
🔪 Ingredient Breakdown: Why It Works
| Ingredient | Adds… |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | Lean protein, mild flavor, absorbs sauce |
| Pineapple + juice | Sweet tropical tang & natural tenderizing |
| Soy sauce | Umami depth, balanced saltiness |
| Tomato paste | Richness & slight acidity |
| Worcestershire | Caramelized meatiness |
| Brown sugar | Sweetens and thickens sauce |
| Bell pepper | Color, crunch, and freshness |
| Garlic powder | Warm aromatic seasoning |
The combination of sweet pineapple and savory soy/Worcestershire creates that signature Hawaiian-style glaze that caramelizes beautifully in a Crockpot.
🍍 How to Make Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Step-By-Step Instructions:
1️⃣ Mix the Sauce
Add soy sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, brown sugar, and black pepper to the slow cooker. Stir well.
2️⃣ Add Chicken + Veggies
Place cubed chicken, diced bell pepper, and pineapple chunks (with juice) into the Crockpot.
3️⃣ Slow Cook to Perfection
Stir everything gently so the chicken is well-coated.
-
Cook 4–6 hours on LOW
or -
2–3 hours on HIGH
4️⃣ Taste Test Time
About 30 minutes before serving, check seasoning and adjust — add a splash more soy sauce for savory depth or sugar for sweetness.
5️⃣ Serve & Garnish
Spoon over warm rice and sprinkle scallions on top!
🍽️ What to Serve With Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
This dish is versatile! Try serving it with:
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Coconut Rice (extra tropical!)
-
Steamed white or jasmine rice
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Brown rice or cauliflower rice for a lighter option
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Hawaiian rolls to sop up the sauce
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Crispy Asian slaw
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Grilled or roasted vegetables
✨ For a luau-style meal: add macaroni salad + grilled pineapple!
🔥 Optional Add-Ins
Customize your Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken with:
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Onions (sweet yellow or red)
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Jalapeños or red pepper flakes (heat!)
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Teriyaki sauce for extra glaze
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Ginger (fresh grated or ground)
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Carrots, sliced thin
-
Canned mandarin oranges (ultra tropical!)
🌡️ Make-Ahead / Storage / Freezer Tips
| How To Store | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Refrigerate | Up to 4 days in airtight container |
| Freeze | Up to 3 months — freeze sauce & chicken together |
| Reheat | Microwave or simmer stovetop until hot |
Meal prep dream! It reheats beautifully and stays juicy.
👩🍳 Recipe Tips for Best Results
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Stir ingredients gently — avoid shredding chicken too early.
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Do NOT drain the pineapple — that juice is liquid gold!
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Add bell peppers halfway for a crisper texture.
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Don’t overcook — chicken should stay tender & moist.
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Want thicker sauce? Stir in a cornstarch slurry during the last 20 minutes.
🍗 Chicken Swap Options
| Option | Texture | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless thighs | Extra juicy | Slightly longer cooking time |
| Chicken tenders | Very soft | Shred easily |
| Chicken breasts | Leanest | Best for cleaner slices |
| Frozen chicken | Yes, ok! | Increase cook time by ~1 hour |
🧂 Sauce Variations
Try one of these fun flavor spins:
-
Spicy Hawaiian
Add sriracha or chili paste -
BBQ Pineapple Chicken
Replace tomato paste with BBQ sauce -
Ginger-Garlic Luau
Add grated ginger + fresh garlic -
Creamy Hawaiian Chicken
Stir in 2 oz cream cheese before serving
Endless customization = endless dinner wins!
PrintSweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Transport your taste buds to the islands with this Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken! Tender chicken slow-cooked in a tangy-sweet pineapple sauce creates the perfect balance of savory and tropical flavors. It’s an effortless weeknight dinner that requires minimal prep — just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work!
Ingredients
-
½ pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
-
2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
-
1 teaspoon tomato paste
-
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
-
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
-
½ teaspoon brown sugar
-
Black pepper, to taste
-
1 red bell pepper, diced
-
1 (8-oz) can pineapple chunks with juice
-
Scallions, for garnish (optional)
-
Rice, for serving (optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Mix the Sauce
Add soy sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, brown sugar, and black pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
2️⃣ Add Chicken & Veggies
Add the cubed chicken, diced red bell pepper, and pineapple chunks with the juice. Stir gently to coat everything.
3️⃣ Slow Cook
Cover and cook on Low for 4–6 hours or High for 2–3 hours, until chicken is fully cooked and tender.
4️⃣ Adjust Seasoning (Optional)
30 minutes before serving, taste the sauce and adjust by adding a bit more soy sauce or brown sugar if needed.
5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy
Garnish with sliced scallions and serve over warm rice for a complete meal!
Notes
-
Thicken the sauce: Stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) during the last 20 minutes if you want a thicker glaze-style sauce.
-
Go spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small squirt of sriracha.
-
Flavor boost: A splash of pineapple juice or a squeeze of fresh lime brightens things up beautifully.
-
Make it a meal: Add extra veggies like carrots, snap peas, or onion for more color and nutrients.
Nutrition Information (Estimated per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 235 kcal |
| Protein | 24g |
| Carbs | 18g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 12g |
These values vary depending on ingredients used.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I double this Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken recipe?
Yes! Just keep ingredients proportional and cooking time the same.
Can I use fresh pineapple?
Absolutely — just add 2–3 tablespoons water for liquid content.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! High pressure for 10 minutes + quick release.
Is this gluten-free?
Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) near the end.
More Ways to Serve Leftovers
Transform leftovers into:
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Hawaiian Chicken Tacos 🌮
-
Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry
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Hawaiian BBQ Flatbread Pizza
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Baked Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
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Luau-style Chicken Bowls
Meal prep has never tasted this good!
Final Thoughts: Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is everything a home-cooked meal should be — comforting, flavorful, effortless, and always a crowd-pleaser. With its sweet pineapple notes, savory soy base, and tender chicken, it brings sunshine to the dinner table any day of the week.
Whether you’re planning a themed dinner night, meal prepping for the work week, or just craving something delicious that doesn’t take tons of work, this recipe checks every box.