Name: Crockpot Sweet Hawaiian Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-489215H13M52S
Total time: PT-489215H13M52S
Cuisine: Hawaiian-American
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks; 1 (20-ounce) can pineapple chunks, with juice; ¾ cup brown sugar; ½ cup soy sauce; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 tablespoons water; 1 red bell pepper, sliced (optional)

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This Crockpot Sweet Hawaiian Chicken is a perfect blend of tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and a rich, sweet-and-savory sauce that brings tropical flavor to the dinner table with almost no effort. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it kind of meal that makes my kitchen smell amazing and my evenings stress-free. Crockpot Sweet Hawaiian Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how simple this dish is to throw together. Just a few pantry staples, some pineapple, and chicken go into the crockpot, and by the end of the day, I get a flavorful and hearty meal that tastes like I spent hours cooking. The sweet and tangy sauce pairs beautifully with rice, and the leftovers taste even better the next day. Whether I’m serving this for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, it’s always a winner in my house.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
1 (20-ounce) can pineapple chunks, with juice
¾ cup brown sugar
½ cup soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
1 red bell pepper, sliced (optional)

Directions

I start by adding the chicken pieces to the bottom of the crockpot.
Then I pour in the pineapple chunks along with their juice.
In a small bowl, I mix together the brown sugar, soy sauce, and minced garlic, then pour it over the chicken and pineapple.
I cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
About 30 minutes before serving, I whisk the cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce in the crockpot to thicken it.
If I’m using bell peppers, I add them at this point so they stay crisp-tender.
Once the sauce has thickened, I serve the chicken over white rice or noodles with a drizzle of the extra sauce on top.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4–6 servings, depending on portion size.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 6–7 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high
Total time: About 6.5–7 hours

Variations

I sometimes swap the chicken for turkey for a different twist.
For extra heat, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce.
Using fresh pineapple gives the dish a brighter, more natural flavor if I have it on hand.
If I want a lower-sugar version, I reduce the brown sugar slightly and use low-sodium soy sauce.
I’ve also added sliced onions or snap peas for more texture and color.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, I simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave individual portions until heated through. If the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge, I stir in a splash of water to loosen it.

FAQs

How do I know when the chicken is done in the crockpot?

I check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and easily shreds with a fork.

Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?

Yes, I can use frozen chicken, but I prefer to thaw it first for even cooking and to avoid excess liquid in the sauce.

What type of soy sauce works best?

I usually use regular or low-sodium soy sauce. If I want a gluten-free version, I use tamari or coconut aminos.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. I sometimes prep everything the night before and store it in the fridge, then just start the crockpot in the morning.

What sides go well with Sweet Hawaiian Chicken?

I often serve it with jasmine rice, coconut rice, or even steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Sweet Hawaiian Chicken is one of those feel-good meals that tastes like it took way more effort than it actually did. The sweet, savory, and slightly tropical flavors are comforting and family-friendly, and it’s such a great way to change up the weekly dinner routine. I love how it fills the house with mouthwatering aroma—and even more, how easy cleanup is after dinner.