Quick & Juicy Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe

Crafting a mouthwatering sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken becomes an effortless culinary adventure for busy home cooks.

Tropical flavors dance across tender meat, creating a meal that feels like a mini vacation.

Pineapple and tangy sauce blend perfectly with succulent chicken, promising a dinner that sparks excitement.

Simple ingredients transform an ordinary weeknight into something special and memorable.

Kitchen magic happens when minimal effort produces maximum deliciousness.

Minimal prep and maximum flavor make this dish a winner for anyone seeking a stress-free meal solution.

Grab your crockpot and let deliciousness begin!

FAQs

• Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add an extra hour to the cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked through and reach a safe internal temperature.

• Is there a way to make this recipe less sweet?

Reduce the brown sugar by half or substitute with honey for a less sugary taste. You can also use low-sodium soy sauce to control the sweetness level.

• How can I add more flavor to the dish?

Try adding a tablespoon of ginger, red pepper flakes, or a splash of rice vinegar to the sauce mixture. These ingredients will give the chicken more depth and complexity.

• What if I don't have a crockpot?

You can make this recipe in an Instant Pot on high pressure for 12-15 minutes, or in the oven at 375°F for about 35-40 minutes, covered with foil to keep the chicken moist.

Why You’ll Want More Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

• Crockpot magic makes this Hawaiian chicken a breeze, requiring minimal prep and letting the slow cooker do all the hard work.
• Sweet pineapple and savory sauce create a mouthwatering tropical taste that transforms ordinary chicken into an exciting meal.
• Kids and adults alike will love the tender, juicy shredded chicken with its delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
• Easily serve over rice, noodles, or in tacos, making this recipe adaptable for different meal preferences and occasions.

Gathering Ingredients for Crockpot Chicken (Hawaiian Style)

• Chicken Breasts: Tender cuts that form the base of this Hawaiian-inspired slow-cooked dish.

• Pineapple Chunks, Pineapple Juice: Sweet tropical fruit that adds moisture and a tangy flavor to the chicken.

• Soy Sauce, Brown Sugar, Ketchup, Minced Garlic: Combination of savory and sweet ingredients that create a rich, flavorful sauce for coating the chicken, providing depth and complexity to the dish.

The Easiest Way to Make Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Base

Gently place chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot, creating a single, even layer to ensure uniform cooking.

Step 2: Add Tropical Fruit

Spread pineapple chunks evenly over the chicken, including all of the juicy liquid from the can to enhance flavor and moisture.

Step 3: Create Flavor Fusion Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Minced garlic
• Ketchup

Blend the ingredients until they form a smooth, well-integrated sauce with a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes.

Step 4: Coat Chicken with Sauce

Pour the prepared sauce directly over the chicken and pineapple, using a spoon or spatula to ensure complete and even coverage.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

• Low setting: Cook for 6 hours
• High setting: Cook for 3 hours

The slow cooking process will tenderize the chicken and allow flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 6: Shred and Serve

Once cooking is complete, use two forks to gently pull apart and shred the chicken.

Serve hot over fluffy white rice or tender noodles for a delightful meal that transports you to tropical paradise.

Handy Tips for Crockpot Chicken Lovers

• Arrange chicken breasts flat to ensure even cooking and maximum sauce absorption.
• Adjust brown sugar quantity to control sweetness based on personal taste preferences.
• Use chicken breasts with some fat content or mix breast and thigh meat for juicier results.
• Add a splash of rice vinegar or red pepper flakes to enhance the sauce's complexity.
• Store leftover shredded chicken in airtight containers for quick lunches or future meals.

Making Your Crockpot Chicken Last

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer shredded chicken to freezer-safe containers or bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons of water or pineapple juice to prevent drying. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or pineapple juice to maintain moisture. Stir occasionally until heated evenly, about 5-7 minutes.

Delicious Pairings for Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

• Pair with Tropical White Wine: Select a crisp, slightly sweet Riesling or Gewürztraminer that complements the dish's sweet and tangy Hawaiian flavors, enhancing the pineapple and soy sauce notes.
• Serve with Coconut Rice: Create a creamy coconut rice side dish that adds richness and continues the tropical theme, absorbing the delicious sauce and providing a smooth textural contrast.
• Match with Grilled Pineapple Salsa: Prepare a fresh grilled pineapple salsa with cilantro and red onion to amplify the fruity elements and add a bright, zesty garnish that elevates the chicken's sweetness.
• Complement with Crisp Lager: Choose a light Hawaiian or Japanese beer like Kona Longboard or Sapporo to cut through the dish's sweetness and provide a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.

Change Up Your Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

• Gluten-Free Hawaiian Chicken: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the dish gluten-free while maintaining the same delicious flavor profile.
• Tropical Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken with firm tofu or jackfruit, using the same marinade for a plant-based alternative that captures the sweet and tangy Hawaiian essence.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Serve the shredded chicken over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice to reduce carbohydrate intake while keeping the meal satisfying and flavorful.
• Spicy Pineapple Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce for those who enjoy a bit of heat with their sweet Hawaiian chicken.

Easy Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 34 1x

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Description

Hawaiian crockpot chicken brings tropical paradise right to dinner tables with minimal effort. Juicy, tender chicken pieces glazed in sweet pineapple sauce create a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Fruits:

• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)

Seasonings and Sauces:

• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1/4 cup ketchup

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Instructions

1. Arrange chicken breasts in a uniform layer at the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Distribute pineapple chunks and their liquid evenly over the chicken.
3. Whisk soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ketchup in a separate mixing container until smooth and fully integrated.
4. Drizzle the prepared sauce across the chicken and pineapple, ensuring complete and consistent coverage.
5. Secure the crockpot lid and set to low temperature for 6 hours or high temperature for 3 hours, maintaining consistent heat throughout cooking process.
6. After cooking, carefully pull apart chicken using two forks to create tender, succulent shreds.
7. Transfer the shredded chicken and pineapple mixture to a serving platter, allowing the juices to mingle and enhance overall flavor profile.
8. Accompany the dish with steamed rice or noodles as a complementary base, maximizing the Hawaiian-inspired culinary experience.

Notes

• Prep chicken breasts evenly to ensure uniform cooking and tender texture throughout the dish.
• Use fresh pineapple chunks for brighter, more vibrant flavor if available, though canned works perfectly fine.
• Adjust sweetness by reducing brown sugar for lower-sugar diets or adding more for extra caramelization.
• Experiment with protein alternatives like tofu or turkey for diverse dietary preferences while maintaining similar flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours (on high) or 6 hours (on low)
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 34
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 3 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg