Get ready to be transported to a tropical paradise with this incredibly easy and delicious Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken recipe. If you’re looking for a meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor, you’ve found it. This dish combines tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and crisp bell peppers in a savory-sweet sauce that simmers to perfection in your slow cooker. It’s a true set-it-and-forget-it meal that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite. Our sweet hawaiian crockpot chicken is also a perfect introduction to the world of easy slow cooking.
The magic of the slow cooker is that it does all the hard work for you, tenderizing the meat and melding the flavors together beautifully over several hours. This gentle cooking process ensures the chicken becomes fall-apart tender and soaks up every bit of the tropical-inspired sauce. If you’re a fan of letting your appliance do the cooking, you’ll appreciate the simplicity here. This sweet hawaiian crockpot chicken is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. We find that chicken is especially well-suited for this gentle cooking method, whether you’re making this tropical dish or these equally delicious slow cooker chicken thighs.
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Why This Recipe Works
This sweet hawaiian crockpot chicken recipe isn’t just easy; it’s a perfectly balanced dish that hits all the right notes. Here’s why it’s a foolproof winner every time:
- Flavor Trifecta: The sauce masterfully combines sweet, savory, and tangy elements. The brown sugar and pineapple juice provide natural sweetness, the soy sauce brings a deep, savory umami flavor, and the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce add complexity and a subtle tang. It’s a flavor profile that pleases both kids and adults, making this dish a hit with everyone.
- Minimal Prep, Maximum Reward: This is a classic “dump-and-go” slow cooker recipe. You simply mix the sauce ingredients in the crockpot, add the chicken, peppers, and pineapple, and turn it on. There’s no pre-searing or complicated steps required, making it ideal for busy days.
- Perfectly Tender Chicken: The low-and-slow cooking method breaks down the connective tissues in the chicken, resulting in exceptionally tender, juicy meat that shreds effortlessly. It’s virtually impossible to get it wrong.
- Family-Friendly Appeal: The balance of sweet and savory flavors is a certified crowd-pleaser, especially with children. It’s a fantastic way to introduce new textures and flavors in a familiar and comforting format. This sweet hawaiian crockpot chicken is a complete meal that feels special without being overly spicy or adventurous for picky eaters.
- Incredibly Versatile: While delicious as written, this sweet hawaiian crockpot chicken is a fantastic base for customization. You can swap vegetables, adjust the sweetness, or add a kick of spice. It serves beautifully over rice, quinoa, noodles, or even in a sandwich.
The Appeal of Hawaiian-Inspired Flavors
What makes dishes like this so irresistible? The answer lies in the classic “huli-huli” flavor profile, a cornerstone of Hawaiian-style barbecue. This style is famous for its mouthwatering balance of sweet and savory. Traditionally, it involves a marinade or sauce containing ingredients like pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic. The pineapple juice not only adds sweetness but also contains enzymes that help tenderize the meat. The soy sauce provides a salty, umami depth that perfectly contrasts the sweetness. This sweet hawaiian crockpot chicken recipe captures this incredible flavor combination, adapting it perfectly for the slow cooker, which allows the chicken to slowly absorb all that deliciousness.
Ingredients
Easy Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe
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
- 8 ounces small can of pineapple chunks with juices
- Scallions for garnish optional
- Rice for serving optional
Instructions
- Step 1. Add the soy sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, brown sugar black pepper to the slow cooker and mix together.
- Step 2. Add the diced chicken breasts, red bell pepper and a can of pineapple chunks (including the juice) into the slow cooker.
- Step 3. Gently stir the ingredients in the slow cooker, ensuring the chicken and bell peppers are evenly coated in the marinade.
- Step 4. Set your slow cooker to low and cover it with the lid. Cook for 4-6 hours. You can also cook on high for 2-3 hours.
- Step 5. About 30 minutes before serving, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more soy sauce or brown sugar if desired.
- Step 6. Optionally, garnish with sliced scallions and serve over rice.
Notes
Here’s what you’ll need to gather to make this incredible sweet hawaiian crockpot chicken:
- ½ pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
- 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-ounce) can pineapple chunks with juices
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water (for thickening, optional)
- Scallions for garnish (optional)
- Rice for serving (optional)
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a lean choice, but boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully here, too. Thighs have a bit more fat, which makes them extra juicy and flavorful after slow cooking, a perfect choice for this sweet hawaiian crockpot chicken. You could even try this recipe with pork loin cut into cubes.
- Soy Sauce: For a gluten-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos. Keep in mind that different brands have different sodium levels, so you can always start with a little less and add more at the end.
- Pineapple: Canned pineapple chunks in 100% juice are perfect for this recipe because the juice becomes a key component of the sauce. If you prefer to use fresh pineapple, be sure to add about ¼ to ⅓ cup of pineapple juice or even orange juice to the crockpot to ensure there’s enough liquid.
- Vegetables: Red bell pepper adds a lovely sweetness and color, but feel free to add other veggies. Diced yellow onion, green bell pepper, or even some sliced carrots would be excellent additions. Add them at the beginning with the other ingredients.
- Aromatics: While garlic powder is convenient, you can substitute it with 1-2 cloves of freshly minced garlic for a more potent flavor. A teaspoon of freshly grated ginger would also be a fantastic addition to enhance the tropical notes of this chicken dish.
Instructions
Making this sweet hawaiian crockpot chicken is as easy as dump, set, and forget. Follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time.
- Mix the Sauce: In the basin of your slow cooker (at least a 4-quart model is recommended), combine the soy sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, brown sugar, and a few grinds of black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together directly in the pot until the tomato paste has dissolved and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the Main Ingredients: Cut the chicken breasts into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure they cook evenly. Place the cubed chicken, diced red bell pepper, and the entire can of pineapple chunks (juice and all!) into the slow cooker on top of the sauce.
- Combine: Use a large spoon to gently stir everything together. Make sure the chicken pieces and bell peppers are fully submerged and coated in the flavorful sauce mixture. This ensures every bite is infused with flavor.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook. For incredibly tender chicken, cook on LOW for 4-6 hours. If you’re shorter on time, you can cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours. The chicken is done when it is opaque, tender, and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): The sauce will be quite thin. If you prefer a thicker, glaze-like sauce to coat the chicken and rice, this step is highly recommended. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until no lumps remain. Pour this slurry into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Stir it in, replace the lid, and turn the heat to HIGH to allow the sauce to thicken.
- Final Touches: Just before serving, give the sauce a taste. Now is the perfect time to adjust the seasonings. If you’d like it sweeter, add a touch more brown sugar. For more savory depth, a small splash of soy sauce will do the trick. You can gently shred the chicken with two forks directly in the pot or leave the cubes whole.
- Serve: Garnish the finished chicken with freshly sliced scallions for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve your sweet hawaiian crockpot chicken hot over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up all the delicious sauce.
Tips for the Best Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
- Thicken the Sauce: Don’t skip the cornstarch slurry if you love a rich, thick sauce. It transforms the dish from a brothy meal to a glossy, restaurant-quality entrée. Always mix cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the hot liquid to prevent clumping.
- Add Some Heat: If you enjoy a sweet and spicy combination, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a few dashes of sriracha, or some diced jalapeños along with the bell peppers. The heat beautifully balances the sweetness of the pineapple in this dish.
- Avoid Overcooking: While the slow cooker is forgiving, the chicken breast in this sweet hawaiian crockpot chicken can become tough if cooked for too long. Stick to the recommended cooking times, especially on the HIGH setting. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to check for doneness.
- Don’t Crowd the Pot: If you double the recipe, make sure your slow cooker is large enough (6-quart or larger). The slow cooker should ideally be no more than two-thirds full to ensure everything cooks evenly. Overfilling can lead to unevenly cooked food. This is a great rule for any slow cooker meal, from this Hawaiian chicken to a classic crockpot chicken and dumplings.
How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat
This sweet hawaiian crockpot chicken is perfect for meal prep because it stores and reheats beautifully.
- To Store: Allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to meld, so leftovers are often even more delicious!
- To Freeze: For longer storage, you can freeze this sweet hawaiian crockpot chicken. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe, airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Be sure to press out any excess air to prevent freezer burn. This meal can be frozen for up to 3 months. Remember to label the container with the date.
- To Reheat: The best way to reheat leftovers of this dish is on the stovetop. Place the chicken and sauce in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. This method helps preserve the texture of the chicken. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot. If the sauce has become too thick upon reheating, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the sauce for the sweet hawaiian crockpot chicken made of?
The delicious sweet and savory sauce is a simple but flavorful combination of soy sauce (or tamari), tomato paste for depth and color, Worcestershire sauce for a savory kick, garlic powder, a touch of brown sugar for sweetness, and the natural juice from the canned pineapple.
What should this sweet hawaiian crockpot chicken be served with?
This chicken is perfect served over steamed white or brown rice, which soaks up the amazing sauce. For a more tropical feel, try it with coconut rice. Quinoa is a great higher-protein alternative, or you can serve it over chow mein noodles. For a lower-carb option, serve it with cauliflower rice to mimic traditional rice, or pair it with vibrant steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. It’s also fantastic stuffed into a bun for a Hawaiian-style pulled chicken sandwich.
Why is my chicken chewy?
If your sweet hawaiian crockpot chicken turned out chewy, it is almost always a sign of overcooking. While slow cookers are great for tenderizing, leaving lean chicken breast in for too long, especially on the HIGH setting, can cause the proteins to seize up and become tough. Stick to the recommended cooking times and check for doneness on the earlier side for the best results.
Can I use frozen chicken?
For food safety and best results, it’s highly recommended to thaw your chicken completely before adding it to the slow cooker. Cooking chicken from frozen can prevent it from cooking evenly and may not allow it to reach a safe internal temperature consistently throughout the slow cooking process, creating a food safety risk.
Can the sweetness be adjusted?
Absolutely! This recipe is a great starting point, but you can easily tailor it to your taste. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a bit more brown sugar or a tablespoon of honey. If you’d like it more savory, you can reduce the sugar or add an extra splash of soy sauce.
Can this recipe be doubled?
Yes, this sweet hawaiian crockpot chicken recipe doubles beautifully! Simply double all the ingredients and cook for the same amount of time. Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough (at least 6 quarts) to hold everything without being more than two-thirds full. A big batch of this Hawaiian chicken is a great dish for meal prepping, much like a big batch of our white chicken chili recipe.
For more easy and delicious recipe ideas, be sure to check out our collection on Pinterest!