Best Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe

Dreamy Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe for Cozy Nights

Crafting a mouthwatering sweet hawaiian crockpot chicken brings pure comfort to your dinner table.

Weeknight meals demand something special that doesn’t consume hours of preparation.

Slow cooking transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Tropical flavors dance through tender chicken pieces, creating a delightful melody of taste.

Pineapple and savory spices mingle effortlessly, promising a meal that feels like a mini vacation.

Each bite transports you to sunny island landscapes with minimal kitchen effort.

This recipe guarantees smiles around the table and requests for seconds.

What Makes Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Irresistible

  • Flavor Explosion: Combines sweet pineapple, savory soy sauce, and tender chicken for a mouthwatering Hawaiian-inspired dish that brings tropical vibes right to your dinner table.
  • Versatile Meal Solution: Works great for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, easily adaptable with optional garnishes and serving suggestions that keep everyone excited about mealtime.
  • Budget-Friendly Comfort: Uses simple, affordable ingredients that create a restaurant-quality meal at a fraction of the cost, making it a smart choice for home chefs looking to impress without breaking the bank.

Ingredients for Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Meat:
  • Chicken: Juicy protein that forms the base of this Hawaiian-inspired dish.
Sauce Components:
  • Pineapple Juice, Brown Sugar, Soy Sauce: Sweet and savory liquid that creates the signature Hawaiian flavor profile.
Fruits and Vegetables:
  • Pineapple Chunks: Tropical fruit that adds sweetness and tang.
  • Onion, Green Bell Pepper: Fresh vegetables that provide additional depth and texture.
Optional Garnishes:
  • Green Onions, Sesame Seeds, Crushed Peanuts: Crunchy toppings that enhance the final presentation and add extra flavor.

Slow Cooker Instructions for Hawaiian Chicken

Step 1: Slice Chicken into Delectable Bites

Cut chicken breasts or thighs into uniform bite-sized chunks that will soak up all the delicious tropical flavors.

Step 2: Prep Supporting Flavor Buddies

  • Dice onion into small pieces
  • Chop green bell pepper into chunky segments

Step 3: Create Magical Hawaiian Sauce

In your crockpot, whisk together:
  • Pineapple juice
  • Brown sugar
  • Soy sauce

Stir until sugar completely melts and sauce looks glossy and smooth.

Step 4: Layer Ingredients with Love

Gently place chicken chunks into the sauce

  • Add pineapple chunks
  • Sprinkle chopped onions
  • Scatter bell pepper pieces

Stir everything to ensure each morsel gets coated with the sweet and tangy sauce.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Tropical Perfection

Cover crockpot and select cooking method:
  • Low setting: 6-8 hours
  • High setting: 3-4 hours

Cooking is complete when chicken becomes fork-tender and sauce thickens slightly.

Step 6: Create Delicious Plating

Spoon tender chicken and sauce over fluffy steamed white rice.

Step 7: Add Gorgeous Finishing Touches

Sprinkle with optional garnishes.

Cooking Tips for Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

  • Slice chicken uniformly to ensure even cooking and maintain moisture throughout the dish.
  • Let the chicken marinate in the sauce for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance taste and tenderness.
  • If the sauce seems thin, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
  • Swap regular soy sauce with low-sodium or gluten-free alternatives to accommodate different dietary restrictions without compromising flavor.
  • Toast sesame seeds or quickly sauté chopped green onions before garnishing to add a subtle nutty and fresh flavor profile to the dish.

Store and Reheat Crockpot Chicken Properly

  • Store leftover Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining optimal taste and texture.
  • Warm chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of pineapple juice or water to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.

What Goes Well with Hawaiian Chicken

  • Tropical Beverage Bliss: Serve a chilled glass of coconut water or a light, fruity Mai Tai cocktail to complement the sweet and tangy chicken flavors.
  • Rice Harmony: Choose jasmine or coconut rice as the base, which will absorb the delicious sauce and enhance the Hawaiian-inspired taste profile.
  • Crisp Side Salad: Prepare a light cucumber and mango salad with a zesty lime dressing to balance the richness of the chicken and provide a refreshing contrast.
  • Tropical Veggie Companion: Grill some pineapple slices or serve roasted macadamia nut-crusted asparagus to add extra tropical flair and texture to the meal.

Creative Variations for Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

  • Low-Sodium Delight: Replace soy sauce with coconut aminos or low-sodium tamari sauce to reduce salt content while maintaining rich flavor profile.
  • Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or jackfruit chunks, keeping the same sweet Hawaiian sauce and cooking method for plant-based protein lovers.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Spicy Hawaiian Remix: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce for those who enjoy a kick of heat with their sweet and tangy chicken dish.

FAQs

  • What are the key flavors in this Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken?

The recipe combines sweet and savory elements with pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce, creating a tropical-inspired dish that balances tangy and rich flavors.

  • Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! The slow cooker method makes it easy to prepare a large batch, and the chicken stays tender and flavorful when stored in the refrigerator for several days.

  • Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to add about 1-2 hours to the cooking time and ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F before serving.

  • How can I make this dish spicier?

Add some red pepper flakes, sriracha sauce, or diced jalapeños to the sauce mixture to bring some heat to the sweet Hawaiian chicken.

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Best Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 7 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Succulent sweet hawaiian crockpot chicken brings island flavors right to your dinner table. Juicy chicken thighs simmered in tangy pineapple sauce promise a delightful meal that transports you to tropical paradise with minimal effort.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 2 pounds (907 grams) chicken chunks (white or dark meat)

Liquid and Sweeteners:

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) pineapple juice
  • 1/4 cup (60 grams) brown sugar (packed)
  • 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) low-sodium soy sauce

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 medium can pineapple chunks (optional)
  • 1 small onion, chopped (Vidalia recommended)
  • 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks (optional)

Instructions

  1. Transform chicken into delectable bite-sized morsels for a tropical-inspired crockpot feast.
  2. Slice chicken into uniform chunks ensuring consistent cooking and easy eating.
  3. Dice onions and bell peppers into similar-sized pieces to distribute flavor evenly throughout the dish.
  4. Create a vibrant sauce base in the crockpot by whisking together tangy pineapple juice, rich brown sugar, and savory soy sauce until sugar completely dissolves.
  5. Gently nestle chicken pieces into the liquid mixture, ensuring each morsel is thoroughly coated with the sweet and savory sauce.
  6. Distribute pineapple chunks, chopped onions, and bell peppers around and between chicken pieces for maximum flavor infusion.
  7. Cover crockpot and slow cook on low temperature for 6-7 hours, allowing flavors to meld and chicken to become incredibly tender.
  8. Alternatively, cook on high setting for 3-4 hours if time is limited, checking meat’s tenderness periodically.
  9. Once chicken is perfectly cooked, prepare fluffy steamed rice as a complementary base.
  10. Plate the succulent chicken over rice, generously spooning additional sauce from the crockpot for enhanced taste.
  11. Elevate presentation by sprinkling fresh chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or crushed peanuts as a final garnish.

Notes

  • Enhance flavor by marinating chicken in sauce for 30 minutes before slow cooking for deeper taste absorption.
  • Reduce sugar content by substituting brown sugar with honey or coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index alternative.
  • For gluten-free version, replace traditional soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to maintain authentic Hawaiian flavor profile.
  • Boost protein variety by swapping chicken with firm tofu or tempeh for vegetarian/vegan adaptation while keeping similar sweet-savory elements.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Marcus Hale

Marcus Hale

Founder & Recipe Storyteller

Expertise

  • Demystifying knife work, sauce emulsification, and pastry basics.
  • Curating seasonal guides that adapt global recipes to local, in-season produce.
  • Crafting blog posts, videos, and social media tips.

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on global cuisine training emphasizes sustainable cooking and recipe development under accredited chefs.

Marcus grew up surrounded by maple trees, farm stands, and the smell of Sunday stew simmering on the stove. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from the HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he knew he didn’t want to work in fancy kitchens, he wanted to cook for real people.

At Whip Up Cook Up, Marcus is the guy turning memories into meals. His recipes are fast, full of flavor, and built for home cooks who want big taste without the drama.

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