Sweet Hawaiian Crock-Pot Chicken Recipe

Quick Sweet Hawaiian Crock-Pot Chicken Recipe – Family Favorite

Succulent sweet hawaiian crock-pot chicken brings tropical flavors right to your dinner table.

Slow cooking transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that sparks conversation.

Tender chicken pieces marinate in a delightful blend of tangy pineapple and savory sauces.

Weeknight dinners become magical moments with minimal preparation and maximum taste.

Weekends feel special when aromas waft through your kitchen, promising delectable comfort.

Colorful and vibrant, this dish connects you to island-inspired cuisine without complex techniques.

Pack your plate with pure deliciousness that everyone will absolutely adore.

Prepare to experience a culinary journey that feels like a mini vacation.

Crockpot Chicken That Brings Hawaiian Sweetness to the Table

  • Effortless Preparation: Whip up this delectable Hawaiian chicken with minimal prep work, chopping just a few ingredients and mixing a simple sauce.
  • Flavor-Packed Slow Cooking: Let the Crock-Pot work its magic, transforming basic ingredients into a mouthwatering meal with rich, sweet, and tangy Hawaiian-inspired flavors.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, this recipe accommodates picky eaters and satisfies diverse taste preferences with its balanced sweetness and protein.
  • Minimal Cleanup Champion: Enjoy a delicious meal without the hassle of multiple pots and pans, making this recipe a go-to for busy home cooks seeking convenience and taste.

Olive Oil Bread Dip Pantry Breakdown

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: Tender meat forming the base of the Hawaiian-style dish.
Sauce Components:
  • Pineapple Juice: Sweet liquid providing tropical flavor.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds rich sweetness to the sauce.
  • Low Sodium Soy Sauce: Provides savory and umami undertones.
Optional Vegetable and Fruit Additions:
  • Pineapple Chunks, Vidalia Onion, Green Pepper: Fresh ingredients that enhance overall flavor and texture.

Cooking Instructions for Sweet Hawaiian Crock-Pot Chicken

Step 1: Slice and Dice Chicken

Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. If using extra veggies, chop Vidalia onion and green pepper into chunky bits.

Step 2: Create Magical Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • Pineapple juice
  • Brown sugar
  • Low sodium soy sauce

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

Step 3: Build Your Flavor Explosion

Layer chicken pieces into the Crock-Pot. Toss in optional ingredients:
  • Pineapple chunks
  • Chopped onions
  • Green pepper sections

Step 4: Drench and Coat

Pour prepared sauce generously over chicken and vegetables, ensuring everything gets a nice flavor bath.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Set Crock-Pot on low and let magic happen for 4-6 hours. Alternatively, use high setting for 2-3 hours. Chicken should become super tender and ingredients blend beautifully.

Step 6: Plate and Celebrate

Gently stir the contents, creating a mouthwatering mixture. Serve steaming hot alongside fluffy rice or crisp green salad. Prepare for taste bud happiness!

Chicken Tips That Keep Sweet Hawaiian Flavors Balanced

  • Meat Selection Matters: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for the most tender and juicy results, ensuring even cooking throughout the dish.
  • Sauce Balancing Act: Adjust sweetness by reducing brown sugar or adding a splash of apple cider vinegar for a more balanced flavor profile if the sauce feels too sweet.
  • Prevent Dry Chicken: Avoid overcooking by checking the chicken's internal temperature, which should reach 165°F but not exceed it to maintain moisture and tenderness.
  • Veggie Variations: Experiment with different vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms to add extra nutrition and create your own unique twist on the recipe.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the sauce and chop ingredients in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator to streamline meal preparation on busy days.

Keep Crockpot Chicken Juicy and Reheat Gently

  • Transfer leftover chicken to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
  • Carefully package chicken in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2-3 months without losing taste quality.
  • Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a tablespoon of water or extra pineapple juice to prevent drying. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
  • Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or sauce to keep moisture. Stir gently and frequently until heated thoroughly, about 5-7 minutes.

Pineapple Sugar Cookies Pairing Tips

  • Tropical Rice Companion: Craft jasmine or coconut rice as the perfect base to soak up the sweet and tangy chicken sauce, amplifying the Hawaiian-inspired flavor profile.
  • Citrus-Infused Beverage Pairing: Brew a refreshing passion fruit iced tea or a crisp pineapple-mango mocktail that complements the dish's tropical notes and cuts through the richness.
  • Crunchy Vegetable Contrast: Prepare a light cucumber-cabbage slaw with a zesty lime dressing to add crisp texture and bright acidity that balances the sweet chicken.
  • Island-Style Wine Selection: Choose a slightly sweet Riesling or a fruity Gewürztraminer that echoes the dish's pineapple and sugary undertones while providing a smooth, elegant accompaniment.

Olive Oil Bread Dip Flavor Takes

  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace low sodium soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the recipe celiac-friendly and eliminate gluten completely.
  • Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap chicken with firm tofu or tempeh chunks, maintaining the same marinade and cooking method for a plant-based protein alternative.
  • Spicy Hawaiian Remix: Add red chili flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce for those who enjoy a kick of heat while preserving the classic sweet-tangy flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Version: Reduce brown sugar quantity and substitute with monk fruit sweetener, serving over cauliflower rice instead of traditional white rice to decrease carbohydrate content.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but thaw it completely first to ensure even cooking and food safety. Pat the chicken dry before adding to the Crock-Pot.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

No, this Sweet Hawaiian Chicken is not spicy. It has a sweet and tangy flavor profile from the pineapple juice and brown sugar, making it mild and kid-friendly.

  • How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use skinless chicken breast, reduce the brown sugar amount, and choose low-sodium soy sauce. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to increase nutritional value.

  • What if I don't have a Crock-Pot?

You can make this recipe in an Instant Pot or Dutch oven. For stovetop, cook on low heat and stir occasionally to prevent burning. Oven method works too at 350°F for about 45 minutes.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Sweet Hawaiian Crock-Pot Chicken Recipe

Sweet Hawaiian Crock-Pot Chicken Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hawaiian paradise meets comfort food in this mouthwatering sweet hawaiian crock-pot chicken that delivers tropical flavors with minimal effort. Juicy chicken pieces bathed in pineapple-infused sauce promise a delightful meal seasoned with island-inspired ingredients you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 lbs chicken chunks (white, dark, or mixed)

Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce

Sweet and Aromatic Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 can (medium) pineapple chunks
  • 1 small Vidalia onion, chopped
  • Green pepper chunks

Instructions

  1. Trim and segment the chicken into uniform, bite-sized morsels to ensure consistent cooking and optimal flavor absorption.
  2. Dice the Vidalia onion and green pepper into precise, roughly equal chunks to maintain textural harmony in the final dish.
  3. Create a vibrant sauce by whisking together tangy pineapple juice, rich brown sugar, and umami-packed soy sauce until the sugar completely dissolves, creating a glossy, harmonious liquid.
  4. Arrange the chicken pieces evenly across the bottom of the crock-pot, creating a uniform base layer for even heat distribution.
  5. Scatter the optional pineapple chunks, onion, and green pepper strategically across the chicken, ensuring balanced ingredient placement.
  6. Gently cascade the prepared sauce over the ingredients, making sure every morsel is generously coated and infused with the sweet and savory marinade.
  7. Configure the crock-pot to low temperature and allow the ingredients to slowly simmer and intermingle for 4-6 hours, or alternatively use high heat for 2-3 hours until the chicken becomes incredibly tender and the flavors meld seamlessly.
  8. After cooking, tenderly fold the ingredients together, allowing the sauce to glaze each component, creating a cohesive and aromatic final presentation.
  9. Plate the succulent mixture alongside fluffy steamed rice or a crisp green salad to complement the dish’s robust flavor profile.

Notes

  • Trim chicken uniformly for even cooking and better sauce absorption.
  • Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control salt content and maintain a balanced flavor profile.
  • Adjust sugar levels by swapping brown sugar with honey or coconut sugar for alternative sweetness options.
  • Consider adding red pepper flakes for a subtle kick if you enjoy mild spiciness in your Hawaiian-style chicken.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours (on Low) or 3 hours (on High)
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 540 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 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.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star