If you love the combination of sweet and savory, this Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is destined to become a favorite in your kitchen. It’s the kind of meal that brings the laid-back, sunshine-filled flavors of the islands straight to your dinner table—with hardly any effort. Juicy chicken simmers low and slow in a sticky-sweet sauce made with pineapple, soy sauce, and brown sugar, soaking up bold flavor while becoming irresistibly tender.
Serve it over rice, tuck it into tacos, or pile it high on slider buns—it’s versatile, family-friendly, and endlessly comforting. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight crowd or meal prepping lunches with a tropical twist, this one checks every box.
The Chicken: Thighs for Flavor, Breasts for Leaner Meals
One of the best things about this recipe is its adaptability, starting with the chicken. You can use either boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts—both work beautifully in the slow cooker.
- Chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, perfect for slow cooking as they don’t dry out easily.
- Chicken breasts are leaner and will shred easily once tender, but you’ll need to watch the cooking time carefully to avoid overcooking.
Pro tip: For extra island-inspired flair, use bone-in skinless chicken thighs for maximum flavor and moisture, then remove the bones before serving.
The Sauce: Sweet, Tangy, and Sticky in the Best Way
The hallmark of this dish is its crave-worthy sauce. It’s the perfect balance of salty, sweet, and tangy—a mix of pantry staples that simmers into a glossy glaze that clings to every piece of chicken.
Key components:
- Pineapple juice: Adds natural sweetness and subtle acidity
- Brown sugar: Deepens the sweetness and caramelizes beautifully
- Soy sauce: Brings umami and savory depth
- Garlic and ginger: Add warmth and complexity
- Pineapple chunks: Provide texture and a tropical bite in every serving
Optional but encouraged: a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice at the end for brightness, and red pepper flakes for gentle heat.
Should You Sear the Chicken First?
It’s totally optional. This recipe is a true dump-and-go meal, but searing the chicken first gives it a golden crust that adds a little extra flavor and texture.
If you have 5–10 extra minutes:
- Heat a skillet with a bit of oil
- Sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side
- Transfer to the slow cooker and continue as directed
Even without searing, the long simmer in the sauce makes the chicken rich and flavorful.
Best Practices for Perfect Texture and Flavor
- Don’t overcook the chicken, especially if using breasts. Check for doneness at the 4-hour mark on low.
- Add cornstarch slurry at the end to thicken the sauce into a silky glaze.
- Shred or slice chicken just before serving, then stir it back into the sauce to soak up all that flavor.
Dietary Adjustments and Substitutions
This recipe is naturally dairy-free, and it’s easy to adapt for other dietary needs:
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari
- Low-Sugar: Reduce brown sugar to 1/4 cup and use unsweetened pineapple
- Low-Carb: Skip the cornstarch and serve over cauliflower rice
Want to boost the nutrients? Add vegetables like:
- Bell peppers
- Snap peas
- Onions
- Carrots
Add them during the last hour of cooking to keep them crisp-tender.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon olive oil for searing
For the Sauce
- 1 (20-ounce) can pineapple chunks in juice (do not drain)
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or 1/2 tsp ground)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
To Thicken (Optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
For Serving
- Cooked jasmine or white rice
- Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken (Optional)
If desired, season chicken lightly with salt and pepper and sear in a skillet over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly browned. Transfer to the slow cooker. - Mix the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together pineapple chunks with juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, garlic, ginger, and any optional ingredients like vinegar or red pepper flakes. - Add to Slow Cooker
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken. Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2.5–3.5 hours, until chicken is cooked through and tender. - Shred or Slice Chicken
Remove the chicken and shred or slice it. Return it to the sauce and stir to coat. - Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you’d like a thicker, glaze-like sauce:- In a small bowl, stir together cornstarch and cold water.
- Pour into the slow cooker and stir.
- Cook uncovered on high for 15–20 minutes, or until thickened.
- Serve and Garnish
Spoon chicken and sauce over cooked rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooled chicken and sauce in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
- Over jasmine rice for a classic pairing
- In tacos or lettuce wraps for a fun twist
- With stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal
- As sliders with Hawaiian rolls and a slice of grilled pineapple
- With steamed broccoli or green beans for added freshness
Want a little heat? Serve with a drizzle of sriracha or a sprinkle of chili flakes.
Variations and Comparisons
- Versus Teriyaki Chicken: This version leans more tropical with pineapple-forward sweetness, while teriyaki has a darker, more umami-rich flavor.
- Versus Sweet and Sour Chicken: Hawaiian chicken is sweeter and less tangy, without the batter-fried element.
- Versus BBQ Pulled Chicken: This is fruitier and lighter, making it more refreshing, especially in summer months.
Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is one of those rare recipes that delivers big flavor with little effort. It’s tropical comfort food at its best—sweet, tangy, and saucy, with melt-in-your-mouth chicken and a glaze you’ll want to put on everything. It’s a feel-good, foolproof meal that’s always a hit.