Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken combines the rich and tropical flavors of pineapple and soy sauce, balanced with the sweetness of brown sugar. It's simple to make and incredibly versatile—perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Plus, it's a crowd-pleaser that's great for kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 lb chicken, cut into bite-sized chunks (white or dark meat)
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
• ⅓ cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
• 1 can (15 oz) pineapple chunks, drained (optional)
• 1 Vidalia onion, chopped (optional)
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare Chicken and Vegetables: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Dice the onion and chop the bell pepper if you're using them.

2. Mix the Sauce: In a slow cooker, combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Stir until the brown sugar dissolves completely.

3. Add Ingredients: Add the chicken pieces, pineapple chunks, diced onion, and bell pepper to the slow cooker. Stir gently to coat everything in the sauce.

4. Cook: Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours until the chicken is fork-tender.

5. Serve: Cook rice (white or jasmine) while the chicken finishes cooking. Serve the chicken and sauce over the rice, ensuring there is plenty of sauce with each serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3-4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low

Variations

• Spicy Hawaiian Chicken: Add sriracha or red pepper flakes to bring some heat.
• Swap the Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
• Vegetarian: Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based option.
• More Veggies: Add colorful bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for more texture and nutrition.
• Pineapple Teriyaki Glaze: Stir in hoisin sauce or minced ginger and garlic for a deeper flavor profile.
• Low-Carb: Skip the rice and serve over cauliflower rice for a lighter version.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen over time, making it a great option for meal prep.
• Freeze: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Transfer cooled chicken and sauce to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to adjust the cooking time. It will take longer to cook through.

2. Can I substitute fresh pineapple for canned pineapple?

Yes, you can use fresh pineapple, just be sure to include the juice for the right balance of flavor.

3. Is this dish gluten-free?

If you use a gluten-free soy sauce, this recipe can be made gluten-free.

4. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breast works well, though thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful in this recipe.

5. What should I serve this dish with?

This chicken is great served over rice, but you can also pair it with coconut rice, a side salad, or Hawaiian rolls.

6. How can I make this dish spicier?

Add sriracha, red pepper flakes, or chili paste to the sauce to bring some heat to the dish.

7. Can I use other vegetables?

Yes, feel free to add other vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or zucchini for added texture and nutrition.

8. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare everything the night before and refrigerate it. Just cook it in the slow cooker the next day.

9. Can I use brown sugar substitute?

Yes, you can use a brown sugar substitute, but it may alter the flavor slightly.

10. Can I make this dish in the oven?

This recipe is designed for a slow cooker, but you can adapt it to bake in the oven by cooking it at 350°F for 1.5 to 2 hours until the chicken is tender.

Conclusion

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a perfect blend of tropical sweetness and savory flavors. It’s an easy dish to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping. With tender chicken, a luscious sauce, and a burst of pineapple goodness, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.