Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s incredibly easy to make. Just throw everything in the crockpot and let it do the work.

• The combination of sweet pineapple and savory chicken is simply irresistible.

• Perfect for busy nights or meal prepping for the week ahead.

• This dish is versatile – serve it over rice, with veggies, or even as a sandwich filling.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)

• ½ cup soy sauce

• ¼ cup honey

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

• 1 tablespoon grated ginger

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening, optional)

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

Directions

1. Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot.

2. In a separate bowl, mix together the pineapple chunks, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using).

3. Pour the mixture over the chicken breasts in the crockpot.

4. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreds.

5. If you’d like to thicken the sauce, remove the chicken once it’s cooked and shred it. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a little water to form a slurry, then stir it into the sauce in the crockpot. Cook on high for an additional 15 minutes to thicken.

6. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot, stir, and let it soak in the sauce for another 10 minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6

• Total Time: 6-7 hours (if cooking on low) or 3-4 hours (if cooking on high)

Variations

• Add vegetables: Feel free to add some vegetables like bell peppers or onions to the crockpot for extra flavor and texture.

• Spicy option: If you like a bit of heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha sauce to the sauce mixture.

• Slow-cooked pork: For a twist, substitute the chicken with pork tenderloin for a Hawaiian pulled pork version.

• Sweet and tangy: Use a mixture of pineapple and orange juice for an added citrusy sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Freezing: You can freeze the Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it up in the microwave or stovetop.

• Reheating: For reheating, warm the chicken and sauce in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until heated through. If the sauce thickens too much in the fridge, add a little water or chicken broth to loosen it up.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just increase the cooking time by an hour or so. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the ingredients and store them in the fridge overnight. Just add them to the crockpot and cook as directed the next day.

How do I thicken the sauce?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water to form a slurry and stir it into the sauce during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh pineapple works great and adds a bright, natural sweetness to the dish.

Can I make this recipe in the Instant Pot instead?

Yes, you can make this recipe in the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then quick release the pressure.

Can I make this with chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They’ll stay juicy and flavorful throughout the cooking process.

What should I serve with Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken?

This dish pairs perfectly with rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad. You could also serve it on a bun for a tasty sandwich.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce.

Can I use brown sugar instead of honey?

Yes, you can substitute brown sugar for honey, but the flavor will be slightly different. Honey adds a more complex sweetness, while brown sugar offers a deeper, caramel-like flavor.

Can I use other fruits in this recipe?

While pineapple is traditional, you can experiment with other fruits like mango or peaches for a unique twist on this dish.

Conclusion

Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and tropical flavors. With its simple ingredients and minimal prep, it’s a no-fuss meal that’s ideal for busy days. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or making it ahead for meal prep, this dish will surely be a hit.