Easy Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe That Kids Love

Sweet Hawaiian crockpot chicken brings tropical flavors right to your dinner table with minimal effort.

Every bite promises a delightful blend of tangy and rich taste sensations.

Juicy chicken pieces swim in a luxurious sauce that hints at island-inspired deliciousness.

Pineapple and savory seasonings create a magical combination that melts in your mouth.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly, making this dish perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend meals.

Minimal prep means maximum flavor, letting you enjoy a stress-free cooking experience.

How to Make Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Crockpot Magic

• Chicken chunks
• Pineapple juice
• Brown sugar
• Soy sauce
• Pineapple chunks (optional)
• Diced onion (optional)
• Chopped green pepper (optional)

Mix everything together, ensuring the chicken gets completely coated with the sweet and tangy sauce.

Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crockpot and set it to low heat. Let the magic happen for 6-8 hours.

During this time, the chicken will become incredibly tender, soaking up all those tropical flavors. No need to stir or fuss – just let the slow cooker do its thing.

Step 3: Finish and Feast

Once cooking is complete, give the chicken a gentle stir to ensure every piece is glazed with the delicious sauce. The result will be a saucy, sweet, and savory dish that’s bursting with Hawaiian-inspired goodness.

Serve over fluffy white rice or your favorite noodles for a complete meal that’ll transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise.

Tips for Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Success

• Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and easy shredding in the crockpot.
• Add cornstarch slurry during the last 30 minutes to thicken the sauce and create a glossy texture.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels and prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
• Enhance the tropical flavor by garnishing with fresh chopped cilantro or green onions just before serving.

Variations on Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

• Gluten-Free Hawaiian Chicken: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the dish gluten-free and safe for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Tropical Chicken: Add sriracha sauce or red pepper flakes to increase heat and create a zesty flavor profile while maintaining the sweet Hawaiian essence.
• Vegetarian Pineapple Protein: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, using the same marinade for a plant-based alternative that retains the original recipe's tropical taste.
• Low-Carb Island Bowl: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional rice to reduce carbohydrate content and create a lighter meal option.

Pairing Ideas for Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

• Pair with Tropical Rum Cocktail: Mix a refreshing pineapple-infused rum drink that complements the sweet and tangy Hawaiian chicken flavors, bringing out the dish's tropical essence.
• Serve with Coconut Rice: Prepare fluffy coconut rice as a perfect accompaniment, enhancing the Hawaiian-inspired meal with its creamy texture and subtle sweetness.
• Match with Crisp Cucumber Salad: Create a light, refreshing cucumber salad with a hint of sesame oil to balance the rich, sweet chicken and provide a cool contrast.
• Select Fruity White Wine: Choose a slightly sweet Riesling or Gewürztraminer that echoes the pineapple notes and cuts through the dish's richness with its bright, crisp profile.

Storage Advice for Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth. Refrigerated chicken stays fresh for 3-4 days.

Transfer chicken to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen chicken maintains quality for up to 3 months.

Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of water or remaining sauce to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through.

Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a little water or reserved sauce to maintain moisture. Stir gently and frequently to distribute heat evenly and prevent sticking.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken chunks. Just add an extra hour to the cooking time and ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

• Is this dish spicy?

No, this Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is more sweet and savory with no significant heat. If you want a kick, you can add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce.

• Can I make this recipe without a crockpot?

Absolutely! You can cook this in a Dutch oven or large skillet on low heat for about 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

• What protein alternatives work well?

Boneless pork chunks or tofu are excellent substitutes for chicken in this recipe, maintaining the same delicious Hawaiian-style flavor profile.

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken: Island Flavors Slow-Cooked to Perfection

• Savor Stress-Free Cooking: Dump all ingredients into the crockpot and let it work its magic without constant monitoring, making meal preparation a breeze for busy home cooks.
• Enjoy Flavor-Packed Comfort: The combination of sweet pineapple juice, rich brown sugar, and savory soy sauce creates a mouthwatering sauce that transforms simple chicken into a restaurant-worthy dish.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows adding optional vegetables like onions and green peppers, making it perfect for adapting to personal taste preferences or using up ingredients in the fridge.
• Family Dinner Champion: This crowd-pleasing recipe appeals to both kids and adults, delivering a delicious meal that brings everyone together around the dinner table with minimal kitchen effort.

Ingredients for Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

• Chicken Chunks: Tender pieces of white meat that provide the main protein base for this Hawaiian-inspired dish.

• Pineapple Juice: Adds tropical sweetness and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Brown Sugar: Creates a rich, caramel-like sweetness that balances the savory flavors.
• Soy Sauce: Brings a deep umami flavor and helps season the entire dish.

• Pineapple Chunks, Onion, Green Pepper: These add extra texture, sweetness, and vegetable complexity to the chicken, creating a more vibrant and satisfying meal.

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Succulent Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken delivers tropical flavors straight to dinner tables with minimal effort. Tender chicken mingles with pineapple and tangy sauce, creating a mouthwatering meal that whisks diners to island paradise without leaving home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) chicken chunks

Fruit and Juice:

• 1 cup (237 milliliters) pineapple juice
• 1 medium can pineapple chunks

Seasonings and Sauces:

• 1/4 cup (50 grams) brown sugar
• 1/3 cup (79 milliliters) soy sauce

Vegetables:

• 1 small onion, chopped
• green pepper chunks

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Instructions

1. Prepare the slow cooker by lightly greasing the interior to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Nestle chicken chunks into the crockpot, creating an even layer for consistent cooking.
3. Pour pineapple juice over the chicken, ensuring each piece is partially submerged in the liquid.
4. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly across the chicken surface to create a caramelized glaze during cooking.
5. Drizzle soy sauce over the mixture, which will enhance the umami flavor and tenderize the meat.
6. Scatter chopped onions and green peppers throughout the crockpot for added texture and aromatic depth.
7. If desired, distribute pineapple chunks around the chicken to infuse tropical sweetness.
8. Cover and set the slow cooker to low temperature, allowing the chicken to simmer for 6-8 hours until meat becomes fork-tender.
9. Once cooking is complete, gently stir the contents to ensure chicken is evenly coated with the rich, sweet sauce.
10. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles, spooning extra sauce from the crockpot for maximum flavor.

Notes

• Swap chicken breasts with chicken thighs for extra juiciness and deeper flavor when slow cooking.
• Add a cornstarch slurry during the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken the sauce and create a more glossy consistency.
• For a low-carb version, replace rice with cauliflower rice or serve over zucchini noodles to reduce overall carbohydrate content.
• Toast sesame seeds or sprinkle chopped green onions on top for added crunch and freshness before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 231 kcal
• Sugar: 17 g
• Sodium: 370 mg
• Fat: 4 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg