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
Grab your trusty slow cooker and get ready to transform simple ingredients into a mouthwatering Hawaiian-inspired feast. Toss in these flavor-packed ingredients: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
Variations on Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Pairing Ideas for Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
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
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.
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.
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.
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
Ingredients for Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
For the Protein:For the Liquid and Sweeteners:For the Complementary Ingredients: Print
Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
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.
Ingredients
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
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker by lightly greasing the interior to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Nestle chicken chunks into the crockpot, creating an even layer for consistent cooking.
- Pour pineapple juice over the chicken, ensuring each piece is partially submerged in the liquid.
- Sprinkle brown sugar evenly across the chicken surface to create a caramelized glaze during cooking.
- Drizzle soy sauce over the mixture, which will enhance the umami flavor and tenderize the meat.
- Scatter chopped onions and green peppers throughout the crockpot for added texture and aromatic depth.
- If desired, distribute pineapple chunks around the chicken to infuse tropical sweetness.
- Cover and set the slow cooker to low temperature, allowing the chicken to simmer for 6-8 hours until meat becomes fork-tender.
- Once cooking is complete, gently stir the contents to ensure chicken is evenly coated with the rich, sweet sauce.
- 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
Michael Thompson
Founder & Recipe Developer
Expertise
Education
Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR
ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR
Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.
Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.