Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

If there’s one dinner that never lets me down on a busy day, it’s Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken. Just saying the name feels like a mini vacation, right?
This recipe is sweet, savory, and ridiculously easy—perfect for weeknights when you’re juggling work, family, and that never-ending to-do list. Toss everything in the slow cooker, walk away, and come back to a kitchen that smells like a tropical dream.

I’m Chef Omar, and trust me when I say this dish has saved dinner in my house more times than I can count. It’s cozy, family-friendly, and flexible enough to work with whatever you’ve got on hand. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

  • Dump-and-go easy – No fancy prep, no babysitting the stove
  • Sweet meets savory perfection – Pineapple, soy sauce, and brown sugar = magic
  • Great for busy schedules – The crockpot does all the work
  • Kid-approved, adult-loved – No complaints at the table (a miracle!)
  • Meal-prep friendly – Tastes even better the next day

This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is one of those recipes that feels like a hug in food form. Simple, comforting, and dependable—just how we like our weeknight dinners.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into this tropical-inspired slow cooker favorite:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)
  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • 1 cup diced pineapple (fresh or canned)
  • ½ cup soy sauce
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Toppings & Add-Ins

  • Sliced green onions
  • Red pepper flakes (for a little kick)
  • Bell peppers (great for color and crunch)
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley
  • Sesame seeds

How to Make Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken (Step by Step)

Don’t blink—you might miss how easy this is.

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts directly into the bottom of your crockpot. You can leave them whole or cut them into chunks if you want faster cooking and easier serving later.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine:

  • Pineapple juice
  • Diced pineapple
  • Soy sauce
  • Brown sugar
  • Minced garlic
  • Ground ginger
  • Black pepper

Stir until the sugar dissolves and everything looks well blended. This sauce is where all the magic lives.

Step 3: Pour & Cover

Pour the pineapple mixture over the chicken, making sure each piece gets nicely coated. Don’t worry—it’ll all come together beautifully.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

  • Low: 6–8 hours
  • High: 3–4 hours

The chicken should be tender and easy to shred when it’s ready.

Step 5: Shred & Soak

Use two forks to shred the chicken right in the crockpot. Stir it back into the sauce so it soaks up every last drop of flavor.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

Serve hot and finish with your favorite toppings—green onions, sesame seeds, or fresh herbs are all fantastic here.

Pro Tips from My Kitchen to Yours

  • Too thin? If you like a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes or stir in a small cornstarch slurry.
  • Want heat? A pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha adds just enough sass.
  • Add veggies: Bell peppers or snap peas can go in during the last hour for extra color and crunch.
  • No stress if it looks watery early on—the sauce deepens and thickens as it cooks. Slow cookers love patience.

How I Fell in Love with This Recipe

This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken became a staple after one of those “surprise company” nights. Friends showed up hungry, I had chicken in the fridge, pineapple in the pantry, and not a lot of time. The crockpot saved the day—and the dish disappeared faster than I could grab seconds. Ever since, it’s been my go-to for stress-free hosting and busy weeks.

What to Serve with Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

This dish is wonderfully versatile. Try it with:

  • Steamed white or brown rice
  • Coconut rice for extra tropical vibes
  • Mashed potatoes (trust me—it works!)
  • Over quinoa or cauliflower rice
  • Inside lettuce wraps or sandwich rolls

Leftovers also make amazing lunch bowls the next day.

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken slow-cooked in a glossy pineapple soy sauce with tender chicken, carrots, potatoes, sesame seeds, and fresh green onions.
Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken served hot with juicy pineapple chunks, tender chicken, and a rich, sticky sauce—an easy slow-cooker dinner everyone loves.

FAQs About Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely. Chicken thighs work beautifully and stay extra juicy.

Is canned pineapple okay?

Yes! Just make sure it’s packed in juice, not syrup.

How long does it keep in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, it keeps well for up to 4 days.

Can I freeze it?

Yes—this Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken freezes great for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Very much so. Skip the red pepper flakes if your crew prefers mild flavors.

Bring the Tropics to Your Table Tonight

There’s something special about a recipe that’s easy, comforting, and packed with flavor—and Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken checks every box. It’s the kind of meal that makes busy days feel calmer and dinner feel like a win.

So grab your crockpot, let the pineapple do its thing, and enjoy a dinner that tastes like sunshine—even on the most hectic weeknight. Happy cooking, friends!

Keep the Good Food Vibes Going

If you’re anything like me, one cozy, flavorful dinner usually leads to another recipe bookmark (and maybe a happy food coma). Before you head out of the kitchen, here are a few dishes readers love when Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is already on the menu:

One last thing: If you tried this Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken, don’t forget to leave a review and tap those ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ stars below! Your feedback helps other home cooks and keeps our PulseRecipes community cooking with confidence.

Print
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Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken slow-cooked in a rich pineapple soy glaze with tender chicken pieces, carrots, and potatoes, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken


  • Author: Omar
  • Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a comforting slow-cooker dinner made with tender chicken, juicy pineapple, and a sweet-savory soy glaze. This easy dump-and-go recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and family meals, delivering bold tropical flavor with minimal effort.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)

  • 1 cup pineapple juice

  • 1 cup diced pineapple (fresh or canned)

  • ½ cup soy sauce

  • ¼ cup brown sugar

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger

  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Garnishes

  • Sliced green onions

  • Sesame seeds

  • Red pepper flakes

  • Fresh cilantro or parsley


Instructions

  1. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot. Leave whole or cut into chunks if preferred.

  2. In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, diced pineapple, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and black pepper until combined.

  3. Pour the sauce over the chicken, making sure all pieces are coated.

  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.

  5. Shred the chicken using two forks and stir it back into the sauce.

  6. Serve hot with desired garnishes and your favorite sides.

Notes

For a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Chicken thighs can be substituted for extra juiciness.

Serve over rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian-Inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 Serving
  • Calories: 345 kcal
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 980 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 105 mg