Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe

Dreamy Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe for Island Bliss

Let’s talk about a mouthwatering sweet hawaiian crockpot chicken that will transport your taste buds to tropical paradise.

Layers of tropical flavors dance through this simple yet delectable dish.

Succulent chicken pieces absorb rich, tangy ingredients during slow cooking.

Pineapple chunks add a bright, sweet dimension that makes this recipe irresistible.

Minimal prep work means you can toss everything into the crockpot and walk away.

Busy weeknight dinners just became infinitely more delicious with this easy meal solution.

Grab a fork and get ready to savor every incredible bite of this island-inspired comfort food.

Why Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Is A Delight

  • Simplify Meal Prep: Toss ingredients into the crockpot and let it work its magic, creating a delicious meal with minimal hands-on cooking and cleanup.
  • Flavor Explosion: Combine sweet pineapple juice, tangy soy sauce, and rich brown sugar for a mouthwatering Hawaiian-inspired dish that tantalizes taste buds.
  • Family-Friendly Feast: Perfect for busy households, this recipe offers a crowd-pleasing meal that both kids and adults will love, making dinnertime stress-free and enjoyable.
  • Versatile Serving Option: Serve over fluffy rice or pair with your favorite side dishes, making it adaptable to different preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients Needed For Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breast: A lean and tender meat that absorbs the sweet and tangy flavors of the Hawaiian-style sauce.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Pineapple Juice: Provides a tropical sweetness and helps tenderize the chicken.
  • Soy Sauce: Adds a savory umami flavor and depth to the dish.
  • Ketchup: Contributes a slight tanginess and helps create a rich, glossy sauce.
  • Brown Sugar: Enhances the sweetness and helps caramelize the sauce.
  • Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create a sticky glaze.
  • Garlic: Provides a robust and aromatic flavor to the chicken.
Garnish and Additional Ingredients:
  • Red Bell Pepper, Pineapple Chunks: Adds color, freshness, and a tropical touch to the dish.
  • Rice: A classic accompaniment that soaks up the delicious sauce.

How To Prepare Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Base

Nestle tender chicken breasts into the crockpot, creating a cozy foundation for the flavorful Hawaiian-inspired dish.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

Whisk together a magical blend of tropical and savory ingredients:
  • Pineapple juice
  • Soy sauce
  • Ketchup
  • Brown sugar
  • Honey
  • Minced garlic

Pour this vibrant sauce directly over the chicken, ensuring every piece gets completely covered.

Step 3: Add Colorful Tropical Elements

Sprinkle in bright ingredients that will enhance the dish’s visual appeal and flavor profile:
  • Chopped red bell peppers
  • Juicy pineapple chunks

Distribute these ingredients evenly across the chicken.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crockpot and let the magic happen. Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours until the chicken is meltingly tender and infused with tropical flavors.

Step 5: Serve and Delight

Spoon the succulent chicken and its rich sauce over fluffy white rice. Each bite promises a burst of Hawaiian-inspired comfort and excitement.

Smart Tips For Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

  • Opt for fresh pineapple chunks for a more vibrant, juicy flavor that enhances the overall sweetness of the dish.
  • Trim excess fat from chicken breasts to ensure a leaner, healthier meal that absorbs the marinade perfectly.
  • Substitute low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt content without compromising the rich, savory taste of the recipe.
  • For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
  • Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds just before serving to add a fresh, crunchy texture and boost visual appeal.

Variations To Try With Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

  • Tropical Teriyaki Temptation: Replace soy sauce with teriyaki sauce, add sliced ginger, and sprinkle sesame seeds before serving for an extra Asian-inspired flavor profile.
  • Spicy Mango Fusion: Swap pineapple juice with mango nectar, add diced jalapeños, and include mango chunks to create a sweet and spicy Caribbean-style chicken dish.
  • Coconut Curry Creation: Mix in curry powder and coconut milk, replace red bell peppers with green ones, and garnish with fresh cilantro for a rich, aromatic alternative.
  • Barbecue Island Style: Use barbecue sauce instead of ketchup, add diced onions, and include a splash of rum for a smoky, tropical-inspired meal that transports taste buds to a beachside cookout.

Best Pairings For Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

  • Savor Tropical Wine Pairing: Riesling's crisp, slightly sweet profile complements the dish's fruity and tangy Hawaiian-inspired flavors, balancing the chicken's richness with its bright acidity.
  • Craft Beer Companion: Choose a wheat beer or pale ale with citrusy undertones to match the pineapple's sweetness and cut through the savory soy sauce elements of the chicken.
  • Rice Side Enhancement: Jasmine rice works perfectly, absorbing the sauce's complexity and providing a neutral base that lets the chicken's Hawaiian-style flavors shine brightly.
  • Refreshing Mocktail Match: Create a virgin piña colada with coconut water, pineapple juice, and a splash of lime to echo the tropical ingredients and provide a cool, complementary beverage.

Storage Tips For Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

  • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer chicken to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Remove excess air and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
  • Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle with a tablespoon of water to prevent drying. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.
  • Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or pineapple juice to maintain moisture. Stir gently to prevent breaking apart chicken pieces.

Common Questions About Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

  • Is this dish spicy?

No, Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a mild and sweet recipe with no heat. The combination of pineapple juice, brown sugar, and honey creates a sweet flavor profile.

  • Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes, chicken thighs work perfectly in this recipe. They’re often more tender and flavorful, and will absorb the Hawaiian-inspired sauce wonderfully.

  • Do I need to cut the chicken before cooking?

No, you can place whole chicken breasts in the crockpot. They will naturally shred or break apart during the slow cooking process, making the meat tender and easy to serve.

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Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes to 8 hours 10 minutes (low) or 3 hours 10 minutes to 4 hours 10 minutes (high)
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Succulent Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken brings tropical paradise right to your dinner table with a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. Rich pineapple and tender chicken create an effortless meal you can enjoy without hours of kitchen prep.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 2 pounds (907 grams) chicken breast

Fruits and Sweeteners:

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) pineapple juice
  • 1 can pineapple chunks, drained
  • 1/3 cup (113 grams) honey
  • 1/3 cup (70 grams) brown sugar

Seasonings and Sauces:

  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) ketchup
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped

Instructions

  1. Arrange chicken breasts evenly at the bottom of the slow cooker, ensuring they are not overlapping.
  2. Whisk together tangy pineapple juice, savory soy sauce, rich ketchup, caramelized brown sugar, golden honey, and minced garlic in a mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
  3. Pour the vibrant marinade directly over the chicken, coating each piece completely.
  4. Scatter chopped red bell peppers and juicy pineapple chunks across the top of the chicken, distributing them evenly.
  5. Secure the crockpot lid and let the chicken simmer on low temperature for 6-8 hours or on high temperature for 3-4 hours until the meat becomes tender and easily pulls apart.
  6. Once cooking is complete, use two forks to gently shred the chicken within the flavorful sauce.
  7. Serve the succulent Hawaiian-inspired chicken over fluffy steamed rice, spooning extra sauce on top for maximum flavor absorption.

Notes

  • Check chicken for even thickness to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry spots.
  • Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control salt content and make the dish more heart-healthy.
  • Swap chicken breasts with thighs for a more tender and juicy result that absorbs flavors better.
  • Consider adding a cornstarch slurry at the end to thicken the sauce and create a glossy, restaurant-style finish.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 263
  • Sugar: 21 g
  • Sodium: 850 mg
  • Fat: 3 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 31 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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