Looking for a meal that feels like a tropical vacation but requires almost no effort? This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is tender, flavorful, and packed with island-inspired sweetness. It’s one of the most delicious crockpot meal easy options you can make—and it’s also perfect for everything from casual dinners to Mother’s Day crockpot meals.
Made with just a few pantry staples and your slow cooker, this is one of those good slow cooker recipes that’s impossible not to love. Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding the whole family, this dish will quickly become one of your most popular crockpot recipes.
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Is a Must for Delicious Crockpot Dinners
This dish combines convenience, health, and big flavor. Here’s why it belongs in your regular rotation:
- Minimal prep: Just chop, pour, and cook.
- Crowd-pleasing flavor: Sweet, tangy, and savory all in one.
- Versatile: Great for dinner, meal prep, or potlucks.
- Scales easily: Works for a couple or a big family.
Like the always-popular Comforting Italian Crescent Casserole, it delivers flavor with ease.
Ingredients for the Best Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
You’ll only need a few key ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: cornstarch for thickening the sauce
These tropical flavors are reminiscent of the fruity comfort in desserts like our Fresh Peach Pie, but reimagined in savory form.
Essential Tools for Making This Crockpot Meal Easy
You’ll need just a few basic kitchen items:
- 4–6 quart slow cooker
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Small bowl and whisk (if thickening sauce)
Keeping tools simple means less cleanup and more time to relax—just like with our Easy Low Carb Chicken Casserole.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Step 1: Place chicken in the bottom of your slow cooker.
Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, ginger, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 3: Pour the mixture over the chicken. Add pineapple chunks and chopped bell peppers on top.
Step 4: Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender and cooked through.
Step 5: Optional: Remove ½ cup of the liquid, whisk in 1 tbsp cornstarch, and return to the slow cooker. Let cook 15 more minutes to thicken.
Step 6: Shred the chicken gently or serve whole. Spoon sauce over the top and serve warm.
It’s just as effortless as making our Bang Bang Chicken Bowl, but with a tropical twist.
Tips for Making This Crockpot Meal Healthy Without Losing Flavor
Want to enjoy the flavor and still keep it healthy? Try these smart swaps:
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt.
- Replace brown sugar with coconut sugar or honey.
- Add more bell peppers or even carrots for fiber and nutrients.
- Serve over cauliflower rice or quinoa instead of white rice.
These tips work just like those in our Delicious 3-Ingredient Cauliflower Chaffles—healthy without losing the fun.
Serving Suggestions and Ideal Pairings
This dish pairs beautifully with:
- Steamed white or brown rice
- Coconut rice for extra island vibes
- Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
- Sautéed green beans or broccoli
- Cheddar Biscuit Breakfast Casserole for brunch-style presentation
It’s also great alongside tropical fruit like mango or our Irresistible Peach Salad for a fresh, sweet finish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes
To get the best results, avoid these mistakes:
- Don’t overcook the chicken. Check for doneness at the minimum time.
- Don’t skip draining the pineapple. Too much liquid can thin the sauce.
- Don’t use thick sauces too early. Add thickening agents near the end.
- Don’t use frozen chicken directly. Always thaw first for safety and even cooking.
These tips ensure your dish will be as tasty as our Best Peach Crisp.
Perfect for Two or the Whole Family: Portion and Scaling Guide
Cooking for Two?
Halve the recipe and use a 2.5–3 quart slow cooker. Serve with a side of rice or salad and enjoy an easy dinner for two.
Cooking for a Family?
Use the full recipe or double it for 6–8 servings. Serve buffet-style with toppings like green onions, sesame seeds, or crushed pineapple.
It scales just as effortlessly as Irresistible Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage—a great dish for big groups.
Storage and Reheating Tips for Leftovers
To Store:
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
To Freeze:
Freeze chicken and sauce in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
To Reheat:
Microwave in 1-minute bursts or reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
For even more freezer-friendly dishes, check out Comforting Chicken Pillows.
Holiday & Special Occasion Ideas: Mother’s Day Crockpot Meals
Hosting a Mother’s Day brunch or dinner? This dish is:
- Beautifully colorful
- Naturally sweet
- Incredibly low-effort
Pair it with a light starter like Country Gravy Breakfast Enchiladas or fresh fruit for a meal that looks impressive without the stress.
Why It Belongs in Your List of Good Slow Cooker Recipes
This recipe is everything we love in good slow cooker recipes:
- Minimal ingredients
- Huge flavor payoff
- Flexible portions
- Easy cleanup
- Always gets compliments
It belongs right next to your go-to Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken Sandwiches.
Easy Variations to Keep It Fresh and Fun
Try these twists to keep your Sweet Hawaiian Chicken interesting:
- Add chili flakes or sriracha for heat
- Swap chicken for turkey or pork
- Use mango or papaya in place of pineapple
- Turn it into tacos with slaw and tortillas
- Make it a bowl with rice and steamed edamame
Want something even sweeter to end the meal? Serve with Strawberry Eclair Cake.
FAQs About Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Can I use frozen chicken?
Thaw first to ensure safe, even cooking.
Can I use canned pineapple rings or fresh pineapple?
Yes, just chop into chunks and drain any liquid.
Do I need to sear the chicken first?
Nope—just drop it in raw. The slow cooker will do the work.
Can I cook it on high?
Yes, 3–4 hours on high works great.
Is this good for meal prep?
Absolutely. It holds up well in the fridge or freezer and reheats beautifully.
Conclusion: Add This to Your Most Popular Crockpot Recipes Today
This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is tropical, comforting, and wildly simple to make. Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding a crowd, it delivers on all fronts: flavor, convenience, and versatility.
It’s the perfect meal to add to your list of healthy crockpot dinners for family, quick and easy healthy dinner recipes crockpot, or even Mother’s Day crockpot meals. If you’re looking for a low-effort dinner that feels like a treat, this is it.
Looking for more delicious crockpot dinners like this? Check out the full Lyndy’s Kitchen Dinner Collection for more crowd-pleasing favorites.
If you loved this recipe, be sure to share it, pin it, and subscribe to Lyndy’s Kitchen for more comforting slow cooker recipes made easy.
Print5-Ingredient Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken : Easy Dinner
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
If you’re dreaming of juicy, flavorful chicken wrapped in the perfect balance of sweet and savory, this Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is exactly what you need. T
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)
- 1 can (15 oz) pineapple chunks, drained
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Add chicken to the crockpot. Place the chicken breasts or thighs directly into the slow cooker.
- Mix the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Pour the sauce over the chicken. Ensure the chicken is fully coated.
- Add the pineapple chunks. Scatter the pineapple on top of the chicken.
- Cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. Chicken should be tender and easy to shred.
- Shred or cube the chicken. Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the pot or remove and chop.
- Stir and thicken (optional). For a thicker sauce, remove 1/2 cup of the liquid, mix with 1 tbsp of cornstarch, then return it to the pot and cook for another 20 minutes.
- Serve hot over rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
Use thighs for juicier meat. They hold up better in long slow cooks.
Don’t skip the pineapple chunks. They add sweetness and texture.
Add bell peppers or carrots for extra color and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Per Serving – serves 6
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 22g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
Keywords: Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken