A sweet and savory delight that brings a touch of the tropics to your table. Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken combines tender chicken with pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce for an irresistible flavor profile. With minimal prep and the magic of a slow cooker, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy and hands-off: Just a few minutes of prep time, and your slow cooker does the rest.
Tropical flavors: A delicious balance of sweetness and umami with pineapple juice and soy sauce.
Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or serve over rice for a complete meal.
Kid-friendly: The sweet and savory combination is a hit with all ages.
Meal-prep friendly: Make ahead and reheat for convenient meals throughout the week.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 lb chicken chunks (white or dark meat, or both)
1 cup pineapple juice
1/4 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1/3 cup soy sauce (low-sodium version works well too)
1 medium can pineapple chunks (optional)
1 small onion, chopped (Vidalia onion recommended) (optional)
Green pepper, chopped (optional)
Directions
Place the chicken chunks into your slow cooker or crockpot.
Add the pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Stir to combine.
Optionally, add pineapple chunks, chopped onion, and green pepper for added flavor and texture.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Serve with the sauce over rice or alongside your favorite side dish.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours
Total Time: 6-8 hours
Variations
Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha for heat.
Veggie-packed: Include bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for added nutrients and crunch.
Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
Thickened sauce: For a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch and water, and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Different proteins: Substitute chicken with pork or tofu for a unique twist.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
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FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but increase the cooking time slightly to ensure it cooks thoroughly.
What can I serve this with?
I recommend serving it over steamed rice, but it also pairs well with quinoa, noodles, or mashed potatoes.
How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Can I make this dish in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Cook on the manual setting for 10 minutes, then use a natural release.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Ensure your crockpot is large enough to handle the increased volume. Adjust cooking time slightly if needed.
Conclusion
Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a crowd-pleasing, easy-to-make recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. The tropical flavors, tender chicken, and versatile serving options make it a go-to meal in my kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to delight. Enjoy every bite!
📖 Recipe:
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Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
- Total Time: 6-8 hours
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A sweet and savory delight that combines tender chicken with pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce for an irresistible tropical flavor. Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a hands-off slow cooker meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Customize it with veggies, serve over rice, or enjoy as-is for a crowd-pleasing dish.
Ingredients
2 lb chicken chunks (white or dark meat, or both)
1 cup pineapple juice
1/4 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1/3 cup soy sauce (low-sodium version recommended)
1 medium can pineapple chunks (optional)
1 small onion, chopped (Vidalia onion recommended) (optional)
1 green pepper, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Place the chicken chunks into your slow cooker.
- Add pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Stir to combine.
- Optional: Add pineapple chunks, chopped onion, and green pepper for added flavor.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Serve with sauce over rice or alongside your favorite side dish.
Notes
For a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch and water, and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Add a spicy kick with red pepper flakes or sriracha.
Substitute chicken with pork or tofu for a different protein option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Hawaiian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 280 kcal
Best sweet and sour