Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a simple, tender, and flavorful dish that combines juicy chicken breasts with a sweet and tangy pineapple sauce. The slow cooker does all the work, making the chicken incredibly soft and infused with the goodness of pineapple, soy sauce, and a touch of brown sugar. It’s like a little tropical vacation right in your dinner bowl!
I love making this recipe when I want something easy but still feel like I’m treating myself. The best part is coming home to that wonderful smell filling the kitchen, and knowing that dinner is already done. I like to toss in some bell peppers or pineapple chunks halfway through cooking for a burst of color and extra sweetness. It’s a great way to mix it up without any extra effort.
My favorite way to serve this is over steamed rice, letting the sauce soak into every bite. Sometimes I add a side of simple roasted veggies or a fresh salad to keep things balanced. This dish always brings smiles to the table, especially when you spoon some of that sticky, sweet sauce over everything. It feels like a little bit of aloha spirit, perfect for a cozy night in with family or friends.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best here for tender, shreddable meat. You can swap with thighs for juicier, more flavorful results if you prefer.
Pineapple chunks & juice: Fresh or canned both work fine. Just drain canned pineapple well to avoid too much extra liquid. The juice adds essential sweetness and tang.
Soy sauce: This gives the dish its salty umami punch. For a lower-sodium version, use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari.
Brown sugar: Packed brown sugar adds sweetness and helps balance the sauce. You can use honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener twist.
Ketchup & vinegar: Ketchup adds depth and a mild tang, while apple cider vinegar brightens flavors. You can substitute ketchup with tomato paste mixed with a touch of sweetener.
How Do You Get Tender, Shreddable Chicken in the Crockpot?
The key is slow, gentle cooking. Follow these tips to nail texture and flavor every time:
- Use low heat if you have the time — 6 to 8 hours gently breaks down fibers for juicy, tender meat.
- If short on time, cook on high for 3 to 4 hours, but check early to avoid drying out.
- Don’t lift the lid too often; keeping heat steady helps the chicken cook evenly.
- Once done, shred the chicken with two forks directly in the crockpot, then stir to soak up all that tasty sauce.
- If sauce feels thin, mix a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and cold water) and stir in on the stove to thicken before returning it to the crockpot.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crockpot or slow cooker – perfect for hands-off cooking that makes the chicken tender and flavorful.
- Medium mixing bowl – to whisk together your sauce ingredients easily.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate sauce and seasoning measurements.
- Forks – great for shredding the cooked chicken right in the crockpot.
- Small saucepan (optional) – to thicken the sauce with cornstarch if you want it thicker.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for richer taste and juicier meat.
- Add sliced bell peppers or pineapple chunks halfway through cooking for extra texture and sweetness.
- Stir in a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to give it a mild spicy kick.
- Mix in chopped green onions or cilantro right before serving for fresh, bright flavor.
Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken and Sauce:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- ½ cup pineapple juice (reserve from canned pineapple or use fresh)
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion or ½ small onion, finely chopped (optional)
For Thickening (Optional):
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
For Serving and Garnish:
- Cooked white rice
- 2-3 green onions, sliced thinly
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep, then 6 to 8 hours on low (or 3 to 4 hours on high) in the crockpot for tender, juicy chicken. If you choose to thicken the sauce, add a couple more minutes at the end.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare The Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of your crockpot.
2. Mix The Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, ground ginger (if using), and black pepper until the brown sugar is fully dissolved and everything is combined.
3. Cook Everything Slowly:
Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken. Top with pineapple chunks and chopped onion, if you’re using it. Cover your crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is soft and cooked through.
4. Shred The Chicken:
Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the crockpot. Stir everything well to coat the chicken with the delicious sauce.
5. (Optional) Thicken The Sauce:
If you want a thicker sauce, scoop some of the cooking liquid into a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens (about 1–2 minutes). Pour the thickened sauce back into the crockpot and mix.
6. Serve & Garnish:
Serve the shredded Hawaiian chicken over bowls of cooked white rice. Sprinkle sliced green onions on top for a fresh, tasty touch. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the chicken before adding it to the crockpot. Cooking frozen chicken in a slow cooker can result in uneven cooking and may increase food safety risks.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the ingredients in the crockpot insert and refrigerate overnight. Just add an extra 30 minutes to the cooking time if cooking from cold.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove, stirring to evenly warm the sauce.
What Are Some Good Serving Suggestions?
This chicken is delicious over steamed white rice, but you can also serve it with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or alongside roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
